How to Install Engineered Wood Flooring in Easy Steps?
If you find that you would like to install engineered wood flooring but are unsure of how to, then this blog is for you.
Homeowners today are increasingly opting for engineered wood flooring because of its long term durability, aesthetic appearance and easy installation. You’ve come to the right place if you’re thinking about this.
In a few simple steps you can learn how to install engineered wood flooring using this guide. If you have the right tools and a little patience it won’t be long before you have your professional looking results.
Why Choose Engineered Wood Flooring?
But before my dive into installation let’s examine the reason engineered wood flooring is a great choice. Engineered wood, on the other hand, comprises of several layers including a real wood veneer top layer. This design is more stable, less prone to warping and works well in fluctuating humidity areas. Engineered wood flooring is perfect whether you are installing it in your living room, bedroom or even a basement… it looks classic and elegant but without any of the maintenance challenges of solid hardwood.
Steps to Install Engineered Wood Flooring
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
To install engineered wood flooring, you’ll need the following tools and materials:
- Wood flooring plank, engineered
- Pre-attached (if not underlayment)
- Measuring tape
- Saw (for cutting planks)
- Hammer and tapping block
- Spacer wedges
- Used over concrete (if covered by a moisture barrier)
- Chalk line or laser level
It helps to prepare all things ahead on time because it saves your time and minimizes any interruption during the time of installation.
Step 2: Prepare the Subfloor
A proper subfloor is the timely solution to a successful flooring installation. First, clear the site of debris or nails or other bumps that might prevent your flooring. If you’re installing over concrete, lay down a moisture barrier to protect your engineered wood from wetness traveling up. For such other subfloor types, all you need to ensure them is level and dust free. It’s important for ensuring you’ve got stable and secure flooring and this is the step to get there.
Step 3: Acclimate the Flooring
Before you install engineered wood flooring, it’s crucial to let the flooring acclimate to the room’s environment. Place the planks in the room where you’ll be installing them and allow them to sit for 48 hours. This process prevents the wood from expanding or contracting once installed, which can lead to gaps or buckling. Acclimating the flooring helps ensure a seamless installation.
Step 4: Plan Your Layout
Laying out your flooring beforehand can save time and reduce errors. Start by deciding the direction in which you’ll install engineered wood flooring; most people choose to run it parallel to the longest wall for a visually appealing look. Use a chalk line or laser level to mark a straight line as a guide for the first row of planks. Planning also lets you calculate how many planks you’ll need and where to make cuts.
Step 5: Begin Installing the First Row
With your layout planned, you’re ready to install engineered wood flooring. Start in a corner, placing spacers along the wall to create a small gap (typically 1/4 inch) that allows the flooring to expand over time. Place the first plank along the marked line and lay subsequent planks beside it, tapping them together with a tapping block to ensure a snug fit. Check that the row is straight as you go, adjusting with spacers if needed.
Step 6: Continue Laying Planks
Once the first row is set, continue installing the remaining rows. Stagger the planks by at least 6 inches to create a more natural, stable look and to reduce waste. Use a saw to cut planks as necessary, especially near the ends of rows. Repeat this process to install engineered wood flooring across the entire area, checking that each row remains tightly fitted and aligned.
Step 7: Secure the Last Row
The final row often requires custom cuts to fit properly against the wall. Measure carefully and cut planks as needed, leaving the same expansion gap as in the first row. If you need to, use a pull bar to ensure the planks fit snugly without creating any gaps. Once complete, remove the spacer wedges around the perimeter.
Step 8: Install Transition Pieces and Baseboards
In addition, completion will include any transition pieces between rooms that are necessary and installation of baseboards along the walls to cover the expansion gap. These additions add polish, professionalism, and protect edges of your new flooring.
Step 9: Clean Up and Enjoy Your New Floor!
After you have installed your engineered wood flooring, give it a quick dust and dirt clean. Instead of wet mopping your floors immediately avoid it and use a dry microfiber mop instead. Step back now and admire the effect your beautiful engineered wood flooring has on your space!
Maintenance Tips for Engineered Wood Flooring
To keep your new floor looking its best, follow these maintenance tips:
- Regular Cleaning: Dry a mop to avoid dust and dirt to scratch the surface.
- Avoid Water Exposure: Damage of the floor happens from excess water. Spills can be cleaned up quickly, and wet mopping avoided.
- Use Furniture Pads: Protect furniture legs from dents or scratches by placing place pads under legs.
- Control Humidity: A humidifier, or dehumidifier, helps to stabilize humidity levels.
Why Install Engineered Wood Flooring Yourself?
By opting to place engineered wood flooring yourself, there is the saving of money for labor, and there is the satisfaction of doing the work your self. With a quick and simple installation process it is possible to many DYI enthusiasts, and then rewarded with the look and material of a beautiful, durable floor. Whether you’re looking to renovate one room or your entire home, engineered wood flooring is a good way to infuse some new life into your space.
Conclusion
First, To install engineered wood flooring might seem overwhelming, but with a little preparation and knowledge, it is an easy project with reasonably satisfying results. Every stage of a job has equal importance from the very beginning of gathering materials, laying the plank and even down to the final plank. Installing engineered wood flooring takes patience and attention to detail but you can replicate a professionally done job; it makes your space elegant and durable.
Contact Panipat Handloom Emporium for your wood flooring needs. Contact us today!
+91-9899073000 and +91-9999999009