How to Install a Pre-finished Wood Floor That Is Not Perfect

Fixing the Damage

• 1

  Inspect the damaged flooring. Wood planks that have dings or slight surface cracks can be repaired. Planks that are broken can be cut down for use in smaller spots. Planks that are very badly damaged should be discarded.

• 2

  Sand down the damaged areas with sandpaper. Extend your sanding onto the good portion of the wood to help blend in the repaired area.

• 3

  Fill in any holes and cracks with wood putty. Match the putty to the color of the wood. Scrape it into the holes and cracks with a putty knife. Let the putty cure until it is hard to the touch. Sand it down until the area is level with the rest of the wood.

• 4

  Refinish the damaged boards with wood stain and polyurethane. Match the existing wood stain. Apply it with the grain of the wood and let it dry. Sand it lightly and apply more coats until the color matches. Let the last coat dry completely. Sand it lightly and apply at least one coat of polyurethane to protect the wood.

Installing the Flooring

• 5

  Roll out the underlayment fabric for the flooring over the subfloor. Staple it into place over the subfloor and trim it to fit as necessary.

• 6

  Cut the tongues off of the first row of flooring with a circular saw. This is the edge that will be installed along the baseboard of the first wall.

• 7

  Cut the flooring to fit the room. Measure how many full planks you can use and what will need to be cut. Making your cuts ahead of time speeds up the installation process.

• 8

  Lay down the first row of planks and nail them into place. Use one nail every foot.

• 9

  Continue laying down the rest of the flooring. Insert the tongue for the second row into the groove of the first row. Click it into place and nail the board down. Proceed until all of the flooring has been installed.