Hardwood flooring installation involves several steps to ensure a durable and visually appealing result. Here's an in-depth look at the process:

1. Subfloor Preparation:

   • Start by removing the existing flooring, such as carpet or tiles, to expose the subfloor.

   • Inspect the subfloor for any damage, irregularities, or moisture issues. Repair or address these concerns before proceeding.

   • Ensure the subfloor is clean, level, and dry. This may involve sanding down uneven surfaces and applying a moisture barrier if necessary.

2. Acclimatisation:

   • Hardwood flooring needs to acclimate to the environment before installation. Store the flooring planks in the room where they will be installed for a specified period (usually 2-3 days) to allow them to adjust to the temperature and humidity conditions.

3. Underlayment Installation:

   • In some cases, an underlayment layer may be required to provide additional sound insulation, moisture protection, or cushioning. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for selecting and installing the appropriate underlayment material.

4. Inspecting Trims and Profiles:

   • Trims and profiles play a crucial role in concealing gaps between your flooring and walls while ensuring a seamless transition between different flooring materials. It is vital to ensure the precise installation of trims and profiles, using the appropriate size and type suitable for your specific flooring.

5. Installation Method:

   • There are three common methods for installing hardwood flooring: nail-down, glue-down, and floating.
     a. Nail-down Installation:

     • Start by laying down a vapour barrier over the subfloor to prevent moisture penetration.

     • Begin the installation along the longest wall in the room, leaving an expansion gap of 10-15 mm around the perimeter.

     • Secure the first row of flooring by drilling pilot holes at an angle and nailing the boards into the subfloor using a flooring nailer.

     • Continue installing subsequent rows, ensuring tight seams between the planks.

     • Stagger the end joints by more than 10-15 mm. This creates a visually appealing and natural appearance. 

     • Use off-cut from the first two rows, which measures over 300mm, to begin the third row. However, if it is not long enough, cut a new plank to start the third row. 

     • Use a tapping block and mallet to gently tap the boards together, ensuring a snug fit.

b. Glue-down Installation:

5. • • Apply a high-quality flooring adhesive to the subfloor using a trowel or recommended application method.

     • Start with the longest and straightest wall, laying the boards parallel to it.

     • Press each board firmly into the adhesive, ensuring proper alignment and tight seams.

     • Use weights or clamps to hold the boards in place until the adhesive dries.

c. Floating Installation:

5. • • Lay down an underlayment with an integrated moisture barrier.

     • Begin installation along the longest wall, leaving a small expansion gap.

     • Connect the planks by interlocking the tongue-and-groove edges, using a tapping block and mallet to secure them tightly.

     • Install additional rows, staggering the joints for added stability.

6. Finishing Touches:

   • Install baseboards or molding to cover the expansion gap and provide a clean, finished appearance.

   • Fill any nail holes or gaps between the boards with wood filler. Choose a filler that matches the colour of the timber. 

   • Sand the floor lightly in the direction of the grain to ensure a smooth surface and remove any imperfections.

   • Apply a protective finish, such as solvent-based finish or water-based finish, to enhance the durability and beauty of the hardwood.

7. Curing and Maintenance:

   • Allow the finish to cure as per the manufacturer's instructions before placing furniture or heavy objects on the floor.

   • Follow the recommended maintenance guidelines, including regular sweeping or vacuuming, occasional damp mopping with a wood floor cleaner, and promptly addressing spills or stains.

Engineered timber flooring offers increased stability and versatility compared to solid hardwood. The installation process for engineered timber involves the following steps:

1. Subfloor Preparation:

   • Prepare the subfloor by ensuring it is clean, level, and dry.

   • Address any moisture issues or irregularities in the subfloor before installation.

   • Install an appropriate underlayment, if required, for moisture protection or sound insulation.

2. Acclimatisation:

   • Store the engineered timber planks in the installation area for a specified period to allow them to adjust to the room's temperature and humidity conditions.

3. Installation Method:

   • Engineered timber flooring can be installed using one of three methods: glue-down, nail-down, or floating.
     a. Glue-down Installation:

     • Apply a recommended adhesive to the subfloor using a trowel or recommended application method.

     • Start in one corner of the room and work your way across, ensuring proper alignment and tight seams between the planks.

     • Press each plank firmly into the adhesive, following the manufacturer's guidelines.

b. Nail-down Installation:

3. • • Install a vapor barrier or underlayment, if necessary.

     • Begin installation along the longest wall, leaving an expansion gap around the perimeter.

     • Nail each board into the subfloor using a flooring nailer, ensuring the nails penetrate the tongue at an angle.

c. Floating Installation:

3. • • Lay down an underlayment suitable for engineered timber flooring.

     • Start installation along the longest wall, leaving an expansion gap.

     • Connect the planks by interlocking the tongue-and-groove edges, using a tapping block and mallet to secure them tightly.

     • Continue installing subsequent rows, staggering the joints for added stability.

4. Finishing Touches and Maintenance:

   • Install baseboards or molding to cover the expansion gap and provide a finished look.

   • Follow the recommended maintenance guidelines for engineered timber flooring, including regular cleaning and protection against spills and scratches.

Hybrid flooring combines the best features of laminate and vinyl flooring with the natural beauty of timber. The installation process for hybrid flooring involves the following steps:

1. Subfloor Preparation:

   • Ensure the subfloor is clean, level, and dry. Address any irregularities or moisture issues before installation.

   • In some cases, an underlayment may be required for additional moisture protection, sound insulation, or cushioning.

2. Acclimatisation:

   • Allow the hybrid flooring planks to acclimate to the installation area for a specified period, following the manufacturer's recommendations.

3. Installation Method:

   • Hybrid flooring is typically installed using a floating method.
     a. Floating Installation:

     • Lay down the underlayment suitable for hybrid flooring, ensuring a tight fit between each piece.

     • Start installation along the longest wall, leaving an expansion gap.

     • Connect the planks by interlocking the tongue-and-groove edges, using a tapping block and mallet to secure them tightly.

     • Install subsequent rows, staggering the joints for stability.

4. Finishing Touches and Maintenance:

   • Install baseboards or molding to cover the expansion gap and create a polished look.

   • Follow the recommended maintenance guidelines for hybrid flooring, including regular cleaning and protection against spills and scratches.

Laminate flooring offers an affordable alternative to hardwood while providing various design options. The installation process for laminate flooring includes the following steps:

1. Subfloor Preparation:

   • Ensure the subfloor is clean, level, and dry. Address any irregularities or moisture issues before installation.

   • In most cases, an underlayment is recommended for sound insulation and to address minor subfloor imperfections.

2. Acclimatisation:

   • Allow the laminate flooring planks to acclimate to the installation area for a specified period, following the manufacturer's guidelines.

3. Installation Method:

   • Laminate flooring is typically installed using a floating method.
     a. Floating Installation:

     • Lay down the underlayment suitable for laminate flooring, ensuring a tight fit between each piece.

     • Begin installation along the longest wall, leaving an expansion gap.

     • Connect the planks by interlocking the tongue-and-groove edges, using a tapping block and mallet to secure them tightly.

     • Install subsequent rows, staggering the joints for added stability.

4. Finishing Touches and Maintenance:

   • Install baseboards or molding to cover the expansion gap and provide a finished appearance.

   • Follow the recommended maintenance guidelines for laminate flooring, including regular cleaning and protection against spills and scratches.