[Quicksilver]

Hi. I guess I will start off by saying I am a beginner at home reno's. I 2 1/4" Beech hardwood to install in 2 rooms and a hallway. I have access to a Mitre Saw (was told it cuts straight but the arm may be bent for angle cuts?), circular saw, floor nailer.

What size compressor will run the floor nailer? There is one on sale at CT 2HP I think for 50 bucks

Do I need an 82 teeth blade for the Mitre Saw?

Should I pick up a portable table saw at $129?

 

[oh'mike]

All cuts are hidden by base and shoe so any reasonable blade will do for the chop saw.

A table saw is handy--however,for a one shot job like this ,you could nail the board to be cut(on the waste side) onto your work table and use a circular saw.

Someone else can give you the low down on a compressor.---Mike---

 

[rusty baker]

Have you done a moisture test? Have you acclimated the flooring? Have you checked the manu's requirements for fasteners?

 

[CplDevilDog]

Make sure and have your splines ready for when you "turn the corner". If you can't find them at your local BB store, check with a flooring store. In a pinch some dowel sizes may work.

A 15 or 16g finish nailer for face nailing your last couple of runs.

 

[DannyT]

i did some hardwood floors in our house recently and ended up buying a floor nailer. the instructions said start at 90 pounds and go from there. I ended up at 60 pounds and it sunk the staples perfectly. i used the little compressor i bought for 70 something dollars and worked great. I had to use splines in 2 rooms so far they worked great and make it so much easier to lay the floor.

 

[Quicksilver]

Thanks guys.

Gathering all necessary tools tonight. Prep tomorrow and hopefully start laying in 2 days.

I am starting with a 90 square foot room myself and if things do not go well I will call in a pro.

Another question...I have been told to start laying the flooring at the door to the room and work my way "back" to the wall on the other side of the room (rectangular). This was advised as the doorway is where you want things as exact as possible and the rear wall will hide any "mistakes".
Other people have told me to start at the rear wall and work towards the doorway. One small closet in the room to do after as well.

 

[oh'mike]

Use a ruler and a calculator---See what size cut you will end up with---Width iof the room in inches divided by the width of the flooring

Remember to get some splines so you you can switch directions---