I really wanna learn how to install hardwood floors myself. Got some books from Amazon, but they are not that good. I went to Floor and Decor cause they offer classes on Saturdays, but those a-holes are very unorganized. Anybody know of any classes one can take in the Houston area that would teach how to do the install?
I just finished installing laminate flooring in my bedroom and all I can say is practice with what you have. You can always take it apart. Install along the long side of the wall and then just make a row at the top. Make sure the row is staggered. This way you can see how many rows of board you're going to need and how you're going to have to cut the small pieces. I found it a lot easier to install afterwards.
http://www.homedepotclinics.com/ I know they have classes/clinics for laying down tiles, but not sure about hardwood. They also have some taped clinics online, too, if you get bored and want to watch them.
Here's a "how to" on Lowe's site for Wood flooring... I don't know if it'll be enough of a guide. They have other guides on there, too. http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=howTo&p=Improve/instwoodflooring.html
i had laminate floors when i bought my house, but i tore it all out. now i've got real red oak floors (huge relative discount) all over the whole house. i think they look better because they're long, random and doesn't look manufactured (i.e. 2'x2' laminated sections). but they are hard to take care of. i dropped a power screw driver while on top of a step ladder when changing a light fixture. the screw head peeled off a good chuck of wood. now i have to repair it. i don't have any advice. just saying... they look great btw. it's the first thing people notices when they see my house.
It looks great when it's not your house...when it comes time to sell people will be like wtf?!? where's the carpet?
no they won't. people are ready to replace carpet, anyway. hardwoods help sell houses, as do laminates. comparing laminates to hardwoods...i prefer laminates because they're easier to take care of. easier to keep clean...and scratch resistant.
Wrong. Most people nowadays prefer hard wood floors to carpet. Anyway, I read this thread as "Installing hardwood floors yourself-classLESS" Woops.
Thanks for the suggestions guys. I actually found a guy on craigslist that does hardwood floors. Made a deal with him to do one room in my parents house while I watch and learn. He did a really good job and actually had me help him with everything. Think I'll do all the other rooms as soon as I buy some tools.
