How to Install End Grain Flooring Part 2

wood grain floors
  • 48 hours
  • Beginner
  • 60-100
What You'll Need
Adhesive
End grain tiles
Saw
Notched adhesive spreader or trowel
Measuring tape
What You'll Need
Adhesive
End grain tiles
Saw
Notched adhesive spreader or trowel
Measuring tape

<< How to Install End Grain Flooring, Part 1

Once you have finished making your layout for the end grain flooring tiles, it is now time to apply the adhesive to the tile.

Make sure that the concrete slab has been finished with a trowel and it is flat and level. There must also be no oil, stain, dust, or grease on its surface. A good way of cleaning it would be to sweep it and either wipe it with a rag or mop afterwards.

If you are going to lay the end grain tiles on a new concrete, bear in mind that it is heavy with moisture. A good way to measure its dryness is to lay a non-corrugated rubber mat flat on the concrete. Seal it on the surface by weighting it. After 24 hours, inspect the insides of the mat. If the area shows wet marks, then the concrete still has too much moisture in it. But if it is dry, you can begin laying out your wood flooring.

You can also consider adding a plywood subfloor, since concrete is not the ideal surface for end grain flooring.

Step 1 — Preparing the Adhesives

Manufacturers generally have the mixing instructions for the adhesive printed on the package. Ensure that you follow them carefully.

Apply the concrete adhesive with a notched adhesive spreader or trowel. Most materials will dry out to the right consistency in around 15 minutes, but the exact time may depend on the temperature, humidity, and other similar factors in the installation area. To test for the right dryness, put your hands on the tile cement. It should be tacky to the touch, but it should not actually stick. It if does, you have to wait a little longer. Once it has achieved the correct level of dryness, you are ready to lay your first wood tile.

Step 2 — Laying the First Row of End Grain Tiles

Start by laying the first end grain tile at the markings you have made at center of the floor area. Make sure that this first tile is laid squarely with the lines. If it is not, all the other tiles that you will lay consequently will be out of line.

Proceed to lay the first line of tiles toward a wall, but leave about 3/4-inch gap on the wall line. This will allow for the expansion of the wood flooring. You can use baseboards later to cover the joint.

As you lay each tile in the row, make sure that each tile is butted against each other. Do not attempt to put tiles in place by sliding. You have to lay each of the tiles in position on the cement firmly.

Step 3 - Cutting End Tiles

To cut the last tile in the row accurately, place a tile on top of the last tile you have laid in the row. Take another tile and butt it against the wall. Mark with a chalk the spot where it meets the tile you have placed squarely on the last tile in the row and cut. If you are working in a cold room, it will be a good idea if you can warm up the tile first before cutting. This will ensure that the wood will fit the gap more perfectly.

How to Install End Grain Flooring Part 3 >>