How to Install Solid Oak Flooring
If you want to add warmth to a room, then solid oak flooring is a good choice. This type of flooring has been used for many centuries. The reason it has been used for so long is because it is durable, hard, tough and strong. The thickness is 3/4 inch. The thickness allows it to be sanded and refinished several times. If it is properly maintained, it can last for over 50 years.
- Allow the solid oak flooring to sit out for two days before using it. This will give the flooring a chance to reach the room's temperature and humidity.
- Use a pry bar to remove the baseboards, moldings and trim.
- Clean the floor of any dirt and debris. Use a broom or vacuum cleaner. Hammer down any protruding nails.
- Lay the solid oak flooring down to get a good idea on how they should be placed. Remove the flooring.
- Make a pencil mark 3/4 inch away from the wall. Snap a chalk line to make the pencil mark visible. The 3/4-inch gap will allow the solid oak flooring to expand.
- Place the first oak board in the center of the room. The tongue should face away from the wall while the grove is flush with a chalk line.
- Drill 1/4-inch holes in the oak flooring. Start drilling 3 inches from the end of the flooring. Leave 12 inches between each hole. Stop drilling 3 inches from the other end of the flooring.
- Hammer the nails into the holes. Fill the holes with wood fillers.
- Use a power nailer to drive the nails into the tongue. The nails should be at a 45-degree angle.
- Connect a second solid oak flooring board to the first one. Continue until the first row is complete. Use a circular saw to trim any beginning and ending piece.
- Follow the process for each row until the floor is complete.