Do you lay hardwood floor with joists? Wood floors should always be laid perpendicular to floor joists—across rather that in between them. This will make the floors structurally sound and will help prevent the planks from separating, sagging or buckling. So, there is no right or wrong way to lay your wood flooring.
Can you put floor over joists? To answer directly the question – Yes, it is entirely possible to install hardwood flooring directly on top of the joists. … If the gap is bigger than this, it’s possible to use noggins and braces for support or simply install a plywood or oriented strand board subfloor first before laying the top floor.
Do you need subfloor under hardwood? Solid hardwood floors should not be installed below grade, or below the ground outside. … A wood subfloor should be OSB or plywood of 3/4″ or thicker for a hardwood floor installation. Particle board and chipboard are unacceptable for solid hardwood installations, but may be used in an engineered flooring install.
Will vinegar damage floors? This is especially important for hardwood floors, because any lingering debris will scratch the surface of the floor as you mop. Mix a solution of ½ cup of distilled white vinegar per gallon of warm water. Mop floors. If you’re using it on hardwood floors, it’s very important to wring your mop out as much as possible.
Do you lay hardwood floor with joists? – Related Questions
How to clean and buff hardwood floors?
Sweep or vacuum, then mop with a commercial wood floor cleaner or solution of a quarter-cup of dish soap and a gallon of warm water to lift any lingering grime. Give the floors a final pass with a clean, water-dampened mop to remove any cleaner residue. Dry completely with a soft, clean towel. Refinishing your floors?
What size staples for 3 8 engineered hardwood?
Use 1-1/4″ to 1-1/2″ long staples for 3/8″ to 1/2″ thick floors. Use 1-1/2″ long staples for 5/8″ thick floors.
How much to change color of hardwood floors?
If your hardwood floors are dull, scratched, and looking old, it’s probably time to refinish them. According to HomeAdvisor, the typical price range to refinish hardwood floors is between $1,074 and $2,485, with the national average at $1,757. This comes out to $3 to $8 per square foot, including materials and labor.
Can i fix large gaps in hardwood?
You can use putty, wood filler, caulk, or even long pieces of string or rope stained to match. These methods not only fix the gaps but can also prevent drafts from coming up through the floor. If done correctly, these fillers – made of putty or paste – can fill in gaps to give your floors their original smooth finish.
How good is beech hardwood floors?
The 1300 Janka rating makes beech flooring durable enough for moderate to heavy foot traffic, but not too hard, so it’s still suitable as a flooring material. Floors made of beech are resistant to shock, which can help them hold up well over time.
What to use to clean hardwood cabinets in kitchen?
Mix a 50/50 solution of vinegar and warm water and put into a spray bottle. Mist on cabinets, let sit for a minute or two and then wipe clean with a soft cloth. This step is optional. Add a few drops of liquid dishwashing detergent to the vinegar and water solution to clean extremely grimy cabinets.
How to clean old dog urine from hardwood floors?
Mix one cup of vinegar into a warm water-filled bucket and the add some drops of grapefruit oil to the solution to get rid of the odor. Scrub the floor with this safe cleaning solution, concentrating on the most prominent spots. As you scrub, the odor and stains should be disappearing.
Is a home more valuable with hardwood flooring?
Hardwood floors are one of the best flooring options for homeowners looking to increase the resale value of their home, with hardwood typically yielding around a 75% return on investment.
What causes hardwood floors to peel?
Some of the most usual causes include: Surface contamination below the finish. Not abrading or using too-fine of a grit abrasive between coats. Hot coating a subsequent coat after the window of opportunity for hot coating (manufacturers specify how long a finish can sit, before it needs to be abraded).
Is my hardwood floor sealed?
If no smudge appears, the floor is surface sealed. If you do create a smudge, the floor has been treated with a penetrating seal, oil finish, shellac, varnish or lacquer, and then waxed. … If you have a newer wood floor, it is likely surface sealed.
What’s the best way to clean engineered hardwood floors?
When your floor requires a bit more attention than just regular maintenance, the best way to clean your engineered hardwood is with a damp mop and an appropriate floor cleaner. Avoid using cleaning products that include vinegar, soap-based cleaners or wax on engineered hardwood flooring.
How to clean wax off hardwood floors?
The easiest and safest way to remove wax from wood is to allow the wax to cool, then gently scrape it off with a plastic utensil, spatula, or credit card. For a substantial mess, gradually soften the wax with a hair dryer or clothing iron before wiping it off of the wood with a cloth.
Can cat urine ruin hardwood floors?
Another one: cat urine can ruin hardwood floors. When possible, clean up cat pee as soon as possible. If left long, their urine can decompose making it more corrosive. Basically, if left long enough it is the equivalent of undiluted ammonia.
Is it okay to shine direct sunlight on hardwood floor?
While hardwood floors add warmth, beauty and value to your home, they are also photosensitive. This means any direct exposure to sunlight can have an impact – causing either a fading or darkening of the floors.
Can i use a steam mop on hardwood?
Although it may be tempting to deep clean your hardwood floors with a steam mop, don’t. “Drastic temperature changes and moisture may warp the wood,” says Steve Stocki, manager of marketing and merchandising at Lumber Liquidators.
Where does most hardwood come from?
In general, hardwood comes from deciduous tree’s which lose their leaves annually. Softwood comes from conifer, which usually remains evergreen. The trees from which hardwood is obtained tend to be slower growing, meaning the wood is usually denser.
Is acacia a good hardwood?
Acacia wood is harder than many hardwoods such as Oak, Hickory, Maple, Beech, and many more. It is incredibly strong and durable. Because of being hard, Acacia wood is resistant to dents, scratches, and fungus attacks. Acacia wood is one of the best and hardwood for any woodworking project.
How to clean dog pee from hardwood floors?
Mix a one-to-one solution of white vinegar and water. Using a sponge, rub the solution onto the stain. Let it sit for 5-to-10 minutes, and then wipe it up with a clean, dry towel. Some experts advise using a more diluted formulation of 1/2-cup vinegar to one gallon of warm water.
Can you put polyurethane over wax on hardwood floors?
NO, you can’t polyurethane over wax. Rule of thumb requires you to first apply polyurethane to your piece of furniture and then wax as your final topcoat. If you want to poly an already waxed surface, you must remove the wax by wiping it down with a TSP solution or mineral spirit.
What not to put on hardwood floors?
Don’t use straight ammonia, alkaline products or abrasive cleaners. They’ll dull or scratch the finish. Don’t rely on lemon juice or a vinegar-and-water solution to clean hardwood floors. “I don’t recommend using vinegar or lemon juice, at least not in large quantities, as these can damage the floor’s seal,” said Wise.