Its a good idea to use the remaining piece cut from the previous row to start the next row but only do this if the piece is larger then the size you determined previously in step 4 (it should be) and it needs to end with a groove. You finally decided it was time to replace your tired, dated flooring and you chose the stylish yet affordable option: luxury vinyl plank (also known as LVP). The quick answer is YES! The cause of the pain can include blood vessels pressing on the nerve or an infection that makes the throat swell, which can then put pressure . In this video, Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shows host Kevin OConnor how tongue-and-groove flooring works, how to install it, and some of the tools and techniques required for the job. Make sure to use the right saw blade for your saw; if necessary, change out the blade to a laminate cutting blade. Tongue and Groove Joint. Types, Uses, Pros & Cons - Fine Power Tools Starting with the left side of the room will help ensure the laminate boards are running parallel with the wall. You will notice that there are different patterns inside the boxes you will want to use even color variations across the floor (you will not want the same two planks right next to each other). To finish the job, you can use baseboards, shoe molding, or quarter round to cover any gaps between the floor and the walls. The space left at the last row usually will be narrower width of your plank. Again with the glue, nails can be used too, since the glue will do all of the holding after it has set. If this makes it difficult to open the rooms interior doors properly, you may need to trim the bottom off the door. (If youre worried about breaking the baseboards or denting your wall, I have a full post about how to remove baseboards easily without damaging the wall, and the secret is one inexpensive tool!). This is only necessary for the first row. Prepare the Subfloor: Before installing your laminate flooring, check to make sure the subfloor is clean and smooth. It can be butted up tight to the previous row. How to Install Tongue and Groove Flooring - This Old House However, if you are considering doing this, there are some important factors to consider. This would mean removing any old flooring that you cannot place the planks over (carpeting, for example). Since the groove side is now secured by the tongue of the first row, there is now no need to face nail the board on the groove side. If not, use a tapping block with a rubber mallet to snap the joints together (check first that your flooring allows you to use a tapping block before using it). Lift to Fit. Planks are always installed from left to right. I used a jigsaw to cut angles or around fixtures (vents, doors, etc.). The most common way to lay hardwood flooring is by aligning the planks parallel to the longest wall. If the room is narrow, such as a hallway, a corridor or a long kitchen, planks should run the length of the room. To begin, the groove side of the stick is placed up against a corner or corner board. Place an arrow to help you remember the direction of the plank and then place a star in your starting position. Next, I recommend removing your baseboards and trim around doors. Using an oscillating multi-tool saw, place the blade of the tool flat on the flooring guide and cut the door jamb. Besides the fact that shiplap is typically used on walls and not on floors, shiplap boards are designed differently. Laminate flooring utilizes a tongue-and-groove system, which holds the planks of laminate flooring together by locking the tongue of one plank into the groove of the adjoining plank. Dont worry if these cuts are not perfect because, guess what, rooms are not perfectly square, but the extra work upfront will help your actual installation go smoothly. It took some time to figure out the best technique for my flooring. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'remodelormove_com-narrow-sky-1','ezslot_31',168,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-narrow-sky-1-0');Once those two planks are connected, continue moving down the length of the wall, using the tongue and groove mechanism to connect the planks. So i wonder, should i space my sticks 16 3/8" instead? 2023 TwoFeetFirst - WordPress Theme by Kadence WP, How to install luxury vinyl plank for the first time. And yes, these cannot be installed together. Needless to say the bond will not be worthy. It has a long open time, Meaning you don't have to rush to get it covered before the glue "skins" over, thus minimizing the bond. To subscribe to this RSS feed, copy and paste this URL into your RSS reader. The tongue consists of eight interwoven, striated muscles that can move in any direction, making it quite flexible. Copyright 2023 This Old House Ventures, LLC. Use a finish nailer to nail through the face of the board along the groove side of the board. Install the plank with groove closest to the wall. In the same vein, it's typically recommended that planks are installed parallel to the longest wall of the room. Rental is an idea here. We also sanded some areas of the wood to give us the flat surface we needed. Start at one side of the room. All projects are attempted at the readers own risk. Make sure you leave a gap of 5-7mm between it and the wall for an expansion gap. In my particular situation I'm doing a bathroom that is 8' wide so it fits one span of plywood perfectly and I only need about 3 sheets to do the entire length of the room. Which side is the tongue side on laminate flooring? - Remodel or Move Plywood makers size the sheets to allow for the spacing. Browse other questions tagged, Start here for a quick overview of the site, Detailed answers to any questions you might have, Discuss the workings and policies of this site. SIDE NOTE: See how to make your baseboards look professional by apply caulk to the joints. *Please read the instructions of your flooring to help you determine the best placement of your floor. The first run is set to a chalk line, but the rows after that can start to meander after a few runs are down, and to correct it with a tighter fit or if need be, a loose fit to correct the run so it remains true. Ideally, you want your flooring to be staggered, so the joints do not look like a stair-step or H patterns. Continue this process until the floor is finished. And you also want staggered joints, so you may want to use the last row on a different row. Install the second plank into the first row by inserting the planks short tongue side into the last installed plank groove at a 20-degree angle. Flooring & Stairs Thinking About Installing Tongue and Groove Flooring? Determine the width of plank that you want to install. Notch and cut the first piece to fit and then slide it completely under the jamb. Deck sheathing is typically plywood or, as it was in this case, -in.-thick tongue-and-groove (T&G) OSB. Compared to drywall (which includes steps of installation, taping, mudding and sanding of multiple coats, and 2-3 coats of paint), installation of tongue and groove wood planks is easier, cleaner and much less time consuming. Can I infer that Schrdinger's cat is dead without opening the box, if I wait a thousand years? Decide how you are going to finish your paneling. Now for the fun part, installing the paneling and watching your wall being transformed. The best direction is based on the shape of your house. We made sure to remove all staples from the carpet and fixed any squeaking on the wood floor. When laying the flooring, begin at the the wall that is most visible, such as an entrance wall. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Ensure that the seams where the boards meet between corresponding courses are at least 6 inches from each other. Mark the first row by placing the groove side of a board against the wall near a corner, leaving a gap of approximately 3/16 of an inch between the board and wall. In most cases, carpet and wood strip flooring can be installed directly over the sheathing without additional underlayment. Remember, in the example above, it was 7-1/2 before removing the gap for expansion. This plank should overlap the last installed plank. Engineered flooring features planks made from layers of compressed wood fibers, resins, and polymers, which are then topped with a thin layer of surface veneer. Place spacers against the wall where the plank will be then place the plank so that the side that should be installed into the previous plank (tongue) is against the spacer at the wall. Sheathing also provides a base for the wall framing and the finish flooring. Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. Multiply the 18 feet by 12 to give you the total size in inches, 216. Cut and Install Planks: You can use a jigsaw to cut the planks. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'remodelormove_com-mobile-leaderboard-1','ezslot_29',166,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-mobile-leaderboard-1-0');2. Depending on the size of your room and the direction of the planks. SIDE NOTE: Although I have seen this type of flooring placed over concrete, tile, wood floor, and another vinyl floor, be sure to follow the manufacturers instructions so your warranty will remain valid. If the planks run parallel to the doors, you could cut out one board between the two rooms. Since polyurethane is self-leveling, it is best to lay out the individual panels horizontally, (think saw horses), and spray or brush the polyurethane on before installation. If done properly, the groove of the next board should slide easily over the nails on the tongue of your previous plank. In fact, sometimes it can create a more interesting look by running them either in alternate directions or in a pattern. If it is an existing wall, remove the trim. Do not try to drive them tight, although in some cases it might be needed in order to keep a straight run. Installation of tongue and groove paneling, even for those with limited knowledge or skills, can be done by every do-it-yourself weekend warrior. SIDE NOTE: Be sure to leave the gap (1/4 or 1/2) wherever the flooring will come in contact with other fixed fixtures (pipes, door jambs, etc..). This is often done to create a more interesting visual appearance. The next grooved edge will hide the nail holes. How to Install Click Flooring (Project Tutorial) - Bob Vila To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers. SIDE NOTE: Remember, you never want to start with a full plank. Tongue Problems Pictures, Types, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment - MedicineNet Cut the board to length with a miter saw. Typically, hardwood flooring should be placed perpendicular to the joists. Place shims or spacers in the gap between the flooring and the walls to hold it firmly in place. Once you make it across the room, it wont be possible to use the rubber mallet to jockey the board into position. The best answers are voted up and rise to the top, Not the answer you're looking for? Calculate the amount of paneling that you need. Heres a step-by-step guide to installing tongue and groove laminate flooring: 1. Throughout the muscles are glands and fat, while the outside is . Tom explains that its crucial that the first row be as straight as possible and shows Kevin how to make that happen using a chalk line for reference. How do you use Clorox algaecide and clarifier? With these steps, youll be able to successfully install your first row of laminate flooring. Install baseboards and transition pieces around the flooring. Use a rubber mallet to join the two pieces before nailing through the face and tongue of the board. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'remodelormove_com-mobile-leaderboard-2','ezslot_30',164,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-mobile-leaderboard-2-0');When it comes to starting the installation of your laminate flooring, its important to start from the left-hand side of the room, along the most visible wall or the longest wall. So, there is no right or wrong way to lay your wood flooring. Thanks for contributing an answer to Home Improvement Stack Exchange! Continue across the wall until you get to a corner. And yes, these cannot be installed together, but this marks the location for where the overlapping plank would end to meet the other end. In July 2022, did China have more nuclear weapons than Domino's Pizza locations? However, you should avoid changing the direction of the floor in every room, as this creates visual disharmony. This will give you a cleaner finish when you place the baseboards and trim over the new floor rather than installing a quarter round. Lay a plank right on top of the last full row that is installed so everything is lined up (grooves and sides). Once your entire room has been covered, you can move onto the trim. DIYers can rent hardwood flooring nailers for $40 to $60 per daythe tool is well worth the cost. Clean the area with a shop-vac to make sure there is no debris. Now grab that sketch you created earlier to determine how much flooring you would need. Does it need to be glued or anything? Since the end of the board will be secured by the tongue and groove, it is now secure enough to eliminate pre-cutting the boards and securing the seams on a joist. Cut the plank, ensuring that you follow your outline. Lets walk you through a real-world example: assume we are using planks that are 9x60 (that is the flooring size I used) and lets say the room is 14-feet by 18-feet and the plank will be going the 18-feet direction (longer direction). Plank flooring has come a long way from the frontier days when rough-hewn boards were nailed to floor joists, resulting in rugged, and somewhat uneven, walking surfaces. Answer: Abutting ends WITHOUT mating tongue-and-groove will move. This would give you approximately 18 full 9 rows of the plank with the last row being 6. Then divide this number by the size of each plank, 168/9=18.666. The tongue side of the laminate flooring is the side that has a protruding groove, which creates a lip along the edge of the boards on one side. So how easy is it? Again it is to your discretion also. Everyone says to leave a 1/8" expansion gap but they never say where that gap should be. Bob Vila has partnered with Empire Today to help you easily get beautiful new floors at a great price. This allows space for expansion and contraction due to changes in temperature. Begin the first row of flooring by placing the planks with the tongue side facing the wall. Connect and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to search. How to Install Vinyl Plank Flooring - The Home Depot This will help create a consistent flow throughout the space and unify the design of the room. Causes of Tongue Infection, Disease, and Pain - Verywell Health Lower the plank down until it is flat, and the joint is end to end. To learn more about wood species, readWhat Wood Species Would Look Best in Your Home. Here is what a great professional installer recommended: I had already installed my flooring when I found this technique so I am also going to share how I cut my last row. The best practice is to lay wood flooring parallel to the longest wall in the room. Continue using this method until youre far enough from the wall to use the flooring nailer. Attaching the Siding. Take some time deciding the best placement (the direction the floor runs) for each room and if you need a transition between anything.