There are several options that can be used for fastening different, even similar, materials. However, screws are considered more useful than nails when you need to fasten wooden materials. The are made with large thread that allows them to hold the timber securely and when used with PVA glue the timber or joint will be almost inseparable. And when looking for screws for hardwood floor installation, this guide will be a good help for you.
In woodworking, there are three main types of screws that are used and they are available with three different drive types, as follows:
Countersunk
Screws with countersunk head are normally used. This scres has a unique head that allows it to be inserted below the timber surface. It is easy to use since its head helps guide the screw down the materials that need to be attached. However, you will still need to pre drill a hole through the wooden materials to ensure that it will stay straight and keep the timber from splitting.
Round Head
This screw type is designed with a dome shaped head and cannot be properly countersunk. This type of screw is usually used when the countersunk type is not required needed, and since its head sits on the surface of the timber, it can be used as a decorative feature.
Raised Head
Screws with the raised head design is a combination of a countersunk and round head because it carries features of both types of screws. Its design allows the screw to be countersunk down far enough so that the slight dome on top of the screw is flush with the wooden material. This screw can also serve a decorative attribute of your finished project.
Slotted Drive
Screws designed with the slotted drive head is the considered the most basic and simple design since it is essentially made with just a straight groove. Screws with this drive type is quite easy to use and if you use the most appropriate screwdriver to fasten the screw to the wooden material, it will be hard to strip it off if needed. This screw design is also most commonly seen in the countersunk or round headed components.
Phillips Head
This type of screw drive is the most used type since it can be used with more force applied on the screw head without slipping. A properly sized screwdriver should be used, however. If not, it will be difficult to fasten the screw.
Screws with this drive type are commonly used in cabinet making or carpentry, They are used in woodwork joints that need to be secured tightly, such as butt joints.
Pozidrive
Screws designed with the Pozidrive head is the least common since it requires a special type of screwdriver. A Phillips head can also be used at times, though. Screws made with this type of drive looks like that with the Phillips head, except that they have extra grooves that prevent them from stripping, thus maximizing their driving force.
Installing Hardwood Floors
Hardwoods can be fastened horizontally or vertically over plywood or an already existing wooden flooring. A hammer, board nails, glue, stapler, and other fastener, such as screws, can be used to install hardwoods.
Some floors that are available in the market nowadays are designed with tape strips on their back, and can be easily fastened with such a feature.
To install hardwood floors, follow these steps:
- It is important to have the wood adjusted to the level of humidity or temperature within the space where it will be installed. But you have to make sure that the wooden materials are totally dry before installation. You may need to pile the woods indoor for an adequate amount of time during damp weather to be sure that you will have perfectly dry pieces of wood flooring for installation.
- Have the necessary materials near you. You will need a hammer, nails, pry bar, screws, saw, and so on.
- Check whether you have a clean and leveled surface where the wooden flooring needs to be installed. Use plywood or other sub floorings as the first layer for the floor onto which the wooden flooring needs to be placed.
- Mark where the wooden flooring needs to be installed. Check if you have at least ½ inch gap to give space for wood expansion. But you also need to test fit the boards so that your floor will have a good form when you are done.
- Pick the straightest boards to fit in focal areas as first pieces for installation. Have them installed in spaces which will be the first focus of attention when someone enters the room, such as the door area. Align the first row properly to ensure that you will have straight installations in the succeeding rows. Nail the first row on the top of the board securely. Drill holes at the ends as these will serve as connection points for the succession of woods along the stretch.
- Hammer the succeeding rows securely when joining and interlocking the edges before fastening or nailing them down to ensure a tighter fit. Ensure that all the boards are perpendicular to avoid gaps that can easily be seen and affect the overall look of your newly installed wooden flooring.
- Once you reached the last row, use pry and block bar to lock the last pieces of board woods in place. Drill holes on areas where the baseboard should be placed and set them in place by nails. You may use a heavy mallet to nai the edges of the boards in place. Just be careful not to scratch or damage the floor when doing so, however.
- Use ring-shank nails on the end row as this will work well on the portions of your flooring.
- Using the appropriate screws, fasten the last two rows of hardwood on the floor.
- Check whether everything is in place and tightly and properly installed. If there are gaps, try to push the board using a pry bar. You may also use decorative borders to finish off the installation.
Using the right best screws for hardwood installation, as well as other fasteners will help ensure that the hours of labor that you have done will be enough to ensure that you will have a good flooring that can last long.