Hardwood flooring installation is a project that a moderately skilled do it yourselfer can typically accomplish with beautiful results.
Installing hardwood borders.
On the strips where you leave the tongue move the table saw fence out to compensate for the tongue so the exposed part of the flooring plank is 1 1 4 in.
Install them so the groove catches the tongue of the last full width border flooring board.
Use a table saw to rip the accent strips.
Designs without using prefabricated products include narrow one board borders photo right.
Borders in our photo example can be used from contrasting hardwoods to define an area.
Installing a border and feature strip.
Incorporating a border of contrasting color and or species.
As with any hardwood floor installation take the time to orient or if needed cut and scribe the first border boards to ensure the row is parallel to the opposite wall.
Aside from hardwood medallions and other designs seen on other pages borders of any design simple and intricate are possible.
By installing the floor with random joist spacing you will achieve an overall nicer looking installation.
The final rows are too close to the wall to use the nailer so drill holes and hand nail 2 1 2 or 3 inch finish nails into the tongue.
Installing a hardwood floor is one of the most striking home improvements you can do.
It s a level of artistry that you would expect to find only in a turn of the century mansion.
Sand a micro bevel on these cut edges as well.