Shaw Hardwood Installation

Unpack the wood five days before installing to allow the wood to acclimate to the conditions in the building. Install the wood floor when temperatures are between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit and the humidity is between 35 and 65 percent.

Remove the baseboards from the wall with a pry bar. Also, remove any floor register vents. Remove all of the old carpet, tile, laminate flooring or linoleum from the floor.

Pound down any nails or staples protruding from the subfloor's surface with a hammer. Clean the floor with a vacuum to remove any dirt or debris.

Place ¼-inch shims on the floor next to each wall. These create a ¼-inch gap between all of walls and the floor to allow for expansion due to moisture changes. Once you install the floor molding, the gap is hidden.

Place the first board in the corner of the room so it runs parallel with the longest wall in the room. Butt the board up against the shims.

Place the next board in-line with the first board so the ends butt up together. Tap the end of the second board with a rubber mallet to force the tongue and grooves to seat against each other. Repeat this process until you complete the first row. If necessary, cut the final board in the row to length with a miter saw so it will fit within the available space.

Cut a board in half lengthwise with the miter saw. Place the board against the first board in the first row. Tap the side of the board to seat the tongue and grooves together. Using half a board creates a staggered row. Add additional standard length boards to complete the second row.

Alternate the length of the boards as you complete each additional row in the room. This continues the staggered look of the boards and creates a strong, interlocking pattern with the tongue and grooves on the boards.