STEP 1
Step 1
Determine your starting wall. Using the chalk line, draw a parallel guide line at 3/4" (19 mm) more than the width of the hardwood strips to be used. For example, you should draw your guide line at 3" (75 mm) from the starting wall if you install 2 1/4" (57 mm) wood strips. This guide line must be at a 90 degree angle to the adjacent wall. This 3/4" (19 mm) space will allow the hardwood to expand.
Step 2
Lay the tongue edge of the strip on the guide line, leaving a 3/4" (19 mm) space between the groove edge and the starting wall.
Step 3
The first and last rows must be secured to the floor using finishing flooring nails. Drill holes on the surface of the strips at 1" (25 mm) from the edge approximately 12" (300 mm) apart.
The following steps involve a hand nailing procedure because the use of a hardwood floor nailer is impossible when working close to a wall.
You should select the straightest and longest strips and use them for the first two or three rows of the floor because these will have to be hand nailed.
Step 4
Securing a strip with finishing nail and nail punch.