RECLAIMED SOLID WOOD FLOORING INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
Installing solid reclaimed barnwood flooring requires careful planning and attention to detail. Here are step-by-step instructions to help you with the installation process
- Prepare the subfloor: Ensure that the subfloor is clean, dry, and level. Remove any existing flooring and repair any damaged areas. If needed, install a moisture barrier to prevent moisture from seeping into the wood.
- Acclimate the barnwood: Bring the reclaimed barnwood planks into the installation space and let them acclimate for at least 48 hours. This allows the wood to adjust to the temperature and humidity of the room.
- Measure and plan: Measure the room’s dimensions to determine the amount of flooring you’ll need. Create a layout plan, considering the best direction for the wood planks and any pattern or design preferences you may have.
- Start with a clean slate: Begin the installation at the longest exterior wall of the room. Remove baseboards or moldings along the perimeter of the room, as necessary, to create a clean starting edge.
- Lay the first row: Place the first barnwood plank with the grooved side facing the wall, leaving a 3/8-inch expansion gap between the plank and the wall. Use spacers to maintain the gap, which allows for wood expansion.
- Nail or glue the planks: Depending on the type of reclaimed barnwood flooring you have, you can either nail or glue the planks to the subfloor. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use appropriate fasteners or adhesive.
- Continue with subsequent rows: Lay the second plank alongside the first, connecting the tongue and groove. Use a tapping block and a mallet to ensure a tight fit between the planks. Repeat this process for each row, working your way across the room.
- Cut and fit the end pieces: Measure and cut the barnwood planks to fit at the end of each row. Use a miter saw or a circular saw to make accurate cuts. Maintain the expansion gap along the walls.
- Stagger the joints: To create a more visually appealing look and enhance the structural integrity of the floor, stagger the joints between adjacent rows. Avoid having joint seams line up in a straight line.
- Complete the installation: Continue laying the planks row by row until you reach the final row. Trim the last row to fit if needed. Leave an expansion gap and reinstall baseboards or moldings around the room.
- Sand and finish: Once the flooring is installed, sand it to remove any rough edges or imperfections. If you are filling any knots or nail holes, a recommended brand is Goodfilla (ebony color). Apply a suitable finish or sealant to protect and enhance the appearance of the reclaimed barnwood.
