DIY Network

Repairing a Spooky Floor The rescue crew removes the old flooring and installs the new. From "DIY to the Rescue" episode DTTR-105

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	Figure C
	Figure D

9. Use a pneumatic nail gun (figure C) to nail through the tongue of the new board, at a 45-degree angle, into each joist. If you are using hand tools, it is a good idea to pre-drill through the tongue to prevent splitting the wood.

10. You can use a flooring nail gun (figure D) later when you get far enough away from the walls to use such a tool. The flooring nail gun is angled and awkward to use in tight areas.

11. Continue along the first row, adding a new board at each end. The ends of these boards are also tongue and grove and should be snug before nailing. Again, nail each board through the tongue, at a 45-degree angle, into each joist.

12. Cut the last board to fit the space as close to the wall as possible. The end will be covered up with shoe molding. As a general rule, end boards should not be any shorter than 6 inches. Lay out the next row of boards. Stagger the lengths of the boards to create a nice pattern. Avoid matching up board lengths in adjacent rows. It is also a good idea to use boards from several cartons to mix up the shades and patterns of the wood.

13. Add a few more rows as above. When you are far away enough to use a pneumatic floor nail gun, place the lip of the nail gun along the edge of the new board. Then strike the head of the gun with a mallet to shoot the nail.

14. The flooring nail gun is made specifically for floor installation and is pre-angled so you don’t have to worry about nailing at a 45 degree angle. Continue installing boards and checking your progress and the layout of the flooring.

15. For the last row, you may need to rip-cut a board to fit the space. The last boards can be ‘face-nailed’ into each joist--meaning they are nailed through the top of the board. It may help to stick some tape down where the joists are to see where to nail. Countersink these nails and cover them up with matching wood putty.

16. Add your salvaged shoe molding or new molding along each wall--nailing them into whatever is behind them (generally you’ll have a joist at that spot. If not, angle the nails to go into the wall). Again, countersink these nails and cover them up with matching wood putty or touch up paint.

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Maintaining the New Floor

All hardwood floors require some regular maintenance and attention to keep them looking their best and lasting to their full potential.

• Regularly sweep or vacuum the floor with a soft brush to prevent abrasive dirt and dust from accumulating and scratching the finish.

• Sand and water are very harmful to your wood floors. Place long-bristle welcome mats and area rugs at every entrance of the house. Also, protect your floor from kitchen water and detergents by using rugs in front of the sink, work stations and dishwasher.

• Don't damp mop: Water and wood floors don't mix! Use only the manufacturer's recommended cleaning products on your hardwood floor.

• Wipe spills immediately: When accidents happen and some liquid gets spilled on your hardwood floor, you should use a slightly damp white cloth, or paper towel, immediately to clean up and dry the affected area. For more difficult spots, follow the manufacturer's recommended cleaning procedures.

• Never use wax, oil-based detergent or any other household cleaners on the floors. These may dull or damage the finish, leaving a greasy film and making the floor slippery and more difficult to clean.

• Use felt pads under all furniture and chair legs, in order to ease their movements and to prevent scratches. Periodically check and replace the felt pads when dirty or worn. For extremely heavy objects such as a piano, use wide, non-staining rubber cups. Purchasing floor protectors is cheap insurance for the protection of your hardwood floor investment.

• Damaged or worn high heel shoes may expose a metal tip which is certain to damage the surface finish. Keep high heel shoes in good condition.

• Protect your floor against direct sunlight or any intense source of artificial lighting. Over time, intense natural and artificial light will discolor hardwood floors.

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RESOURCES :

Bellawood White Oak Floors
Website: www.bellawood.com