Hi guys, great forum. I have been reading this forum for over a months now, and am getting a lot of great information from all the feedbacks. I am in the process of installing hardwood in my home and would like some suggestions before I begin.

I purchase over 1000sq feet of Bruce Kennandale maple 3and1/4 planks. They have been sitting in my house with the ends open for about a week now. I plan on installing the floor during the christmas weekend(only time I have free). The subfloor is 1/2 inch plywood, with an additional 1/2 inch of osb board placed on top. The osb are screwed down with 1and1/4 inch screws. Will be laying felt paper on top of the osb before laying down hardwood. My livingroom is 24x13 with the walls being off by about 1/2 inch from one side to the other. I will be laying down tile in the foyer which will be even with the hardwood. My question is I live in Ohio, the home is about 400-600 feet from a little creek. The home has no sump pump so I dont think that the creek is any problems to the moisture of the home. What do you guys think I should use, cleats or staples and what size should I use? I will try to post some pics when I get a chance and hopefully get more questions answered before I begin the installing process.

[quote="vietcu"] What do you guys think I should use, cleats or staples and what size should I use? [/quote]



With the OSB top layer of underlayment, I'd more inclined to use staples.

Cleats don't hold too well in OSB

http://home.neo.rr.com/nguyenvoo/390homewood.gif
http://home.neo.rr.com/nguyenvoo/Hallfrommaster.jpg
http://home.neo.rr.com/nguyenvoo/Hallfrombed2.jpg
http://home.neo.rr.com/nguyenvoo/Living.jpg

Here is a little diagram of the home. The hardwood will run parrallel with the livingroom. The end will But up against the tile.

1. Should I run a piece of wood perpindicular with the tile, north and south along the right edge of the foyer?? And then butt the other pieces of hardwood against that?

2. Where should I start, as I am planning on doing my livingroom, beddrooms and the hallway. the hardwood floor will be 1/4" higher at the point where the hallway and kitchen meet.

3. Again the walls are a bit off. Being 1/2" wider at the far side of the livingroom compared to the walls close to the foyer. I would like to completely go from the livingroom to the hallway and the bedroom in one solid flow, instead of putting transitions all over the place.

Hopefully the questions that I am asking are clear. I can see it in my head but when writing it down, not sure if it is correct. My apoligies.

1.) Header boards look nice. And do add a finished look.


2.) I always start at the hardest part of the installation. Most of the time, that is through and out a hallway.


3.) OK, sounds like a plan.