- 1). Remove any baseboards or molding around the room using the pry bar. For easy replacement, number each board as you take it off. With a hardwood plank as a guide, cut any vertical trim around doorways with the back saw to allow the planks to fit underneath.
- 2). Pull up the current flooring and use this chance to silence any squeaks in the floor by putting wood screws through the subfloor into the floor joists.
- 3). Draw squared guidelines around the room about 1/4-inch from the wall with the chalk line. You must leave a gap between the planks and the wall to allow for expansion due to humidity. The gap is covered with quarter-round molding.
- 4). Lay the first row of planks parallel to the longest wall along the chalk line with the groove side closest to the wall. Fasten this first row into place with the hammer and finishing nails. Leave the gap at both ends of the row.
- 5). Place two or three rows of planks next to this first row to plan the seams within each row. Stagger the seams by row to avoid unsightly patterns by trimming one or more planks in each row with a table or circular saw.
- 6). Fasten the rows in place using the power hammer and mallet, continuing to stagger the seams as you work your way across the room.
- 7). Cut the final plank lengthwise, if necessary, to fit. Use the hammer and finishing nails to fasten this plank in place.
- 8). Replace the baseboards and cover the gap with quarter-round molding.
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