How To Install Engineered Wood Flooring With Staples

When learning how to install hardwood flooring it s important to understand that there are four basic types of installation.

How to install engineered wood flooring with staples.

Jeff hosking a flooring consultant for this old house first began laying floors 35 years ago back then 90 percent of his work was installing solid wood strips with nails. Engineered hardwood floors may be installed over wood subfloors using staples or flooring cleats. Nail down staple down glue down and floating click. Durable and available in engineered and solid options hardwood flooring is available in a variety of colors and install methods.

Use 15 ga 1 3 4 long staples when installing 3 4 solid wood flooring when 3 4 plywood is applied directly over a concrete slab so that the staple does not go through the 3 4 plywood hitting the concrete. When used improperly staples or cleats can damage wood flooring. If you ve decided to install engineered hardwoods there are four possible installation methods depending on the subfloor. The tar paper will form a moisture barrier which will prevent any condensation from the floors below which could potentially rot away at the underside of your new wood flooring.

A floating engineered wood flooring installation on concrete can be an excellent choice if your subfloor is below grade. If the tool is not adjusted properly the staples cleats may not be positioned at the proper angle and cause blistering peaking squeaking or crackling of the floor. A benefit to using staples over glue is that it can be walked on immediately. When installing engineered wood planks or strips by nailing or stapling it is necessary to use the proper type of flooring stapler or nailer made for the thickness of the engineered wood flooring that is being installed.

Use 18 ga 1 1 2 long staples when installing thinner 1 2 thick solid wood floors per manufacturer s recommendation. Roll out sheets of tar paper over the clean subfloor and use a staple gun to affix the paper to the floor. Made from layers of real wood compressed together engineered hardwood floors are better able to handle changes in moisture and humidity than solid hardwood. It s also a great option if you choose to incorporate a radiant heat system don t forget the vapor retarder.

Staple down engineered hardwood flooring is attached with staples to the subfloor which can be plywood oriented strand board osb high density particle board or even existing wood flooring.