What Is Engineered Wood Flooring And How To Lay Engineered Wood Flooring

Engineered wood flooring has become increasingly popular as a durable and beautiful option in recent years. It is created by cross-grain joining several layers of wood together. The top layer is high-quality solid wood, usually oak, maple, hickory, or exotic species. Underneath are several layers of plywood that provide stability and help minimize expansion and contraction.

The cross-laminated structure makes engineered floors ideal for installing below-grade or on concrete floors. They can also be used over radiant heat systems, as they are more dimensionally stable than solid wood. Engineered wood provides the classic beauty of real hardwood with increased versatility for varied installations.

Benefits of Installing Engineered Wood Flooring

Many benefits make engineered floors a great choice:

• More stable than solid wood, minimizing gaps from seasonal humidity changes
• Direct installation on concrete subfloors is possible.
• Compatible with radiant heat systems
• Available in wider planks up to 7 or 8 inches
• Longboards reduce the number of seams compared to narrower solid wood boards.
• It can be repeatedly sanded and refinished.
• High-quality top-layer wood resists dents and wear
• Lower cost than many exotic solid woods
  
  

For these reasons, engineered flooring has surpassed solid hardwood in popularity for residential installations. The advanced manufacturing allows for greater stability and options for challenging subfloors.

Measurements and Preparation

Proper planning and preparation are important for a successful engineered flooring installation. Here are the key steps:

Measuring the Room for the Flooring

Always measure the room carefully, including width, length, and irregular shapes or alcoves. Add up the square footage to determine how much flooring you need. Include an extra 10% for cutting waste.

Consider removing existing baseboards and thresholds to install the flooring underneath for a seamless look. This also allows installing full planks against the wall rather than ripening narrow pieces.

Calculating Amount of Material Needed

In addition to the room size, consider these factors when calculating how much flooring to purchase:

• Board width - More narrow planks mean more linear feet are needed
• Pattern layout - Diagonal installations require about 15% more material
• 10-15% extra as allowance for cutting waste and mistakes
  
  

Many flooring retailers have website planning tools to help estimate the quantity needed.

Subfloor Preparation

Proper subfloor prep is the most important step for a successful installation. The subfloor must be:

• Clean - Remove all debris, nails, old adhesive or other irregularities
• Flat - Fix any low spots or gaps over 1/8 inch
• Dry - Wooden subfloors should have moisture content under 12%
• Structurally sound - Nail down any loose boards or panels
  
  

Test moisture content with a meter for concrete subfloors and address any excess moisture issues. New concrete should be cured for at least 60 days before installation.

Underlayment Installation

Most engineered floors are installed over some underlayment material. Options include:

• Foam - Provides moisture barrier, insulation, and sound absorption
• Cork - Natural material that reduces sound
• Felt - Fibrous blend helps smooth minor subfloor imperfections
  
  

Roll out underlayment in the same direction as the flooring planks. Run it up the wall slightly, then trim back after installing. This helps isolate the floor from any wall moisture.

Expansion Gaps and Step Guide Installation

• Leave a 1/2-inch expansion gap between the flooring, all walls, and fixed objects like pipes. These gaps allow room for natural wood movement.
• Use spacers or shims during installation to maintain even perimeter gaps. Remove spacers after flooring is done.
• For planks wider than 5 inches, use spacers between long runs to allow for internal expansion.
• Follow the step-by-step guide patterns to distribute seam placement for the best appearance. Stagger rows so it doesn't line up.
  
  

Installation Techniques

Engineered wood flooring installation over wood or concrete subfloors using staple, nail, glue-down, or floating methods. Each has pros and cons:

Groove Joints and Straight Edge Method

One installation method is applying wood flooring adhesive to the subfloor and then fitting planks together without nailing or fastening. This is called a groove joint or straight-edge installation.

• Allows floors to move naturally with changes in humidity
• No noise transferring through nails
• Provides a very smooth, even surface
  
  

Downsides are longer installation time and the chance of joints separating if adhesive bonds fail. This popular method works best for smaller spaces.

Nailing/Stapling Technique

Nailing or stapling through the tongue edge can install many engineered products. This provides a fast installation comparable to laminate flooring.

• Quick installation time
• Allows re-securing loose planks later if needed
• No adhesive curing times
  
  

Potential issues include slight nailing marks along the seams and noise transfer through the fasteners. Use specialized nails and staplers made for engineered flooring installation.

Glue-Down Method (Adhesive)

Applying flooring adhesive to the subfloor is a popular technique for engineered planks. It bonds the boards securely and reduces noise transfer.

• Creates a very flat, even floor surface
• Prevents gaps from opening between boards
• Adhesive adds acoustic insulation
  
  

Be sure to use adhesives approved for engineered flooring. Follow open times and proper trowel sizes. Clean up adhesive promptly.

Floating Method (Tongue & Groove Connection)

Some engineered flooring has an angle-angle locking system, allowing a floating installation. Boards click together on all sides without nails or glue.

• Fast installation, no adhesive curing
• A floor can be walked on immediately
• Boards can be easily replaced if damaged
  
  

Use floating floors only if the manufacturer recommends, as they are prone to slight vertical movement. Underlayment quality is very important to minimize noise.

Radiator Pipe Collars and Trims Installation

For finishing touches:

• Use adjustable pipe collars to cover gaps around heating pipes that meet the flooring.
• Install matching transition trim pieces in doorways and where the flooring meets other floor coverings.
• Reinstall baseboards and quarter-round trim along the bottom edges for a clean finish.
  
  

Finishing Touches

After installation, follow these tips:

• Avoid dragging furniture across the new flooring to prevent scratches. Use plywood underlayment panels to move heavy objects.
• Add felt pads to furniture legs and chairs to prevent scuffing.
• Clean using recommended wooden floor cleaners and microfiber mops. Avoid excessive water.
• Place mats at exterior doors to reduce grit, dirt and moisture. Area rugs in high-traffic areas help limit wear.
• Maintain indoor humidity between 30-50% year-round. While more stable than solid wood, engineered flooring responds to changes in moisture.
  
  

Transform your home with Easystep Flooring UK - Make your flooring dreams come true!

With proper installation and care, your beautiful new engineered wood flooring will provide lasting performance and great looks for years to come!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What are the benefits of engineered vs. solid wood floors?

A. Engineered wood is more stable, can be installed over radiant heat systems, and is available in wider planks than solid wood. It provides a real wood look with added versatility.

Q. Does engineered wood scratch easily?

A. The top layer has the same quality hardwood floors as solid floors. When maintained properly, engineered wood is durable and resists scratches and dents.

Q. Can engineered wood be refinished?

A. Depending on the thickness of the top wood layer, engineered floors can be sanded and refinished multiple times. After years of use, this allows for renewing the appearance.

Q. Is engineered or solid wood better?

A. Each has pros and cons. Solid wood flooring offers more customization and very thick planks. But engineered provides better stability and installation options. Consider your needs and project details.

Q. What is the glue-down installation method?

A. The glue-down method involves applying adhesive directly to the subfloor before setting the engineered planks. This bonds the boards securely, reduces noise transfer, and creates a smooth surface. Be sure to use adhesives approved for engineered floors.

Q. Should expansion spacers be used during installation?

A. Yes, expansion spacers are important to maintain even gaps around the perimeter and between plank runs. This allows room for wood natural movement from humidity changes. Remove spacers after the flooring is installed.

Q. What is a damp-proof membrane for floors?

A. A damp-proof membrane is a thin plastic film layer that goes under the flooring to prevent moisture level from the subfloor from seeping through. It adds a protective barrier against condensation, spills, or high humidity.

Q. Where can I find a good installation guide for engineered floors?

A. Many flooring brands have detailed installation guides specific to their products, including helpful steps and tips. Retailers like Easystep Flooring UK have extensive resources and guides to ensure success.

Q. What are serrated flooring nails?

A. Serrated nails have a rough, sawtooth edge that securely grips the flooring plank's tongue. The serrations hold the plank in place to prevent squeaking and give a strong wood-to-wood connection.