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How to Install Hardwood Flooring (Complete Instructions)

Fred | January 19, 2012

We first ran this article in 2010. It provides detailed instructions for installing hardwood flooring over a wood substructure. It chronicles tutorials for each step of the process, derived from our installation of 3/4 inch solid, tongue-and-groove Brazilian Walnut hardwoods in our own home! At the bottom, we provide links to posts on the tools we use and frequently recommend for hardwood installation. Below is one picture of the final product. Here’s the rest. This project was a lot of fun. We hope you enjoy the tutorial! While...

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How to Level a Plywood or OSB Subfloor Using Asphalt Shingles & Construction Felt

Fred | December 10, 2011

This article is part of our series on How to Install Hardwood Floors. While preparing to lay 1100 square feet of hardwood flooring, we discovered significant variation in the OSB subfloor that will serve as the nailing surface for the hardwoods. This article provides detailed instructions for leveling a subfloor based on our project. Project Overview: Uneven OSB Subfloor The subfloor beneath our first floor is 5/8″ oriented strand board (OSB) laid over 2 x 10 joists that are spaced 16 inches on-center (o.c.). The joists run from...

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How to Paint an Epoxy Concrete Floor Coating (Quikrete Example)

Ethan | November 29, 2011

This past week Fred, Kim and I were able to tackle another project for the official OPC workshop. We applied an epoxy garage floor coating to cover those ugly oil stains and give the shop a nice, polished look. I’m amazed at the difference the floor makes and would recommend an epoxy coating for anyone looking to class-up their garage, basement or other concrete surface. Read on to learn how we did it and a few tips to remember when you start this project. Quikrete was kind enough to send us a few kits for this tutorial. I’m...

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How to Cut Baseboard Molding with a Coping Saw

Ethan | October 24, 2011

I’ve been installing the baseboard molding, and it’s going up pretty quick. I completed about half of the molding last Saturday, and plan to finish the rest this weekend. The toughest part about installing any molding (baseboard, shoe molding, chair rail, crown molding) is getting all those corners to line up nicely. As is often the case, most walls are not perfectly square making it even more challenging. Outside corners have to be miter joints unless you chose to use decorative corner blocks. Inside corners can be miter joints...

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How to Install Baseboard and Shoe Molding for Hardwood Floors

Fred | July 9, 2010

Baseboard and shoe molding dress up a new hardwood flooring installation. After you’ve put in the time installing the new floor, trimming it out frames the floor, showcasing the hardwoods just like a quality frame showcases quality art. Baseboard comes in many different shapes and sizes and should be picked based on a balanced approach to style and money. The simplest builder-grade primed white baseboard can be purchased at Home Depot or Lowes for around $0.30 / linear foot, while stain-grade elaborate baseboards can cost as much...

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