Now that you’ve chosen your flooring, the next step is installing it into your home. But what do you need to know for installing engineered hardwood flooring? We’ve got the most important need-to-knows and we’ve broken them down for you in this handy guide.
Where can you install engineered hardwood flooring?
Because engineered hardwood flooring is specifically created to avoid the problems of solid hardwood. This means you can install it in many different environments, such as high rises, directly on concrete, over radiant heat, and even in basements. Because engineered hardwood is so versatile, it’s a great flooring option for almost any home!
Let your flooring acclimate
Before you install any wood flooring, you should always make sure the wood planks acclimate. The acclimation process allows the wood to breathe and adjust to the room you’ll be installing it in. We always recommend letting your flooring acclimate for at least 3 days to allow it to match the moisture content of the room. This way, it will not expand or contract after installation as it adjusts.
Prepare your sub-floor
Before you start installing your floors, make sure the sub-floor is properly prepared. All sub-floors should be completely dry and free from any paint, oil, dust, grease, or other residues. They should also be level with no more than a 1/4″ drop over a 10 foot distance.
Top 3 methods for installing engineered hardwood flooring
There are three popular methods for installing engineered hardwood flooring. These summaries give a brief overview of using each method, and as always, be sure to fully read all instructions on all materials before beginning installation.
Glued down
We recommend using this method when installing engineered hardwood flooring over concrete or plywood sub-floor. Use a Urethane based glue for this installation, and make sure to apply a moisture barrier before you start installing. Then, you can spread the glue over the sub-floor, making sure it is spread evenly. Start installing in a line parallel to your starting wall and work outwards. Always apply the glue in sections so it will not begin to cure before you lay the wood. You’ll want to roll the entire floor with a 150 lb. roller within 3-6 hours of installation.
Nailed down
The only time you can use nail down as an installation method is if you’re working with a plywood sub-floor. Add a felt paper barrier to the plywood before you start installation to protect from moisture. Then, start installing your wood with the groove side towards the starting wall. Use top side nails to hold the wood in place. Add additional rows of wood, taking care to use the proper pressure in your nailing machine to prevent damage to the wood plank tongues. As you install, be sure to leave a 1/2″ expansion space around the perimeter of the area.
Floating
Floating is a more uncommon installation method, and can only be used with the specially designed PurezaWood engineered hardwood flooring. Installing floating floors is the most difficult installation, since the floorboards will want to move around you in the beginning of the process. It’s crucial to ensure the first few rows are straight and gap-free, otherwise you’ll end up with crooked flooring you’ll have to fix. As you install, apply glue along the groove of each plank, being careful to wipe up any excess glue, which could stain your flooring.
Looking for engineered hardwood flooring?
At PurezaWood, we have custom engineered hardwood flooring to meet your every need. All of our floors are made with only the highest quality materials to guarantee a flooring you’ll fall in love with all over again every time you walk in your door. You can contact us for more information about our flooring and view our full hardwood installation guide here.
View some of our past projects on Instagram to see our flooring in homes!
