Carpet Express' Flooring Blog

Question: Can you give me any pointers on installing your hardwood flooring on a diagonal???? This is a bedroom with two door ways, one meeting tile the other going into a living area which will get hardwood down the road. Thanks for any pointers!!!!!

Sincerely,
-Charlie

Answer: Installing wood in a diagonal or 45 degree pattern is quite a task. The most important thing is to take your time in plumming out the room.

The easiest way to get your 45 degree angle is to go to the corner of the room (with a 90 degree angle) and measure three feet from the corner of the wall down the edge of the wall. Make a mark as close to the wall as possible. Staying in the same corner, measure three feet down the other (adjourning) wall, and make your next mark as close to that wall as possible. Now plum a line to both marks and this should form a triangle in that corner. This will give you a 45 degree angle and this should also be your starting point.

This is a pretty tough task, and since there’s no way I can cover everything in one paragraph, feel free to call me with any other questions. You can also go to www.nofma.com for pictures and more details.

Thanks!
-Mike Jones

First of all, I believe a consumer needs to understand what cabin or tavern grade wood is. It will consist of mineral streaks, knots, worm holes, missing tongues, off-shades, splits, and other blemishes. Always allow 15% for waste when using a Cabin or Tavern grade.

When installing this type of material, work out of 5-6 boxes at a time. You need to inspect each board before installing so you can cut out major defects and use those boards for either starter boards or end boads. Try to use the best looking boards in the middle of the room and in main traffic areas.

Use all other boards closer to the outer walls where they will be covered by couches, chairs, TVs, or other furniture. If possible, put the most defective boards in closets or underneath appliances.

The main thing is to be willing to accept the natural characteristics of the wood. If you take the time to preplan your installation, you should end up with a floor that you will enjoy and admire.

Above, Mike Jones demonstrates a nail down installation to a group of Do-It-Yourself students. Besides squaring the room properly and correct installation techniques, Mike shows how to get the least waste and the best look out of cabin grade wood. The students were pleased to learn that with proper tools and expert advice, hardwood installation is a fairly easy procedure.