Replies

1. 
   torn | Nov 28, 2005 04:25am | #1

   My experience has been that it is not difficult to do, but it is difficult to do well...

   Are you thinking of old-fashioned T&G solid hardwood, engineered "hardwood", prefinished, or what exactly? What species? Just a straightforward random installation, or patterns? New hardwood or salvaged? Is the room square? Hand nailing or pneumatic assist? How much carpentry/woodworking/related experience do you have?

2. 
   Piffin | Nov 28, 2005 05:35am | #2

   It can be physically demanding, but doesn't have to be extremely skilled work if you understand wood. Try using the advanced search feature here and readin up on past threads on the subject

    

    

   Welcome to the
   Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime.
    where ...
   Excellence is its own reward!

3. 
   Bluegillman | Nov 28, 2005 07:53am | #3

   Nope, it is easy only if someone shows you the way. In fact, I have a buddy who is deaf and does hardwood flooring on the side. I have seen his work and he does a great job.

1. 
   Piffin | Nov 28, 2005 07:56am | #4

   Most skilled work doesn't take ears.
   It's what's between them that counts 

    

   Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

4. 
   andybuildz | Nov 28, 2005 08:03am | #5

   One bit of advice. "Leave space between the new floor and the walls"!
   Thats one mistake newbies are notorious for. Butting the hardwood tight to the walls.
   Be well
   andy

   The secret of Zen in two words is, "Not always so"!

   When we meet, we say, Namaste'..it means..

     I honor the place in you where the entire universe resides,

   I honor the place in you of love, of light, of truth, of peace.

   I honor the place within you where if you are in that place in you

   and I am in that place in me, there is only one of us.

    

    

   
    

    

1. 
   Notchman | Nov 28, 2005 09:25am | #6

   ....but not so wide that your base doesn't cover the gap.

1. 
   andybuildz | Nov 28, 2005 02:57pm | #7

   I've actually used strips of 3/8" fan foil styro insulation from an old siding job I did years ago stapled around the perimeter of the room as my guage.I had three big bags of it. Enough to last fifty thousand flooring jobs sliced at 3/4".
   Be double 4
   andyThe secret of Zen in two words is, "Not always so"!

   When we meet, we say, Namaste'..it means..

     I honor the place in you where the entire universe resides,

   I honor the place in you of love, of light, of truth, of peace.

   I honor the place within you where if you are in that place in you

   and I am in that place in me, there is only one of us.

    

    

    

    

5. 
   Jer | Dec 04, 2005 12:14pm | #8

   If it's strip hardwood t&g classic three quarter inch, it's pretty straight foreward.  Stagger the joints at least 8" and do what Andy says about the perimeter, three eights is a good width for a gap.

   If it's plank t&g (6" wide and beyond), you should lay in very thin spacers every third course or so to allow for movement.

    

   Go the extra and get the good stuff, not seconds.  You get longer lengths, less movement, and fewer joints.

   Good luck.

6. 
   FastEddie | Dec 04, 2005 05:56pm | #9

   A lot depends on the product, and how you plan to lay it.  Traditional nail down (or staple down) is not too difficult.  Glue down is not bad, but the word can slip around until the glue gets stiff, and it can get real messy.

   And the brand of the flooring is important.  The material from Lumber Liquidators is cheap, and quality control is lacking.  You can get quality material for almost the same price, and the consistency of the material makes installation much easier.

    

    

   "When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it."  T. Roosevelt