In today’s world, different types of floorings are being used for various purposes. We need floorings in our houses, offices, parking areas or other public places. The latest trend is the herringbone floor that creates a pleasant and warm environment. If you want to follow this beautiful looking trend, then find herringbone flooring here.
However, many face issues while installing the floor. So, let us help you out a bit on how to install the herringbone floor the right way.
Table of Contents
What is the herringbone floor?
The herringbone floor is a type of wooden flooring that is arranged in shape like bones of fish such as a herring, with the pieces of wooden slabs slashed in different shapes to fit into the floor. The block’s shape can be rectangular or parallel.
The edge ratios are usually 2:1, and sometimes 3:1, but need not be even. The herringbone patterns have a symmetrical shape that looks elegant when used on floors. You can see these types of patterns in wallpapers, mosaics, clothes, sculptures, jewelry, paintings, and elsewhere.
Why should it be done precisely?
As we have discussed, the herringbone floor is arranged in a symmetric way, which makes it very difficult to install, and the precision must be maintained. If any of the pieces will not be placed in a proper position, then it will look worse and will not look pleasing. As it is a work of precision, it requires the best quality materials and tools.
The quality grade materials and proper tools you will need are as follows:
- Flooring
- Glue
- Ply
- spline
- Tape
- Square slab
- Marking line
- Screws and drill
- Nailer
How to install the herringbone floor with precision?
Now we will look at the installation of a herringbone floor. As it is a work of accuracy, we will understand this step by step:
Step 1: Decide direction and check the distance
Decide the direction in which herringbone will move. When decided, mark a line from the room’s center. To establish the line on which you are going to work, figure out what is the distance between the slat’s corners.
Dry-fit a few slats together and snap lines through the corners and check the distance. Or you can use a square to mark 45-degree angles from the same end of the slat for each corner and then check the distance from the corner to where the line is intersecting.
Step 2: Clearly mark lines
Now whatever the area is, split that in half and mark that distance on any side. You should make a clearly visible and accurate line. There are many options for chalk lines such as braided fish lines.
Snap lines on any side of the line. Use different colored lines for different types of marking such as centerline, a working line that helps you to arrange Herrington slats.
Step 3: Use the plywood
Start from the first one with the use of a backer board made from ply. Make sure it is of the same parameters as the pattern you are planning to draw. Always check the plywood twice to ensure stability.
Everything should be lined up and screwed on the board. Use good quality grade adhesives on both board and floor. You can also use nails in some areas of the floor.
Step 4: Place the slats & spline
Lay the first one and spline carefully. Now, precisely lay the next one and nail at the right place. Insert the next spline in a way making sure each end joint is interlocked.
As you place the pieces, be careful with the lines so that they can be seen from the adhesive and can be adjusted when needed. Keep checking if it’s going straight along the floor or not. Continue to use nails on the floor in the way that it can help to adjust it promptly.
In case you have not done nailing, transfer the working lines over the next rows. Then take the spline and insert it into the last point when starting the next row and then carefully place the next one.
Step 5: Keep everything in check
Keep checking for the square shape and screws of the previous slat row once you have laid three slats. This way you do not have to worry about the slats getting disarranged before you begin the nailing process.
Keep checking the angles to ensure slats are not moving while you are screwing each piece. Replace the board with screws before the glue or adhesive dries. Keep double-checking the distance of the corners and the following line. Checking the distance periodically ensures that the installation is correct.
Conclusion
Clearly, the installation process for the herringbone floor is a tricky one! One must keep checking twice while installing the floor. Herringbone flooring is a type of wooden flooring that needs lots of skill and measurement to maintain its symmetric Herrington Bone design. If you are looking for professional flooring, find herringbone flooring here.