Installing Wide Plank Hardwood Flooring: A Beginner’s Guide

If you’re like me and love the idea of transforming your home with a touch of natural elegance, wide plank hardwood flooring is definitely something you should consider. I’ve been through this process a few times, and let me tell you, the result is absolutely stunning. But here’s the thing—it’s not as intimidating as you might think. Trust me, if I can do it, you can too!

When I first started, I had no clue what I was doing. I mean, I’m the type who struggled with putting together IKEA furniture, so installing hardwood floors felt like a major leap. But as soon as I laid down the first couple of planks, I realized something: this is actually doable. And the best part? The satisfaction you get when you step back and look at your finished floor is unbeatable.

So, let me walk you through how you can install wide plank hardwood flooring as a beginner. I’ll share what worked for me, what I wish I’d known before I started, and a few little tricks that’ll save you some headaches down the line.

1. Choosing Your Wood: Think Long-Term

First off, picking the right kind of wood is super important. When I first did this, I was tempted to go for the cheapest option because, well, budget. But here’s my advice: if you’re going to invest in hardwood floors, pick a wood that’s durable and will last you a long time. Wide plank floors are usually made from oak, maple, or hickory, which are all great choices. Personally, I went with oak for its classic look and durability. Plus, it has this beautiful grain pattern that really pops when the sunlight hits it just right.

But honestly, if I were in your shoes, I’d say go for whatever fits your style and home. Just keep in mind that harder woods like hickory can be a bit trickier to work with, especially if you’re a beginner. Oak is a solid middle ground—durable but not too difficult to handle.

2. Prepping the Room: Don’t Skip This Step!

I know this part sounds boring, but prepping your room before you start laying down the planks is crucial. When I did my first install, I was so eager to get started that I skipped some of the prep steps. Big mistake. The result? I ended up with squeaky spots because I didn’t make sure the subfloor was completely level.

Before you even think about opening your first box of hardwood, take some time to clean the floor, check for any uneven spots, and lay down an underlayment. The underlayment helps with moisture control and keeps the planks from shifting over time. I used a cork underlayment, and it worked like a charm—plus, it added a bit of extra cushion underfoot.

Here’s a tip: let your planks sit in the room for a couple of days before installation. This gives the wood a chance to acclimate to the room’s temperature and humidity. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this part. The wood expands and contracts with temperature changes, and if you don’t let it acclimate, you could end up with gaps or buckling later on. Been there, done that—not fun!

3. Laying the First Row: The Most Important Step

Now, this is where things get real. Laying that first row is by far the most important part of the whole process. If you get the first row straight, the rest will fall into place easily. I can’t stress this enough: take your time with this one. Measure twice, lay once—that’s the motto here.

When I did this, I used a chalk line to make sure my first row was perfectly straight. It’s tempting to just eyeball it, but I’ve learned the hard way that even the tiniest misalignment at the start can throw off the entire room. And trust me, you’ll notice those crooked planks every time you walk into the room.

Start along the longest, straightest wall, and leave about a 1/4-inch gap between the wall and the planks to allow for expansion. This gap might look odd at first, but it’ll be covered by baseboards later, so don’t worry about it being visible.

If I were you, I’d definitely invest in some spacers to keep that expansion gap consistent as you go. You can find them at any hardware store, and they’re a lifesaver.

4. The Installation: Slow and Steady Wins the Race

Here’s where the fun begins! You’ve got your first row down, and now it’s time to start installing the rest of the planks. I remember thinking I’d be done in a day. Spoiler alert: it took a bit longer. But hey, patience pays off, and it’s better to take your time and get it right.

I used a flooring nailer for my installation, which made things go a lot smoother. If you’ve never used one before, don’t worry, it’s pretty straightforward. The key is to keep your rows tight and stagger the end joints so they don’t line up. This gives the floor a more natural look and adds stability.

One little hack I learned along the way: keep a few shorter planks handy for when you reach the end of a row. You’ll need to cut some planks to fit, and it’s easier to work with shorter pieces in these spots.

If you’re nervous about cutting planks to size, don’t be. It’s not as scary as it seems! Just measure carefully and use a miter saw or a circular saw to make clean cuts. If I can do it, so can you!

5. Finishing Touches: Don’t Forget the Baseboards

Once you’ve got all your planks down, you’ll probably feel like you’ve conquered the world—and you have! But you’re not quite done yet. The finishing touch is installing baseboards to cover that expansion gap we talked about earlier.

When I first installed hardwood floors, I underestimated how much of a difference baseboards make. They really complete the look and give the room a polished feel. Plus, they hide any imperfections along the edges of the floor. I went with simple white baseboards, but you can choose whatever style fits your home.

If you’re feeling extra handy, you can even add a coat of paint or stain to match the floors, but that’s entirely up to you.