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. 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. When used improperly staples or cleats can damage wood flooring. A benefit to using staples over glue is that it can be walked on immediately. Use 18 ga 1 1 2 long staples when installing thinner 1 2 thick solid wood floors per manufacturer s recommendation.

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. Durable and available in engineered and solid options hardwood flooring is available in a variety of colors and install methods. But now half of the flooring he installs is engineered made of thin sheets of wood glued together like plywood. 1st is glue vs staples for a 3 8 thick engineered oak plank in 3 width which is.

Roll out sheets of tar paper over the clean subfloor and use a staple gun to affix the paper to the floor. Nail down staple down glue down and floating click. 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. 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.

Glue nail staple and float. 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. Engineered hardwood floors may be installed over wood subfloors using staples or flooring cleats.

It s also a great option if you choose to incorporate a radiant heat system don t forget the vapor retarder.