Before you even try to install wood flooring, it is best that you keep a few tips in mind before and during the installation. This will help make sure that you come up with the best fitted floor possible. Below are tried-and-tested tips to remember.

First, get into a preparation. Preparing your flooring prior to the actual installation is very important. The sub-floor should be kept dry, flat and smooth. Use an underlay or a barrier over the concrete. Follow instructions very carefully when involving radiant heating. This can be quite risky so make sure that you follow every single radiant heating instruction as you go along. Be sure to leave flooring panels in the room at least 48 hours before the installation. Enough time should be allotted for the flooring to acclimatize to the temperature of the environment.

Second, note that the first row of flooring should be composed of full-sized planks while two-third planks for the second row and one-third planks for the third row should be enough. Make sure that the plank joints remain always bigger than 8″. Keep in mind as well to repeat the patterns of the wood grain for every 20 planks.

Third, prior to deciding on the direction of your laminate floors, always consider the incoming natural light from the outside. Planks should be positioned parallel to the incoming light from the windows or glass doors in the room. Your starting wall for the installation should be the longest wall in the room.

Fourth, buy more than enough supplies. There is a big chance that you’ll run out of planks along the process. In most cases, 10% of the flooring would go to waste. Some planks get damaged when cut while others may have already been damaged during the delivery. Accept the fact that some pieces may not be usable and so you might as well stock as many supplies as you can.

Fifth, in between planks, a 10mm gap should be ensured. The gap is referred to as the “expansion gap.” Wood can expand due to humidity and temperature changes. Allotting enough space for the would to expand will help prevent future repairs.

Sixth, the most important line that you lay is the first line. It’s not only the longest line, it should also be totally straight. If in case you do not get the first line straight, the best option would be to start over again. As we all know, poor alignment such as accumulation of residues in between the grooves of the planks can result to a few problems in the future.

Seventh, nail moulding and wood glue should be used when installing laminate floors on the stairs.

These brilliant reminders will not only help you ensure a smooth-flowing flooring installation, it will also yield to better and sturdier wood flooring in the long run.