How To Start Your First Row Of Wood Flooring

When adding the second row fit the groove onto the first row s tongue and gently tap it into place using your rubber mallet.

How to start your first row of wood flooring.

Then take a full plank and spin it so it is reversed in relation to the floor your installing. Next lay the first row. It will be covered by trim at the end of the project. Do the same at the ending wall on the opposite side of the room.

You will have to make a cut or two for your beginning and end piece. Use spacers to help maintain the expansion gap. Even if you re planning to install the first row. Is to first make sure your first row has the correct gap where the first row starts which is usually 1 4 inch.

Properly laying the first three boards in a hardwood flooring installation is essential to a quality install. The first thing that you want to do is lay out your first few rows of laminate flooring from wall to wall. You want to somewhat have the laminate or vinyl plank close to where it is going to be so you don t cut a plank short or long. The first three boards set the tone and direction for the floor.

They must be absolutely straight and laid without gaps or bends. Install row one on the starting line. Hold your trowel at a 45 degree angle spread the glue in small sections. Since wood is a dimensionally imperfect material this can be a challenge to get right but the extra effort is worth the time investment.

There are specialty tools for installing wood floors but a hammer and. Then mark the plank where the last plank installed ends. This is your expansion gap which allows for movement of the wood in the floor. Lay it at the end of the row up to the wall leaving a 1 4 inch space.