How To Install Tongue and Groove Flooring | Ask This Old House

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  • Опубліковано 15 січ 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 123

  • @MrEazyE357
    @MrEazyE357 3 роки тому +65

    It's so strange to be watching a show on a wireless, hand-held device that I can remember watching with my Dad on weekends before the world even had internet. Talk about longevity!

    • @matiasishere1487
      @matiasishere1487 2 місяці тому +1

      Crazy part is I feel they haven’t aged….. but I have!!

    • @inquisitor6002
      @inquisitor6002 24 дні тому +1

      How true, what a trip, no?

  • @alhirst7278
    @alhirst7278 Рік тому +5

    Thank you, Mr. Silva! So many so-called UA-cam "experts" show the tongue going toward the wall to start. I am so glad that this video steered me away from that misinformation. This Old House continues to be a professional and reliable source of information.

  • @peterputnam3804
    @peterputnam3804 3 роки тому +36

    I have installed many hardwood floors in my day one major issue is expansion in a large room. I measure from the straightest wall to the center of the room snap a line from end to end , glue in a homemade tonque, and nail from both sides back to the walls. This helps to even out any expansion . Also red rosin paper is laid down to help provide a surface that is uncoupled from the sub-floor.

    • @tcveatch
      @tcveatch 3 місяці тому +1

      Why would paper to allow slippage actually allow any movement when the boards are NAILED in place. There can be no slipping of nailed connection points. Am I wrong?

  • @stevejensen3471
    @stevejensen3471 3 роки тому +5

    I've done close to 30 floor jobs over the years and have always used unfinished oak which I sanded and then finished. Only way to go imho. Always good seeing ole Tom! Sure been many decades watching him and we're both alot grayer these days!

  • @uwillnevahno6837
    @uwillnevahno6837 3 роки тому +39

    as a homeowner that had to deal w/the prior owners DIY'ing a poorly installed flooring they glued I cannot stress enough DO NOT GLUE IT.

    • @NolanB250
      @NolanB250 3 роки тому +2

      Why not? No nails+glue? Or no glue only install?

    • @NeverBeenArrested
      @NeverBeenArrested 3 роки тому +8

      @@NolanB250 If you end up wanting to replace the floor, like Dee Cee had to do, you'll probably have to rip out the subflooring too because of the glue. Subflooring is also usually glued to the joists below it so you can imagine how hard this job is gonna be. If you just use nails and no glue, you can just rip out the floor and replace, alot less headaches

    • @juliof970
      @juliof970 3 роки тому

      I've had the horror of someone doing that. Screwed and glued and I had to circular saw out the floor.

    • @JoniAntonio
      @JoniAntonio 2 роки тому +4

      Any flooring larger than 4 1/4 inch wide needs to be glued down.

    • @uwillnevahno6837
      @uwillnevahno6837 2 роки тому +1

      @@JoniAntonio the slats I had to deal w/were at most 2 to 3 in wide. Also the click and snap slats we just installed didn't require gluing.

  • @salvadorsepulveda6415
    @salvadorsepulveda6415 3 роки тому +2

    Beginning of a playhouse for Christmas !! Nice work 👏

  • @oldtwinsna8347
    @oldtwinsna8347 3 роки тому +46

    They didn't show the last board pieces where often you have to cut it length wise.

    • @humboldtglitches9349
      @humboldtglitches9349 3 роки тому +3

      Use a scribe board which is basically just one of the other boards because it has a quarter inch tongue on it to make sure that it has a quarter inch Gap and you mark the quarter inch Gap with describe board if that didn't make sense let me know and I'll explain it better

  • @lembergnative7731
    @lembergnative7731 8 місяців тому

    absolutely perfect set of instructions.

  • @billbaillie3702
    @billbaillie3702 3 роки тому +8

    There's a beveled side on the mallet / hammer that's quite effective for driving / tapping the pieces together.

    • @Elfin4
      @Elfin4 9 днів тому

      Never use a mallet or hammer directly on boards. Use a scrap piece of boarding to tap joints together.

  • @moemanncann895
    @moemanncann895 2 роки тому

    Appreciate it despite critics, Mr Silva,sir, is a tongue and groove specialist, not too many floor areas are a tongue and groove in North America,and if they are, they're covered 👷

  • @Just_Chuck_It
    @Just_Chuck_It Рік тому +8

    I own my own remodeling and repair business. This is the only flooring I will install. This or tile. If the customer wants LVP or similar I sub the work out as I absolutely dislike how the LVP stuff looks and will not stand by it with my company name.
    When I install tongue and grove flooring, I install ¼" underlayment and use no adhesives. I also do not use a flooring stapler. Reason being it turns into an uptown game. I just rock non-marring knee pads and use my DeWalt 20v 16 gauge stapler with 2" staples. I have a cut man who does all the cutting and another who keeps the sticks moving as I install. Just like in this video I take a measurement, snap a line, shim the starting line to the wall for the desired set back from the wall and it's off to the races. When I get to the finish side I use 16 gauge finish nails along the trim line and if any nails are not covered by the trim I fill with the flooring manufacturers recommend or sometimes even included putty.
    So many color options for tongue and groove hardwood......... I really like the unfinished boards. Once down, use a floor sander, and and a palm sander for the ends and corners. Run the course to find treatment and then apply stain followed by choice of sealer.
    These kinds of floors will last for hundreds of years. Just look at the houses made in the late 1800's early 1900's to the 1980's. Many of them still have the original hardwood flooring that you can refinish to this day.

    • @DanaCasey01
      @DanaCasey01 Місяць тому

      What is the widest board you will stand behind with a staple only installation?

  • @peep39
    @peep39 Рік тому +1

    my old house has the old hard wood with no subfloor. Recently I replaced a floor joist and what "fun" that was. I taught myself a good technique, but there's just no easy way to trim off the dangling nails overhead except with elbow grease. I used a sawzall with a real bendy blade, but I've started shopping for some super flush cutting end nippers

  • @Peter_Schiavo
    @Peter_Schiavo 3 роки тому +5

    We moved to Spain and I miss my Saturday's watching new episodes. I don't even know if they're making new eps.

  • @LearnEnglishWithMatta
    @LearnEnglishWithMatta 2 роки тому +2

    So helpful for our project; thank you for this! 🇺🇸💪🏽

  • @ljk509
    @ljk509 4 місяці тому +2

    Hi - I am applying 3/4" T & G hardwood to a stairway landing, which is 6.5 ' x 3'. In this case, I am told I have to place the stair nosing first, working back to the wall. The back of the nosing has a groove, not a tongue. So how do I nail in the next course when there is no tongue to nail into?

  • @jeffrykwiat6811
    @jeffrykwiat6811 Рік тому +3

    Nicely done, however, I came here to see how to match the different size boards when laying them down on a much longer run, like 20 feet. Is the idea to use most of the longest boards and just use the shorter boards to create the 4-6" staggering boards between rows where needed?

  • @saeedsobhani4213
    @saeedsobhani4213 3 роки тому +3

    Nicely done, thanks for educational contents.

  • @jackmazza5742
    @jackmazza5742 7 місяців тому

    I am building new & using Milled 2x8 T&G for my subfloors, one and done. I will be gluing the hell out of it. 3 1/2" finishing nails.

  • @flynnfranklin2187
    @flynnfranklin2187 3 роки тому +2

    Wow! need him come to my house.

  • @sloan1919
    @sloan1919 Рік тому

    I feel like I owe this guy something. If Tom ends up in New Jersey, beeahs on me!

  • @NickFunderburk
    @NickFunderburk Рік тому +2

    Why would you glue the first row to the subfloor when you're leaving a gap to allow for to expansion and contraction? If the boards are glued down then they can't move...

  • @humboldtglitches9349
    @humboldtglitches9349 3 роки тому +3

    Also for face nailing you want to use a 15 gauge nailer on hardwood flooring that is 3/4 in roughly

  • @Guardducks
    @Guardducks 3 роки тому +2

    I like that Jack Tommy used to pull the floor together .

  • @dust09100
    @dust09100 3 роки тому +3

    Wish you would have shown the last rip

  • @PoBox-ix7lc
    @PoBox-ix7lc 9 місяців тому

    Would you glue and staple 1"x12"x16' pine tg on wood subfloor over crawalspace or vapor barrier w staples? Great work!

  • @Bvnbg0
    @Bvnbg0 3 місяці тому

    So, an expansion gap is figured into the layout and then at least the first course is glued, or the whole field can be glued. Doesn"t the glue prevent seasonal movement?

  • @humboldtglitches9349
    @humboldtglitches9349 3 роки тому +4

    Here's a note flooring guy here prefinished is nice for a diyre but if you really want the maximum nice look it is much better to get raw hardwood and then have somebody sand and finish it then to just go this route most places will turn out fine but you will have some spots there really could have used a little bit of leveling and or fill

  • @vrea77
    @vrea77 2 роки тому +1

    We're can I buy that little wood floor jack

  • @zajohoti4947
    @zajohoti4947 Рік тому

    Hi there I’m looking to totally replace my hardwood floor, too much creaking all
    Over the house. When I look underneath the existing the floor I see paper and planks. Do I need to lay down plywood, if so what thickness should I use? Thank you

  • @jaybutler6344
    @jaybutler6344 18 днів тому

    So, if you measure off the wall, then snap your chalk line, wouldn’t that make it uneven if either side of the wall itself isn’t even? I’m confused on this part. I thought we pulled the board off the wall so we weren’t measuring from the wall?

  • @Sean-Aviation
    @Sean-Aviation Рік тому +1

    but if measured off the wall on both ends to align the first plank, you may get the same mistake if the wall is not squared...how do you align the first row?

    • @jeffbushdesign
      @jeffbushdesign 11 місяців тому +1

      I was thinking the same thing. I saw in another video though that often the outside walls of the structure you can trust are straight and square so if you start from an outside wall you should be good.

  • @rosanadancel7225
    @rosanadancel7225 Рік тому +1

    Great video, what do you suggest in a cement flooring? Thank you

    • @codyswilley
      @codyswilley 3 місяці тому

      I also have cement flooring. What did you do?????

    • @DanaCasey01
      @DanaCasey01 Місяць тому +1

      @@codyswilleytrowel level and apply vinyl in this part of the country (north humid region).

  • @Charlie-tl4dv
    @Charlie-tl4dv Рік тому

    What if the floor is concrete and you put an insulation (foam-ish) layer between the concrete and the wood flooring?

  • @jimserhant7741
    @jimserhant7741 2 роки тому +1

    Would one be able to use an 18 gauge flooring stapler with 1 1/2” staples to install the floor without issues? Or is the rental nailer & mallet an absolute must? Im considering laying down 3/4” hardwood flooring in my home & already have a Bostitch 18 gauge trigger active flooring stapler.

    • @williambirksiii9455
      @williambirksiii9455 Рік тому +1

      Floor will be much tighter with the floor nailer. Due to its angle, the hammer strike to the nailer forces the board down to the subfloor and back to the previous board the instant before the fastener is driven in. The fastener then locks everything nice and tight. You can get boards pretty tight otherwise, but nothing compares to the floor nailer. Given these are supposed to be 100 year old floors, might as well do them nice and tight so they look good for decades to come.

  • @LOUDsigh
    @LOUDsigh 3 роки тому

    Best way to install barn doors in 115ish old house w/o destroying oak floors w/ those guide thingys. I was thinking rubber wheels but havent found any in insert into bottom of doors

  • @bobkrueger194
    @bobkrueger194 2 роки тому

    What fastners do you use for Brazilian Walnut?

  • @weedaq
    @weedaq 3 роки тому +10

    what about letting the wood acclimate to the environment? Especially since you will be nailing it.

    • @robertf6344
      @robertf6344 3 роки тому +3

      I didn't. I installed about 2000 sq ft of it 14 yrs ago and no problem. It squeaks and cracks a little in winter with the low humidity but that doesn't bother me at all.

    • @Cravz69
      @Cravz69 3 роки тому +1

      @@robertf6344
      Same here!

    • @kylegrimm8808
      @kylegrimm8808 3 роки тому +1

      @@robertf6344 it's shouldn't do that. Bad material and or install.

    • @robertf6344
      @robertf6344 3 роки тому +3

      @@kylegrimm8808 If it's a question for anyone reading, then fwiw, I used prefinished natural oak 3-1/4 from lumber liquidators. Price was good, and again, I actually like the little creaks. This was about 12 yrs ago. Not sure if it always creaked with humidity changes, or if it started with the changing widths over time. If someone doesn't want creaks then worth looking into.

    • @augustreil
      @augustreil 3 роки тому +3

      @@robertf6344, I like the little creaks also, reminds me of being in Grandma's house 40 yrs ago !

  • @Bottleworksnet
    @Bottleworksnet 2 роки тому +10

    They skipped showing the last couple rows, which is the hardest part!

    • @TheMVCoho
      @TheMVCoho Рік тому +1

      They showed a fancy leverage tool by bostich and you just have to face nail when you can no longer hit the tongue.

  • @Sean-Aviation
    @Sean-Aviation 2 роки тому

    the adhesive can be great to eliminate the annoying squeaking later on. what's better, underlayer or adhesive?

    • @MrJordanFranks
      @MrJordanFranks Рік тому +2

      Adhesive is by far superior

    • @DanaCasey01
      @DanaCasey01 Місяць тому

      Also important if you aren't end matched or if planks are wider - 6"+ to prevent cupping. Depends on your area - vapor barriers, underlayment and humidity management too.

  • @michaeljorden2457
    @michaeljorden2457 3 роки тому +12

    Good thing Kevin had his work boots on.

  • @MrBritrider
    @MrBritrider 3 роки тому

    Does the starter course have to be nailed over floor joists or anywhere on the subfloor?

  • @stephane184
    @stephane184 2 роки тому +2

    My wood manufacturer recommends 3/4 in expansion gap. You’re using 3/16!
    I have a large gap to cover with baseboard 😟

  • @stevepwn
    @stevepwn 3 роки тому +1

    is this new or old episode?

  • @irgtk
    @irgtk 3 роки тому +3

    What happened to using rosin paper or roofing felt under layment?

    • @mr.g937
      @mr.g937 3 роки тому +1

      Why do you need that?

    • @augustreil
      @augustreil 3 роки тому

      Can't glue if it used, but it helps with noise.

  • @dtemp132
    @dtemp132 3 роки тому

    What kind of mallet is that Tommy is using?

    • @mohammadkhan7903
      @mohammadkhan7903 3 роки тому +1

      It's the mallet that comes with the flooring nailer. Dual purpose for the nailer and to tap the boards in

  • @Bigmike55626
    @Bigmike55626 3 роки тому +5

    Flooring contractors have a lot of work because videos like this give DIYers confidence and end up screwing the whole floor wether it’s installing or refinishing.

  • @bobwhelk2118
    @bobwhelk2118 3 роки тому

    I thought Tom was dead! Nice to see your still
    Kicking it bro!

    • @armyvet8279
      @armyvet8279 3 роки тому +1

      Really?? Hell no he's not dead, yet 😆

  • @codycampbell6805
    @codycampbell6805 2 роки тому

    I don’t ever put adhesive on my wall course. Good shims only.

  • @yomamabig3032
    @yomamabig3032 3 роки тому

    If anybody was wondering the wood species that they are installing it’s white oak

  • @rcarioca
    @rcarioca 11 місяців тому

    I have seen people use a layer of thin brown kraft like paper on the subfloor before putting the hardwood down. No idea why

  • @ef2b
    @ef2b 3 роки тому

    How is it possible to get a flat and level floor with prefinished flooring when unfinished flooring needs to be sanded flat and level before finishing? I don't think you'd ever lay unfinished and then go right to finishing without sanding it all flat, would you? What is the magic that allows the prefinished comes out all at the same level?

    • @dmitryvashchishin
      @dmitryvashchishin 3 роки тому

      Usually prefinishex floors have beveled edges and every board is ran through a plainer to make the all uniform, unfinished product just gets cut and has straight edging

    • @ef2b
      @ef2b 3 роки тому

      @@dmitryvashchishin Thank you! The bevels are hiding the inconsistencies. Very clever, and I didn't realize there were bevels. The bevels are enough for me to not want to have it in my home, I think. I don't want to deal with the cleaning issues that must occur over time.

    • @Dirtyharry70585
      @Dirtyharry70585 3 роки тому

      @@ef2b brother in law’s dishwasher leaked and caused their 3/4 sanded sealed floor to warp at the joints. Not like it flooded. I believe the installer (imprted labor) failed to seal around the dishwasher cabinet and the water got under it., plus water fitting booger up.

    • @tycox8704
      @tycox8704 3 роки тому +1

      The trick is to sand your sub-flooring nice and flat instead. I’m kidding.

    • @Bigmike55626
      @Bigmike55626 3 роки тому +1

      Sub floor prep,

  • @steve_main
    @steve_main 3 роки тому

    I see that you are transferring those cut marks to the top of the plank from the bottom of the plank. Why cant you cut the piece with the finished side down on the saw? Is this solely to prevent roughing up the finish? Seems like its extra work and possibility to add or subtract a 1/4 of an inch

    • @scottmitchell5907
      @scottmitchell5907 3 роки тому

      if by roughing up the finish you mean blowing out the finished side and it looking like crap, then yes. They didn't explain a lot of the finer points but thats likely due to time.

    • @steve_main
      @steve_main 3 роки тому

      @@scottmitchell5907 ohh yeah duh that makes sense the bottom of the cut would blow out. Thanks, knew there had to be a reason.

  • @jameskozlowski4139
    @jameskozlowski4139 3 роки тому +5

    Its easy when your floor is 3ft off the ground.

  • @matthewbattie1022
    @matthewbattie1022 3 роки тому +33

    I’m a long time this old house fan, and I love you guys, however having done many hardwood floors I have to say you forgot so many important tips such as underlayment, substrate preparation, room layout_planning, climate acclamation, Sheetrock cutback, and proper cut stratification. I have also seen liquid nails causing expansion and contraction problems such as buckling, and separation.

    • @ProfessorOfLogic81
      @ProfessorOfLogic81 3 роки тому +34

      They also forgot to visit the forest where the wood was harvested from

  • @jennabryant4081
    @jennabryant4081 2 роки тому +3

    Why not show how to trim the last board and install the slimmer final board when it's not a perfect fit... That's a key step in this process. And it's obvious that you guys did it, but decided not to show...

  • @olroy61
    @olroy61 Рік тому +2

    Never ever glue a 3/4 inch wood floor. Any engineered wood floor that get glued down should be installed over a 1/4 inch underlayment. If this isn't done, and you've glued straight to the subfloor, any repairs that are needed are going to severely damage the subfloor when the boards are removed. Speaking with 45 years experience in the wood floor business.

  • @stevem048
    @stevem048 3 роки тому +2

    Pre finished is great unless your contractor scratches the crap out of it installing a refrigerator. Re finishing Pre finished flooring sucks and it’s never the same.

  • @robertf6344
    @robertf6344 3 роки тому +4

    Don't rent the stapler. You could buy 30 new ones for what you'd pay in rent to install 4 or 5 rooms of hardwood.

    • @Dirtyharry70585
      @Dirtyharry70585 3 роки тому +2

      My first entry way, (1990) was pre-finished 5/16” oak and used a craftsman electric Brad nailer. Still down and beautiful. Now manufactures make battery back nailers. Back then I just used a spare piece of flooring to wack on.

  • @DeanDecoursey
    @DeanDecoursey 7 місяців тому

    Using staples to install flooring makes it a nightmare to remove individual or several boards when home renovations occur. I prefer “L” or “T” nails.

  • @boiboidang7613
    @boiboidang7613 3 роки тому

    Tom Tom 🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🙏🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀

  • @meinkamph5327
    @meinkamph5327 3 роки тому +4

    Yeah, but what if the floor isn't perfectly square?
    It's kinda hard to screw up tongue and groove flooring.

    • @Guardducks
      @Guardducks 3 роки тому

      Better yet , what if the floor is buckled ?

  • @flfl3969
    @flfl3969 2 роки тому +3

    Unfortunately this how-to is poorly done. They should have checked the overall layout to see what the final cut piece at the other edge of the wall is. Checking both sides of the layout to make sure your edge cuts are equal is a critically important step when starting a project.

  • @Elfin4
    @Elfin4 9 днів тому

    Why use glue then nail the first board, surely that will restrict thermal movement? Also the gap around the perimeter should be minimum 10mm to allow for thermal movement? Did you also forget about a separation layer between the boards? Surely this type of flooring should be a floating floor for movement. Nailing each and every board like this doesn't allow for cramping up the joints and it is a method that tends to allow boards to creep creating gaps in the joints. When laying real T&G boards over joists we would lay about 6 or 7 boards then cramp up the boards before fixing them to the joists. You could easily lay 3 or 4 boards then use sacrificial wedges one temporarily screwed to the floor and wedge up the boards instead of using a proper floor clamp which couldn't be used in these floor types. Also avoids using a rubber mallet or any hammer as that can also damage the boards.

  • @cherrygarcia5514
    @cherrygarcia5514 3 роки тому +4

    That last board was just too difficult

  • @williamwright3735
    @williamwright3735 3 роки тому +3

    While I love some of the videos on this channel, as a hardwood installer this made me cringe a bit. Even before I had a cleat palm nailer, I would predrill the boards and use a cleat. You can get within 5 inches of a wall easy that way and now with palm nailers you can get closer than that. I hate face nails on a floor (except starter row where baseboard will cover it), and seeing that stuff makes me think the home owner did it.

  • @runs3492
    @runs3492 3 роки тому

    👍☺☺

  • @fingersmagillicuddy4322
    @fingersmagillicuddy4322 2 роки тому +1

    And in 3, 2,1, ………… you’re doing it wrong Tom! lol

  • @michaeltang7238
    @michaeltang7238 3 роки тому

    Would you like to test generator inelt box ?

  • @kevinrowe2332
    @kevinrowe2332 2 роки тому

    Not a professional institution, this is what home owners do that don't want to pay a professional installer like myself.

  • @Dirtyharry70585
    @Dirtyharry70585 3 роки тому +5

    Nice to see them use a $1500 miter saw, just like 99% of the rest of us…..me it’s a 1989 Delta I bought new still working

    • @hali22996
      @hali22996 3 роки тому +1

      I mean…..you dont have to have that, any saw works the same

    • @Dirtyharry70585
      @Dirtyharry70585 3 роки тому

      @@hali22996 yup, your not building spaceships

    • @maxwellgriffith
      @maxwellgriffith 3 роки тому

      Almost everything Tom uses is Festool, it’s no different than any other ToH video or episode

  • @paulturner3590
    @paulturner3590 3 роки тому +2

    I grew up with This Old House and for the most part love their stuff. Unfortunately this video is so full of inaccuracies and poor practices that I have to give it a big thumbs down. If you're looking to DIY a hardwood floor install, watch something different or better yet read the instructions that came with your product. Every manufacturer will tell you how best to install their product.

  • @superpolymath
    @superpolymath 7 місяців тому

    Not that it matters, but both of these fellas are wearing obvious hair pieces right?

  • @lunchlady2023
    @lunchlady2023 3 роки тому

    Tongue goes into groove. Show over.

  • @alwayssearching1882
    @alwayssearching1882 29 днів тому

    Too squeaky for me.

  • @borys444
    @borys444 3 роки тому +2

    2nd to last row is not straight…