Wooden flooring is a timeless addition to any home, with the right wood style looking absolutely fantastic in both modern and traditional settings. Laying wood flooring is a fantastic way to improve the aesthetics of our home in many different rooms, with living rooms, corridors, bedrooms, and more all benefitting from the visual appeal of wood flooring.

A wooden floor is as practical as it is appealing, with a notably long lifespan and exceptional durability. They have been utilised in the construction of rooms for hundreds of years, although the way they are installed has changed considerably. With the latest innovations, the process couldn’t be easier, though it is still important to follow the correct steps.

We’ve put together this post for those looking to install their wooden flooring but aren’t sure where to start. This step-by-step guide will look at the process in detail, from covering the benefits of wooden flooring to the tools you’ll need to the installation process itself.

There are many different benefits to wood flooring compared to some other alternatives, with the likeliest reason behind its popularity being its appearance. Wood flooring is made from actual wood planks, which provide your floor with a distinctly natural appearance. This flooring can be processed from a number of different tree species, but the overall theme is consistent amongst styles – warm, natural, and rustic.

Wooden flooring is also incredibly durable, and well-known for its longevity. While it does have to be properly cared for to achieve an optimal lifespan, it is capable of lasting multiple decades, with numerous examples of these floors that have survived for well over a century before requiring replacement. The lifespan of the wood can depend on the tree it came from, with oak often regarded as one of the long-lasting. Other species include cherry walnut, teak, and mahogany.

Solid hardwood floors are able to be sanded down with the right equipment, which then allows for refinishing. This means that these floors can be refreshed and rejuvenated over the years without having to add and remove planks. These floors are also notably versatile, with multiple interior styles benefiting from their inclusion, whether they be modern or traditionally themed.

In order to lay your wood flooring, you will need an array of tools, as well as several materials in order to carry out the task as effectively and efficiently as possible. From the flooring itself to the adhesive method you plan to use to secure it, there are several important products and accessories to consider. We’ve compiled them all below.

To lay a wooden floor, you will need:

• Wood flooring planks – the floor itself, which will need to adapt to the room’s atmosphere for 48 hours before installation.
• Underlayment material – provides a smooth surface and helps with both insulation and soundproofing.
• Moisture barrier – while optional, this barrier will prove extremely helpful if working with a concrete subfloor (base below the floor itself). These surfaces can get damp in certain temperatures, so it is vital that moisture is not allowed to seep into the wood.
• Nails/floor staples – will depend on your particular choice of flooring, but you will need one or the other to secure your boards.
• Traditional hammer or pneumatic flooring hammer/nailer – either of these products will do the job, with the rule of thumb being that power tools tend to be easier to use, so long as you possess the know-how and take the appropriate safety precautions.
• Saw/circular saw/jigsaw – any will do, though the rules regarding power tools will also apply to the latter two saw types.
• Safety equipment – for hands, eyes, mouth/nose, and knees in particular. Other parts of the body should also be protected if possible. Any and all surrounding items in the room should be protected by removing them entirely.
• Spacer blocks – important for maintaining an even gap between the flooring and the walls, which allows for expansion.

1. There are a number of things to prepare before you start, with the subfloor the most important component. In order for the following steps to go smoothly, you will need to make sure that your subfloor is clean and dry. If it has any dirt or debris covering it, this will need to be cleared. You should also take the opportunity to ensure that your subfloor is level, which again is crucial for the following steps in the process.
2. One step that is often overlooked by homeowners that professionals heavily recommend is to allow your wood flooring to acclimate to the environment in which it is to be installed. It is important to do this in the exact room in which it is being placed – wood can change shape, if only very slightly, from room to room. While barely – if at all – noticeable to most, the structural security of your wooden floor can be negatively affected if this step is skipped, with buckling and warping both more likely.
3. Install the underlayment by first rolling out the material and ensuring that it covers the entire floor while still accommodating the overlapping of seams by a few inches. Once you are sure this is possible, overlap the seams themselves and tape them down for added security.
4. Establish a starting point for the installation process by starting at the corner of the room. The best spot to begin is along the longest wall. For optimal results, try to leave an expansion gap (typically ¼ inch) between the flooring and the wall. This will allow for natural expansion and contraction of the wood, which will occur throughout the year.
5. Install the first row by laying the tongue side of your wood facing the wall. Using spacer blocks, maintain the gap between the floor and the wall. Ensure that you have securely nailed or stapled the boards every 6-8 inches along the edge. You don’t need to be too specific with spacing, but the more consistent, the neater the finished job will surely be.
6. Continue on with subsequent rows, though you should stagger joints at least 6 inches from the previous row. This is not only vital in making the floor more stable, but it's also far more pleasing to look at. Use a hammer or nailer to ensure a snug fit.
7. The process should be fairly repetitive – yet straightforward – until you reach the final row of wooden planks. Once you reach the last row, measure, and cut each plank to fit, as it is highly unlikely, they will fit in perfectly if equal in size to your other boards. Use the same gaps/spacers as the first row and consider them when fitting. For optimal precision, use a circular saw.
8. Finally, remove the spacers and install baseboards or trim to cover the expansion gap. If you feel that it is necessary, you can add transition pieces for doorways or between different flooring types for a more appealing look.
9. Clean any debris left over thoroughly. With this, leave for another 48 hours before moving objects back onto your floor. This will give it a good length of time to settle.

And with that, your floor should be finished – but what if you’ve encountered a problem? Well, our team are always on hand to help with any DIY queries. Alternatively, you may feel it best to consult a professional tradesperson who specialises in these floor types, as they may be able to ease any concerns you may have or – better yet – help you fix any problems you’ve encountered.

For more DIY tips and tricks, check out our ideas and inspiration pages, which include studies, articles, blog posts and how-to’s relating to all things DIY. Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and all other major social media platforms for more updates, deals, and guides!

Enjoy your wooden flooring!