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10-13-2009, 04:01 PM | #1 |
Wicked-Bad
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Vancouver, Canada
Posts: 2,162
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So I just bought a new condo and I am going to install some hardwood floors. I was just going to do it myself, cause everyone says it's easy to do. The product is actually a bamboo and it's a click installation, no nails. I 'm gonna float it, so the only bit of glue I need is at the joints.
I've been told the hardest thing about hardwood floors is the measuring and cutting around doorways, etc. Has anyone here done it? Is it as easy as they say? Or should I just pay the money to get it installed? the cheapest I've been quoated was $2 per square foot (The space I'm renovating is only 350 sq ft). Not a heck of a lot of money, but I want a tv and PS3 (I haven't owned a TV for five years), and that $700 would help. Plus, I think I would get some personal satisfaction out of installing it myself. I've always wanted to do renovations, but never had the chance to until now... |
10-13-2009, 04:03 PM | #2 |
more than a conquerer
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: I helped take the BST Forum here to heights never known to mankind! For real, yo!
Posts: 10,502
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you can get some help at maybe Lowes or Home Depot, and they sell books there as well on how to do the installation yourself.
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10-13-2009, 04:06 PM | #3 |
Crimson Guard
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Georgia
Posts: 1,271
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Funny you say Bamboo, I'm actually thinking of putting Bamboo hardwood floors in my home. Wish I could give you some advice, but I'm paying Home Depot to do it.
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10-13-2009, 04:08 PM | #4 |
Mad Scientist at Large
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 14,793
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Also, always buy at least 5-10% more than what you need for when you mess something up (and believe me, you will). The corners are touchy, but it's just a matter of having the right tools and a lot of patience.
Home improvement books that specifically list the kind of materials you work with help also. |
10-13-2009, 04:15 PM | #5 |
bridge layer
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: cleveland ohio
Posts: 1,234
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if you got a jig saw and a japan saw then you are o.k.. skill makes an affordable jigsaw... and the one I use is the $80 hitachi that Lowes sells. woodworking magazine rated it a #1 product... so I bought one when my craftsman became out of date and too untrustworthy. If you can remove and replace the molding then you especially shouldn't need help. try watching a quick youtube of a DIY network showcasing a floating floor, then you'll be prepared for sure. good luck
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10-13-2009, 04:15 PM | #6 |
Cobra Soldier
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Arlington, VA.
Posts: 20
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hey guys, just a quick word to the wise, for what it's worth.
a few years back, i bought a condo and chose to install bamboo flooring (didn't do it myself, had it installed a lowes subcontractor). here's the end result: although bamboo flooring looks really sleek and modern, i found that it was NOWHERE NEAR AS STURDY as traditional wood flooring. seriously, if i even BREATHED on that floor too hard, it would get dented. if my wife or her friends walked around in high heels, it would leave divots. i once tried to move my coffee table, and it left scratches. so anyways, maybe i just had a bad experience or something... but i have heard the same thing from other bamboo floor owners, as well. end result: cool looking floors that damage easily... |
10-13-2009, 04:17 PM | #7 |
bridge layer
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: cleveland ohio
Posts: 1,234
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ohhh... and remember the biggest rule is plot before you cut anything!!!!! make sure everything is pretty centered.
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10-13-2009, 04:18 PM | #8 |
Dixieland Delight
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: birmingham
Posts: 2,081
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I did it. It was not too bad. I thought I could crank it out in a weekend -- took two plus and other 1 or two weekdays to do the finishing work.
My advice -- if you can take off your baseboards, for the love of man, do it. that was the single hardest part. I laid the starting pieces under the baseboards at the front corner, but did not realize that hey, you cant do that under the baseboard of each wall -- only two. So do not forget about the quarter-round or whatever trim you decide upon. The door trims were a huge pain, too, as mine go all the way to the sub-floor. cutting around them was awful. Tools I used: chop saw skill saw jig saw square Dremmel with a blade attachment to notch out the door frames air compressor with a tack gun for molding It is rewarding, yes. But man it was a pain there for a while.
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10-13-2009, 04:19 PM | #9 |
Wicked-Bad
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Vancouver, Canada
Posts: 2,162
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Quote:
Yeah, that's a good idea. I already factored in the extra waste. |
10-13-2009, 04:21 PM | #10 |
bridge layer
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: cleveland ohio
Posts: 1,234
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and i agree with skilkie that anything with fabricated textures seams to dent and looks streaky with scratches overtime. Try finding the bamboo with a duller, sanded looking finish. the higher end stuff looks like that.
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