Today, I decided to tackle a project I’ve been putting off – installing some solid wooden flooring. The specific type I went with is the “batten dancing” style, which I thought looked pretty cool and challenging.

First things first, I gathered all my materials and tools. This included, obviously, the wooden flooring planks, some sturdy battens, nails, a hammer, a saw, a measuring tape, a pencil, and some safety glasses. Safety first, you know?

Preparation is Key

Next, I spent a good chunk of time prepping the room. I cleared out all the furniture. Then I have to cleaned the subfloor thoroughly, making sure there were no bumps or debris. A smooth, even surface is super important for a good result.

Once the room was ready, I started laying out the battens. Now, “batten dancing” means the battens are arranged in a specific pattern, it’s easy, just keep an eye on keeping the right distance. I measured and marked where each batten would go, using my pencil and measuring tape, nailing them to the wooden subfloor with my trusty hammer.

Laying the Floor

With the battens down, it was time for the main event – laying the wooden planks.I chose to start in one corner and worked my way across the room.

Each plank was positioned snugly against the previous one. Because the floor is solid wood, I had to nail each plank to the battens at a 45-degree angle. This took some getting used to, to be honest, but I got the hang of it after a few planks.

As I continued, I made sure to stagger the joints between planks. This not only looks better but also makes the floor more stable. Every now and then, I had to cut a plank to fit, especially around the edges of the room and the doorway. My saw came in handy for this, and I took my time to get the cuts as accurate as possible.

Finishing Touches

After all the planks were down, I gave the floor a good sweep and clean. Then, I took a step back to admire my handiwork. The “batten dancing” pattern looked even better than I had imagined, and the floor felt solid and sturdy under my feet.

Overall, it was a pretty tiring day, but totally worth it. There’s something really satisfying about building something with your own hands, and seeing the finished product come together. Now I’ve got a beautiful new floor and the bragging rights to go with it!