How to Lay Solid Wood Flooring: A Complete DIY Guide

Laying solid wood flooring is one of the most rewarding home improvement projects you can take on. Not only does it enhance the look and feel of your space, but solid wood adds warmth, character, and lasting value. With a bit of planning and the right approach, this DIY flooring job is more manageable than you might think.

In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn how to prepare your subfloor, install the floor underlay, cut and fit floorboards, and finish with details like a threshold bar or scotia trim. Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or a first-timer, follow this guide for a beautiful and professional result.

Why Choose Solid Wood Flooring?

Wood flooring is a timeless and durable choice. It’s perfect for anyone looking to invest in long-term quality, and it can handle heavy foot traffic while maintaining its elegance. Unlike laminate, solid wood can be sanded and refinished multiple times, extending its lifespan for decades.

Step 1: Prepare the Subfloor

Before you begin any floorboard installation, you must prepare the subfloor. Start by removing any existing carpet, vinyl, or laminate, along with gripper rods and any floor underlay that may be present.

Make sure the subfloor is:

• Dry

• Smooth

• Level

• Swept clean

Moisture Test Tip:

If you're laying flooring over a concrete base, test for moisture by taping a 1m² piece of polythene to the floor. Leave it overnight. If there’s condensation or discolouration underneath, consult a damp-proofing specialist.

If you're laying over existing floorboards, ensure:

• Boards are firmly screwed down

• Nail heads are hammered flat

• Gaps are filled using a flexible filler like mastic

• Uneven areas are levelled using plywood or hardboard

Step 2: Measure Your Space

Accurate measurements are key to a successful DIY flooring project.

1. Measure the length and width of your room in metres.

2. Multiply these figures to calculate the area in square metres.

3. For irregularly shaped rooms, divide them into rectangles and add up the areas.

4. Check how many square metres each pack of wood flooring covers.

5. Divide your room’s total square metres by the pack coverage to find how many packs you’ll need.

Pro Tip: Always buy 10% extra to allow for waste and cuts. Most retailers allow returns on unopened packs.

Also, if you're using a flooring trim or threshold bar, measure the perimeter or doorway and add an extra 10% to be safe.

Step 3: Choose and Fit Your Floor Underlay

A proper floor underlay is essential for cushioning, insulation, and moisture protection. If installing over concrete, a damp-proof membrane must be laid first—even if there’s a built-in DPC.

There are various underlay options available, so consult a flooring guide or store expert to pick the best one for your space.

Planning to place your skirting boards over your flooring? Remove them before you start. Alternatively, you can use scotia trim to cover the expansion gap.

Laying the Underlay:

1. Install the damp-proof membrane and tape all joints securely.

2. Lay the underlay perpendicular (at 90°) to the direction you plan to install the floorboards.

3. Leave a 10 mm expansion gap around the room and 5 mm between underlay sheets.

4. Use wide tape to secure joints, ensuring they don’t overlap.

Before moving forward, let the flooring acclimatise in the room for 48 hours to prevent warping.

Step 4: Set Out Your Floorboards

Floorboard installation starts with careful planning:

• Dry lay the first row to ensure a clean fit and avoid a very short piece at the end.

• Divide the room’s length by the board width to check how wide the last board will be.

• If the final board is less than a third of a full board, cut the first row narrower for balance.

• Account for features like radiator pipes or door frames by adjusting the layout to avoid placing joins in awkward spots.

Step 5: Lay the Floorboards

Solid wood expands and contracts, so always leave a 15 mm expansion gap around the edges. Use wedges to maintain this gap during installation.

First Row:

1. Peel back the self-adhesive strip on your underlay—just less than the width of one board.

2. Use a folded plastic membrane to protect the adhesive while positioning the board.

3. Lay the first board with the groove facing the wall.

4. Add spacers along the sides and end, then carefully remove the membrane to secure the board in place.

5. Continue laying the first row.

Cutting Boards:

• Measure your cuts by laying a full board over the last one, marking it with another board as a template.

• Always cut boards in another room or outdoors.

• Use a fine-toothed hand saw or jigsaw. Wear a dust mask and goggles for safety.

Laying Additional Rows:

• Use offcuts to start new rows and create a staggered pattern for strength and aesthetics.

• Click each new board into place at an angle, then press down to secure.

• Peel the membrane gradually as you go.

Step 6: Fitting Around Pipes and Door Frames

Radiator Pipes:

1. Mark the board at the centre of the pipe’s location.

2. Drill a 32 mm hole using a spade bit to allow for expansion.

3. Cut two angled lines from the hole to the board’s edge.

4. Fit the board, glue in the wedge, and clean up excess glue.

Door Frames:

• If the door opens inward and won’t clear the flooring and threshold bar, remove and trim the door.

• Don’t shape your flooring around the frame. Instead, undercut the architrave so flooring can slip underneath.

• Use a saw to mark and a chisel to remove the waste wood.

Step 7: Lay the Final Row

1. Place your final board directly over the last installed board.

2. Use a full board as a guide and mark the back of the top board where it meets the wall (with spacers).

3. Cut to size and fit it in place.

Step 8: Install Scotia Trim and Threshold Bars

Fitting Scotia Trim:

• Remove all spacers and position your scotia where the floor meets the wall.

• Cut ends at 45° angles with a trim cutter.

• Apply grab adhesive to the back of the trim (not the base) and press it against the skirting board.

• Use panel pins or a heavy object to hold it until it sets.

Fitting a Threshold Bar:

Threshold bars provide a clean finish between two flooring types (e.g., from wood flooring to tile or carpet).

1. Measure and cut the bar to fit the doorway using a hacksaw.

2. Notch around any door frame details.

3. Depending on the type, glue or screw the bar into place.

Step 9: Maintaining Your Solid Wood Floor

To keep your new solid wood flooring looking great:

• Use felt pads under furniture legs.

• Place rugs under desk chairs in offices.

• Clean spills immediately to prevent damage.

• Avoid excessive water—dry mop or vacuum regularly.

• Use spray cleaners and polish designed for wood.

Over time, solid wood can be sanded and refinished if it starts to show wear.

Final Thoughts

Installing your own solid wood flooring may seem daunting, but with preparation, patience, and the right tools, it’s an incredibly satisfying home improvement project. By following this guide, your DIY flooring will look just as good as a professional installation—if not better.

Ready to roll up your sleeves and transform your home with stunning wood flooring? Now you are!