Decisive Floorboards

Measuring is an essential part of any home improvement project. Accounting for necessities saves time and money. Additional needs are determined by job.

Imagine getting a new sink basin. The basin's lip rests on the counter. The basin fits into a premade hole. An inch or two of overlap is requires so it does not fall through the hole. Envision the final product before purchasing materials.

This video demo is about adding floorboards. The wall's width is measured twice to a point in the middle. Both totals should be equal. Draw a diagram understand the dimensions of the room, including: doorways, heating vents and placement of 90 degree angles.

Floorboard cost a minimum of around two dollars per foot. Since it is sold by the foot accounting for fixed objects near the floor saves some money. Home Depot will cut boards to size. They also supply a hacksaw to cut the corners to a 45 degree angle. I prefer circular saws for cutting 45 degree angles; however, they can be expensive.

Going to the store I would rather have the boards slightly longer than too short. I also had them cut in half to fit into my car. Imagine getting home and finding an edge was angled on the incorrect side. The entire board must be replaced. Mark corners with pencil after envisioning how boards fit into the room.

After boards are nailed in place, take a pointed chisel to push the nail further into the board. Cover indentions and seams between boards with spackle or putty. It takes a day to dry. When it is dry the putty falls away quickly with sandpaper. It must be sanded by hand. Fold the paper in half or quarters for best results.

Spackle and putty easily sand away with sandpaper, yet caulk and various glues become sticky. All sculpting takes place before it dries even if waiting a few hours to let is set before making modifications. A damp paint brush is a great tool for sculpting caulk into smooth lines around enamel. Apply water proofing paint to seams later. Another technique is to lightly press caulked edges with a damp finger. Most of the time, glue needs additional pressure to hold surfaces together. Generally performed with nails or c-clamps; floor tiles do not require additional pressure. Always read instructions or ask someone who is familiar with the product.

Improving my room was fun. It was cost effective and while it looks relatively the same it feels finished and less jagged. Now it reflects elegance and design. Sometimes people want to change an entire room or home because a detail irks them. This demonstrates improving a room with minimal, decisive changes.