Engineered wood flooring is the closest floor type you can get to hard wood flooring. Engineered wood is made up of multiple layers of wood that are glued together. To achieve the solid wood flooring look, it has a top layer of hardwood veneer too.
Why Choose Engineered Wood Flooring?
Engineered wood floors are a great choice for many reasons. Not only do they have the aesthetic of solid wood flooring, they comes at a more affordable price. Also, in comparison to solid wood flooring, they are easier to install.
Engineered wood is also more resistant to moisture and temperature changes, meaning it can be placed in spaces where solid wood is not suitable. It is available in a wide range of styles too, so you don’t have to compromise on your aesthetic goals.
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Can I Install Engineered Wood Flooring Myself?
If you’re looking to save some money on installation costs, you might be wondering if engineered wood flooring is something you can install yourself. With the right tools and a can-do attitude, you can absolutely install this floor yourself.
When installing your floor, make sure that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions as not doing so may void your warranty or lead you to damaging your floor. If you’re worried about any of this but still want to do the job yourself, you can always consult a professional fitter to see if they can offer you any advice.
Furthermore, if you don’t feel comfortable installing your own floor, don’t feel like you have to just because it’s possible! Installing flooring is still a timely and somewhat fiddly job. If you’re not confident in your DIY skills, then there is no shame in hiring a professional to fit your floor.
Although the cost of a professional may seem like a lot, it’s a worthy investment, and will prevent you from making mistakes when laying your floor and having to reorder the planks, or even purchase replacement flooring.
That being said, if you’re a keen DIYer and ready to start laying your floor, we’ve provided some generic tips to help you get started. For full instructions on how to install your floor, use the literature provided by the manufacturer as each floor type may be different.
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Tips for Installing an Engineered Wood Floor
- Carefully follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
- Make sure the subfloor is clean, dry, level and free of dirt and debris before installing the flooring.
- Acclimate the flooring to the room’s temperature and humidity for a minimum of 48 hours prior to installation.
- Use a moisture barrier if you are installing over a concrete subfloor.
- Don’t skimp on underlay – a high quality underlayment will reduce noise and improve insulation.
- Use a tapping block and rubber mallet to connect the planks together.
- You will need to leave a ¼ inch gap between the flooring and walls, known as an ‘expansion gap’ which will allow for any expansions and contractions of the flooring.
- When laying the floor, install it perpendicular to the floor joists for maximum stability.
- You can use transition strips between rooms and around doorways to further accommodate expansion and contraction.
- Take your time and work carefully and you should achieve a professional-looking installation!
Now that you know how to lay your engineered wood floor, why not order some free samples to see what might work best in your home.
