Installing Wood Flooring Without Tongue And Groove

How to nail down a tongue groove wooden floor without a power nailer.

Installing wood flooring without tongue and groove. If the subflooring is in good shape nail it down without the plywood assuming the engineered wood is of good quality and 1 2 in. Engineered tongue and groove planks. Tongue and groove edges lock hardwood flooring planks together along the seams ensuring a snug fit and hiding finishing nails but it is possible to install a wood floor without an interlocking. To keep the wide boards from cupping you ll face nail them with cut nails driven through the subfloor and into the joists photo 18.

Although tongue and groove solid hardwood flooring does fit together it must still be nailed to a subfloor. Installing tongue and groove floors engineered pre finished or bare wood is among the most popular diy projects and for good reason. The tongue and groove pine flooring must run perpendicular to the floor joists. For instance solid hardwood flooring is typically nailed down during installation while tongue and groove engineered flooring is usually clicked together or completely glued down.

The 3 4 in thick solid plank flooring shown is milled with a tongue and groove. Pro tips for installing tongue and groove flooring. Prep layout installation and finishing tips for tongue and groove floors. When you nail tongue and groove flooring properly the nails are invisible so american floor installers call the process.

Be sure to countersink the nail drive it slightly below the surface of the wood to prevent interference in the joint.