If you’re looking to upgrade your home’s flooring with a touch of elegance and durability, engineered wood flooring is an excellent choice. It offers the beauty of hardwood with additional stability and easier installation. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of engineered wood flooring installation. Follow these steps to save money and guarantee a satisfying job well done.
Preparation
- Acclimatization: Allow the engineered wood planks to acclimate to the room’s temperature and humidity for at least 48 hours before installation. Keep them in their packaging in the room where they will be installed.
- Subfloor Preparation: Ensure the subfloor is clean, dry, and level. Sweep, vacuum, and wash the floor as needed. Check for moisture levels as per the manufacturer’s guidelines.
- Underlayment: If required (for floating installations), lay down an appropriate underlayment to provide cushioning and moisture protection. Ensure there are no overlaps in the underlayment.
Installation Methods
There are four primary methods for installing engineered hardwood flooring:
Floating Installation
The floating floor method is the most popular technique for installing engineered wood flooring. This approach involves connecting the tongue of one plank into the groove of another, locking them together securely. Floating floors require only the planks and, in some cases, tongue and groove adhesive depending on the specific flooring type.
- Begin by ensuring the floor is clean, then insert spacers between the wall and the boards to maintain a ¼” expansion gap.
- Start in a corner of the room, placing the first plank and working from left to right. Complete the first row by interlocking the tongue and groove connectors, using tongue and groove adhesive if specified by the manufacturer. Be sure to clean off any excess glue that squeezes through the seams.
- When you reach the end of a row, measure the distance between the wall and the last plank, mark it, and cut the next board to fit.
- Begin your next row with the remaining cut ends, ensuring they are at least six inches long to create a staggered pattern for a more natural wood floor appearance.
- Continue working across the room, tapping the boards into place using a tapping block and rubber mallet to ensure they are securely interlocked and all seams fit tightly. Install spacers every few feet along the perimeter of the flooring and remove them once the installation is complete.
- After laying the planks, avoid heavy traffic and refrain from placing furniture on the floor for at least 24 hours to allow the adhesive to set properly.
Glue-Down Installation
The glue-down technique is ideal for high-traffic areas because it provides a permanent and secure installation. This method involves applying adhesive to the subfloor before laying the planks, ensuring the flooring stays firmly in place.
Starting with a clean floor, place spacers around the perimeter of the room to maintain a ¼” expansion gap from the wall.
- Apply Adhesive: Begin in a corner of the room and apply adhesive to a small area of the subfloor. Pour enough glue to cover two to three rows of boards, then spread it evenly with a trowel. Continue to apply adhesive in small sections as you proceed with the installation.
- Install the First Row: Working from left to right, place the first row of planks by joining the boards with tongue and groove connectors.
- Install the Second Row: Tap the boards of the second row into place using a tapping block and rubber mallet.
- Stagger the Boards: Begin the next row with leftover cut ends that are at least six inches long to create a staggered pattern.
- Continue Installation: Move across the room, using the tapping block and rubber mallet to ensure the planks are securely interlocked and all seams fit tightly.
- Finish the Installation: Once the planks are installed, remove the spacers and add transition strips and molding as needed.
- Curing Time: Avoid heavy traffic and refrain from placing furniture on the floor for at least 24 hours to allow the adhesive to set properly.
Nail-Down Installation
For a more durable installation of your engineered wood flooring, consider nailing it down if you have experience with a nail gun. This method follows the same preparation and procedures as other installation techniques but requires a plywood subfloor.
- Use Spacers: Place spacers around the perimeter of the room to maintain a ¼” gap between the wall and the boards.
- First Row Installation: For the first row, position the tongue of the plank facing the center of the room. Pre-drill holes in the planks and nail them down with finishing nails about 1 inch from the wall and spaced 3-4 inches apart. Pre-drilling prevents the planks from splitting and simplifies the installation.
- Countersink Nails: After nailing down the planks, use a nail punch to countersink the nails beneath the surface. This hides the nails and enhances the floor’s appearance.
- Fill Nail Holes: Once all nails are countersunk, fill the holes with a matching wood filler.
- Measure and Cut Planks: If you run out of space in a row, measure the distance between the wall and the last plank, then mark and cut the next plank accordingly. Start the next row with leftover pieces that are at least six inches long to ensure staggered joints.
- Subsequent Rows Installation: For subsequent rows, use your nail gun to nail the boards at an angle above the tongue. Countersink the nails to avoid interference with the tongue and groove connection.
- Complete the Floor: Continue this process until the entire floor is covered. Finally, remove the spacers and install your transition strips.
Installing engineered hardwood flooring yourself can be a rewarding project that enhances the beauty and value of your home. With the right tools, materials, and careful attention to detail, you can achieve professional-looking results.
