| Living Room Upgrade: Hardwood Flooring |
From "Sweat Equity"
episode DSEQ-101 |
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(Continued from page )
To demonstrate how to install the pre-finished hardwood planks, Adam snugs the groove side of the first plank against the batten, and fits a pneumatic power nailer over the ridge on the tongue side. Then, using a mallet, he strikes the nailer to drive angled nails through the ridge and into the subfloor (figure K). He spaces the nails eight inches apart and keeps them three inches from the plank ends.
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Figure L
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Figure M
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Figure N
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As a friend selects and lays planks on the floor, Jeanne takes over to quickly connect planks together (figure L). She taps the tongue sides into the groove sides carefully with a rubber mallet until they line up snugly. To combat flexing or bowing wood, she stands on the planks as she sets them. As she continues setting planks, Jeanne tries to envision forming a "staircase" which helps to stagger the short seams so that no two line up. This makes for a stronger, more aesthetically pleasing floor. Near walls, where planks must be customized to length, Jeanne transfers measurements from the space and cuts accordingly on a chop saw (figure M). To accommodate a vent or outlet, Adam transfers measurements using a speed square then bores out the inner corners with a power drill. He uses a jigsaw to cut out the hole before installing (figure N).
RESOURCES :
Maverick Home Remodeling, Inc.
Website: www.maverickhomeremodeling.com
Lumber Liquidators
Website: www.lumberliquidators.com
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![PHOTO](javascript:popup("http://img.diynetwork.com/DIY/2006/09/27/DSEQ101_Seg2_powerstrike11_e.jpg",350,450))
![PHOTO](javascript:popup("http://img.diynetwork.com/DIY/2006/09/27/DSEQ101_Seg2_plankconnect12_e.jpg",350,450))
![PHOTO](javascript:popup("http://img.diynetwork.com/DIY/2006/09/27/DSEQ101_Seg2_chopsaw13_e.jpg",350,450))
![PHOTO](javascript:popup("http://img.diynetwork.com/DIY/2006/09/27/DSEQ101_Seg2_jig14_e.jpg",350,450))
