How to install hardwood flooring

Choosing the type of wood

There are three types of wood when you decide to begin your flooring project. These are:

Red oak wood
This is a high quality hardwood. It is approximately $5/square foot. There is a large number of variatons of the pattern you can get in terms of the red oak hardwood you would like, as well as different species, etc.

Natural maple
Maple has a bit more variation in terms of the color, along with the pattern. It can be purchased in terms of width, ranging from 4' to 6'. It is a little bit tougher then red oak. It costs about $4/sq. ft.

Rustic ash
It's a bit less expensive ($3/sq. ft) and variates a bit more in terms of pattern. It's a bit more of a recreational tone of wood - better to use in a room that your kids can enjoy. If you want to use a more classy wood design, like one your dining table set sits upon, try red oak or maple.

Setting up your floor for construction: making chalk lines, borders, and symmetrical patterns

You'll want to start out drawing chalk lines, and a 'test' of your pattern to make sure it's going to work. Most interior designers or carpenters prefer to isolate a small section of the floor at first. Start out by drawing a chalk line border around a focal point of the room - such as a fireplace or door. Having a chalk line is important - you want to make sure that your piece of wood lines up, otherwise your flooring dream could turn into an uneven nightmare; and you'll have to rip up all the planks and start all over.