Prefinished hardwood floors not only look great but are faster and easier to install than unfinished wood flooring, since sanding or finishing isn’t required. When installing a prefinished wood floor:

• Level Subfloor: Make sure the concrete slab or plywood subfloor is clean and level. Apply leveling compound or floor patch to low spots to smooth out any dips or valleys, and allow it to set before flooring.
• Start Straight: Make sure your first course of flooring is straight by holding a taut string against the wall, or popping a chalk line on the floor. If the wall isn’t straight, place shims against the wall to make sure the first course of flooring will align properly.
• Tight Fit: Use a nonmarring rubber mallet to hammer each row of floor boards tightly together before the glue sets.

Watch this video to find out more.

Further Information

• How Hard Is It to Install a Wood Floor? (article)
• Installing Engineered Hardwood Flooring (video)
• How to Level a Subfloor (video)
• How to Install Laminate Flooring (video)

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