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Keeping The
Installation Aligned
Once
the glue is applied, align the boards by hand
engaging as much as possible before a tapping block
is
used. Some products will be easier than others. At
all times keep an eye on the spacers being used as
they can fall out of place. It's important with
floating
floors to keep a consistent expansion area
around the perimeter. A good rule of thumb to use
would be the same expansion area as the thickness of
the product. In this case we're using 3/8"
Go
Easy & Careful Tapping
In the
next step a tapping block is used to engage the
tongue and groove for a snug fit. Frankly we've
found a good two foot 2" x 4" does the trick. Be
extremely careful not to allow the block being used
to hit the finished edges. Weight should be applied
downward on the block, then the board tapped into
place. Always double check to see if the boards have
engaged or left any gaps, wipe with damp rags often.
To insure a good mix of color during the
installation, open product from at least three boxes
and use at random. Not doing so can create light and
dark colored areas throughout the installation as
hardwood flooring is a natural product and with two
boards are alike.
Moving
along, to engage our boards it's best to slide into
place as best possible, then tap into place going
from right to left. Once again keep an eye on boards
already placed as they have a tendency to loosen up
as others are tapped into place. Inspect the end
joints often as they are more likely to separate
than side joints. Adjust accordingly with a pull
bar seen on the next page.
Measure, Cut & Fit
Once we near the opposite starting wall it's
necessary to cut and fit the last piece. Rather than
using a tape measure, turn the piece to be cut
opposite where the tongue and tongue will face each
other. Place a mark approximately 3/8" away from our
installed piece to allow for our 3/8" expansion area
after the piece is installed.
Some products will be easier to install and others
can often be difficult. It seems the thinner the
material the easier the install, as we noticed in
the case of the Bruce 3/8" Coastal Woodlands.
Mentioned numerous times on our site, product fit or
ease of installation will de dependant on the
milling quality set forth by the manufacturer.
Damage Prevention Tips
Always keep an eye on hands tools. There's nothing
worse than stepping on them and having dear wifey
come home and see the damage. You'll be sleeping on
the couch for a few days guys! Keep tools out of the
way or place them nearby on a scrap piece of carpet
for example, with the fluffy side down |
