Pine Flooring Installation

Remove all furniture from the room where you wish to place the pine floorboards. Measure the room to determine the amount of flooring needed. Include all closets and angled spaces you want to cover. For areas that are shaped oddly or rounded, measure them in the shape of a square so you will have enough material to cover the space.

Detach the current floor panels or carpeting using a crowbar. Be sure the baseboards and floor trim are also removed. The only thing that should show is the sub-floor base. Hammer down any nails that might be showing if the base floor is made of wood. This will allow for a level surface to place the new pine flooring down. Dispose of the carpeting or other floor panels as necessary.

Place a layer of rosin paper on the sub-floor and cut it properly using a box knife. Start at one of the walls and place the paper down in rows. Staple each row to the floor using staples every 1 or 2 feet. This will keep any kinks out of the paper and create a smooth sub-layer below the pine floor. Use a chalk line to mark the rosin paper to ensure the first row of flooring is flush.

Place the first row of floorboards down along the chalk line. Make sure there is a 1/4-inch gap between the floorboards and the wall so the boards will have space to expand. Place the ends of the boards close together and cut the last piece to fit with a circular saw. To ensure the pine boards attach to the floor, place glue on the back of the boards. Nail down the first row of boards at the side closest to the wall. This will keep the boards from shifting.

Continue to lay each row of floorboards down to the sub-floor using wood glue. Press each board against the other tightly. Stagger the ends of the boards so they do not run straight across in each row. Sweep or vacuum the floorboards. Sand the floor with a large hand-held sander or a drum sander, if possible. Use a lower grit sander, such as 80- to 100-grit to completely sand the floor. Repeat the process with a higher grade 200-grit sander. Vacuum the floor after the sanding process is complete. Ensure all the sawdust is removed.

Apply a coat of pre-stain wood conditioner on the floor. Allow it to dry for 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the manufacturer's instructions. Wipe the area clean with a dry cloth. Apply a layer of wood stain on the floor with a brush. Wipe any excess away after application. Let the stain dry for about 10 hours for a completely dry finish.