DIY Network

Hardwood Floor and Shoe Rail Installation From "Home Transformations" episode DHTR-113

Before the transformation: a front room in need of character.

In part one of this two part transformation, host Michael Ray Wisely helped two California newlyweds transform an empty front room in a warm and inviting reading room. Here, the transformation continues, as Wisely teaches Peter and Gina Danford how to install a new hardwood floor, window seat and bookcases.

Hardwood Floor Installation

Materials:

Hardwood flooring of choice
Flooring adhesive (here, Bostick is used)
1/4" square trowel
Knee pads
Latex gloves
Mineral spirits
Rags
Rubber mallet or dead-blow mallet
Portable fans
Miter saw
Ear and eye protection

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D

1. First, be sure concrete pad is flat and level. Scrape away any residual glue and vacuum away debris. Before installing the hardwood floor, check the moisture content of existing concrete. Position a square sheet of plastic sheeting and secure with duct tape (figure A). Allow plastic to set for 24 hours, then remove plastic and check for moisture.

2. In this example, the hardwood floor has a plywood base with a hardwood veneer. To allow for expansion, the Transformations team sets 1/4" blocks between the wall and first piece of hardwood flooring to allow for expansion and contraction of the wood (figure B).

3. To install floor, apply a urethane mastic with a v-notch trowel. Apply one board at a time, as mastic is a quick-dry glue. In this example, an underlayment wasn't necessary -- the existing concrete pad was flat, level and ready for the hardwood installation.

4. Once the first hardwood strip is parallel to the wall, use a dead-blow mallet to tap in place. (Rubber mallets and dead-blow mallets have heads that will not mar the wood).

5. Install boards of alternating lengths to create visual interest. Use a compound miter saw to cut the boards to various sizes.

6. Once a few rows are in place, apply blue painters tape to hold boards together. Use a piece of scrap flooring to tap floorboards into place to avoid damaging the surface (figure C).

7. Work across the room in this manner (figure D), then install the threshold between the hardwood floor and flooring in connecting room.

Installing Shoe Rail

1. The base shoe molding is a 1/4" round, pre-primed molding. Set molding in place with finishing nails.

2. Cut ends of the molding so the corner joints are seamless. Cut a 45-degree angle or scarf joint to hide seams in the middle of the wall. Cover sunken nails with spackle.

RESOURCES :

Durengs Durawood Flooring
3/8" Brazilian Cherry
Website: www.lumberliquidators.com