INSTALLATION ADVICE

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS FOR INSTALLING YOUR RENÉ ST-CYR HARDWOOD FLOOR

 

  1. Mark a starting line
    Draw a starting line using a chalk line. Leave at least the width of the plasterboard to allow the wood to expand. Ideally, the boards should be laid perpendicular to joists to prevent the floor from buckling and add strength.
  2. Install hardwood flooring boards along the main line
    For this step, choose boards that are straight and long because they will make up your first row. This row is crucial, because it ensures that the rest of your floor is straight and you won’t get a second chance to do it right. Place the male side of the flooring board on the starting line.
  3. Drill
    Drill holes to serve as a guide ½ inch (12 mm) from the side of the flooring board and repeat at 8 inch (232 mm) intervals. Stop when you are 2 inches (50 mm) from the end of a board. You need at least two holes per board.
  4. Finish installing the first row
    Nail the boards in place using a nail punch and finishing nails.

    NOTE: The first and last rows of a hardwood floor cannot be nailed using a nail gun because they are near a wall, so this step has to be done manually. A pneumatic finishing nailer can make this step easier.

    Use 2 inch (50 mm) fishing nails and a hammer and nail punch. Drive nails using the nail punch and cover the nails and nail holes using wood putty in order to camouflage them.

    NOTE: This first step is the most important in making sure the job is done right.
  5. Drill at a 45° angle
    Drill a hole at a 45° into the male side of the board to serve as a guide. Repeat at 8 inch (200 mm) intervals with nails. A pneumatic nailer can also be used for this step. Nail the board so that the nail will not come out. Determine the dimensions of the last board of the first row and cut, leaving a ¼ inch space (6 mm) between the end of the board and the wall.

    NOTE: When you finish a row, select a board that is about 6 inches (15 cm) longer than the first board from the last row. This will ensure that the boards are staggered.
  6. Install the next row
    Nail the other rows using a nailer and mallet. Place nails every 8 to 10 inches or less (20 to 25 cm) up to within 2 to 3 inches (5 to 8 cm) of the end of the board. If the board is 5 to 8 inches long, you must nail it in at least two places.

    NOTE: The wider the boards, the closer the nails have to be to ensure proper installation.
  7. Organize the boards
    Make sure the joints do not line up. Avoid this by alternating between shorter and longer boards, leaving about 6 inches (150 mm) between the ends and the joints from the previous row.
  8. Finish up
    The last step is finishing the room by installing moldings and quarter round, as well as baseboards, which are also available through René St-Cyr Enterprise Flooring and Stairs.

    Please consult this website for further instructions, and follow them carefully to ensure high quality installation.