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Attic Attack, Pt. 3: Install Hardwood Floors An attic transformation includes new windows, hardwood floors and knee walls. Check out more value-enhancing home-improvement projects from Sweat Equity. From "Sweat Equity" episode DSEQ-212

Bamboo flooring was selected for its appearance and durability. It's also a "green" selection because of its low environmental impact. Bamboo is a fast-growing and ecologically sustainable hardwood.

Charlie and Julie Buchanan convert an attic into usable space with new window and hardwood floors.

Charlie found a great deal on high quality bamboo flooring and saves even more by installing it himself. Hardwood flooring is a great investment because they are durable, easy to clean and a popular choice for resale.

Materials:

circular saw
sandpaper
utility knife
drill
tape measure
hammer
pencil
straightedge
floorboards and moldings
underlayment
wood floor glue

Safety Alert: Always wear eye protection and follow proper safety precautions when working with power tools or pneumatic tools.

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Installing Hardwood Floors

Tips:

• Lay out a box of hardwood boards ahead of the installation to visualize lengths, wood grain, and colors of the boards.

• When laying out the boards, keep in mind that you never want to have the ends of boards in adjacent rows line up exactly with each other. Stagger the layout, keeping the lengths somewhat random and at least 6" in length.

• When ordering hardwood flooring, allow 10 to 15 percent extra for irregular boards and possible cutting mistakes.

• Keep in mind that wood is organic, so expansion and contraction will occur depending on the level of moisture in the air. Before you install your new wood floor, allow the boards to sit inside your home for at least three days to acclimate to the conditions.

	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C

Steps:

• Vacuum the sub floor thoroughly, lay out underlayment (figure A) and cut it to fit using a utility knife.

• Use a chalk line to keep your boards square with respect to the walls.

• Using a miter saw, cut your end boards to size and install them along the wall at a distance of about 3/8" from the wall. You can cover the gap later with trim. Secure the boards using a nail gun (figure B).

• Slide the next course of boards into place, staggering your seams and tapping with a rubber mallet.

• As you work, use an angle nailer to secure the boards to the sub-floor (figure C). Nail every six inches.

  Tip: You can rent an angle nailer from a rental or home center, typically for about $50 a day.

• Ease the last board into place with a cats paw and secure with a nail gun, you may have to cut the "tongue" off the board to make it fit.

RESOURCES :

Resources for Sweat Equity, episode 212:

contractors — Jim and Carson Cressman
3R Services
Website: www.3rserve.com

bamboo hardwood floors — Sustainable Flooring
Website: www.sustainableflooring.com

GUESTS :

Chris Neher
Eco Foam
Website: www.sprayecofoam.com