Understanding how to lay wooden flooring is crucial as it adds a touch of warmth to the interior of any Indian household as wood is a very durable and convenient material in India.

India, a tropical country, has an extensive range of wood available from different climatic regions. Therefore, wood is a very exclusive yet accessible material and wooden flooring is one of the most popular and traditional ways of construction in India. However, finding the right choice of wood is more than just selecting aesthetically pleasing wood. It depends on multiple factors such as appearance, climatic conditions, budget, usage, etc.

While it might seem difficult, laying wood for flooring can be a rewarding DIY project. This blog explores how to lay wooden flooring in India, with some tips considering the local climate and conditions.

Choosing the Right Wood

1. Climate Consideration:

Wood is a sustainable approach to design and India’s diverse climate requires choosing the right type of wood for wooden flooring. In today’s market of engineering woods, it is very important to look for the appropriate natural kind based on your climate and budget. Such as in humid regions like Kerala, opt for moisture-resistant woods like teak or rosewood. In drier areas, you can go for oak or maple.

2. Pre-treated Wood:

In the case of natural wooden flooring, ensure the wood is pre-treated to resist termites and other pests, which are common in many parts of India. It also makes the wooden flooring more durable and sustainable.

Selection of tools and material

Laying wooden flooring is a task that requires skilled professionals but also a calm and focused mind for execution. One can easily get it done by themselves with the following tools and materials.

• Wooden planks
• Underlayment (foam or cork)
• Moisture barrier (if needed)
• Tape measure
• Saw (manual or power)
• Hammer and nails or flooring nailer
• Spacers
• Adhesive (if required)
• Safety gear (gloves, goggles)

Installation Process

1. Accustom the Wood:

Before installation, you should let the wooden planks get adapted to the room’s temperature and humidity for at least 48 hours. This helps prevent expansion or contraction after the installation of the wooden flooring.

2. Select Installation Type:

There are two ways to lay wooden flooring, clicked or floating installation and glued down method. The click method is easier for the long term as you can replace any individual plank if needed without damaging the rest of the wooden floor.

3. Prepare the Subfloor:

The subfloor must be clean, dry, and level. As concrete subfloors are quite common in India, use a moisture barrier if necessary, especially in humid regions.

4. Choose Underlay or Glue:

Choosing the right underlay or glue is a crucial part of laying the wooden flooring. It also depends on what kind of method you are using for installation.

5. Lay the Planks:

• Count the quantity and dimensions of the wooden planks according to the width of the room.
• Make a mark on the wall where you’ll be laying your last full plank. The last plank should be at least 4 cm wide for easy installation.
• For an effective result, start laying your first row of hardwood planks in line with the longest wall.
• Make sure to alternate your alignment so that the end joints of the next rows are never in line. Leave at least 30 cm between them.
• Click or glue the first plank of the second row into the first plank of the first row and continue the same way.

6. Saw the Floor:

You will need to saw the wooden floor so that it can fit well with the space. Always saw your planks from the top surface facing upwards. Never forget to wear gloves and use a pencil to draw the cutting lines.

7. Finish the Flooring:

Once all the planks are laid, remove the spacers and install the baseboards to cover the expansion gap. Finish your wooden flooring style with matching skirting, wood polish, finishing profiles, and other touches.

Post Installation Tendance:

Wooden flooring needs enough attention and supervision. Such as,

1. Regular Cleaning:

Sweep or vacuum regularly to remove dust and dirt. Use a damp (not wet) mop with a wood-friendly cleaner for deeper cleaning.

2. Climate Control:

Maintain a consistent indoor climate to prevent the wood from expanding or contracting excessively.

3. Immediate Clearance of Spillage:

Wipe up spills immediately to prevent moisture damage.

Suggestions for Success:

You should always keep a few basic points in mind throughout the execution process of your wooden flooring. Such as,

1. Be Slow and Careful:

Rushing can lead to mistakes. Take your time to ensure each wooden plank is properly aligned in your floor.

2. Consult a Professional:

If you’re unsure or getting stuck at any step, consult a professional. Some tasks like preparing the subfloor, may need expert attention.

3. Quality Materials:

Try to invest in good quality woods and materials for a durable and long-lasting wooden floor.

Laying wooden flooring in India can be a satisfying project that enhances the appearance of your home. By following the given tips and considering the unique aspects of the local climate in India, you can get a stunning and professional-looking wooden floor finish. Don’t forget to invest in proper maintenance to make the wooden floor durable and achieve the goal of sustainability and promoting the use of traditional construction materials and techniques.

Content Writing And Research By: Ar. Shiwangi Saha