I purchased 2300 sq ft of Chelsea Plank pre-finished hickory with the intention of paying someone to install it for me. The bids have come back in the ridiculous range and I've begun to wonder if I can install it myself. I've ripped out all my carpet and the wood will replace all formerly carpeted areas--about 2100 sq ft in total. I've spent some time online and in Lowes researching, and it seems like all it takes is a healthy dose of precision and some sweat? I've completed other projects around the house without having to get someone else in to fix my screw ups, but I've never attempted anything on this scale.
I do have lots of questions, though. Starting with which tools should I BUY?
Air compressor,
flooring nailer,
miter saw. Any comments on these specific pieces of equipment? Anything else I should purchase?
Cleats vs staples? Does the fact it's hickory make a difference in this decision?
Underlayment? The guy at Lowes said kraft paper was fine. The small amount of hardwood I ripped out in the entryway had kraft underneath. Is there something better? What about cork? It seems like every resource I read has something different to say about underlayment.
Direction. Hardwood is going in all colored areas. (And also downstairs, but would prefer to start upstairs.) I'd like to start in the north east corner of bedroom one. (Picture not to scale...it's just to give an idea)
Joists run north/south. Do I HAVE to run my wood east/west? Would it be foolish to run the wood north/south?
I'm still planning on bringing in the pros to do the stairs, as that just seems to be too far over my head.
Any thoughts on this project?
Thanks!