HOW TO INSTALL ENGINEERED HARDWOOD FLOORING

1. The Best Time to Install Engineered Hardwood Flooring

To minimize damage, install engineered hardwood flooring after completing drywall, plumbing, painting, and electrical work.

Engineered hardwood must acclimate to the room for at least 72 hours before installation. Maintain relative humidity between 30% and 50% and temperature from 60°F to 80°F. Note that some projects, like drywall and painting, can significantly increase room humidity.

If installing engineered hardwood over concrete, the concrete must cure for at least 60 days before flooring installation.

2. Materials for Installing Engineered Hardwood Flooring

• Engineered hardwood.

• Underlayment – foam pad.

• Baseboards, moldings.

• Expansion gap spacers.

• Wood filler to match the floor.

• Vapor retarder.

3. Tools for Installing Engineered Hardwood Flooring

• Stapler and air compressor or manual flooring nailer.

• Electric multi-tool saw. 

• Miter saw or electric saw. 

• Circular or jigsaw. 

• Tape measure, straight edge, rubber mallet, pull bar, tapping block, pencil.

The ideal temperature for installing flooring is between 59°F – 100°F (15°C – 38°C). Temperature and humidity changes cause the floor to contract and expand. To achieve the best installation results, maintaining a stable temperature is crucial.

4. Instructions for Installing Engineered Hardwood Flooring

4.1 Remove the Old Floor

For the old floor layer, you will need to remove it or carpet to expose the subfloor. The construction team can also help with floor removal. Finally, sweep or vacuum to ensure the subfloor is clean and free of debris.

4.2 Engineered Hardwood Flooring Installation Guide

Step 1: Open Boxes and Spread Out Flooring

To acclimate the flooring, open the boxes of planks and mix them so similar planks are not installed next to each other. Check the floor surface for flatness, hardness, and moisture before construction.

Step 2: Remove Baseboards 

Use a pry bar to remove baseboards. Before prying, place a thin wood block between the pry bar and wall to avoid damaging the wall. Remove round trim and shoe molding.

Step 3: Lay an Underlayment Layer (PE Foam) 

For engineered hardwood, this layer is typically about 2mm - 3mm thick. Then spread it evenly along the room's width or length. The underlayment layers are connected by adhesive tape. This job helps the floor create comfort for your feet when moving while also absorbing moisture and reducing noise from the gap beneath the floor, making it convenient for daily activities.

Step 4: Establish the First Row 

Compared to natural wood, engineered hardwood is quite easy to install. Engineered hardwood must be installed perpendicular to the direction of the joists. Start with a long, straight, and authentic plank. Align the plank tongue so that the tongue faces into the room and not towards the wall. Maintain an expansion gap.

Step 5: Install the First Row 

Nail the planks in the first row, nailing close to the wall so that the baseboards cover them. Cut the last plank to length, leaving an expansion gap at the end.

Step 6: Establish the Second Row 

Start the second row with a plank longer or shorter than the first plank in the first row to avoid aligning end joints. Joints should always be at least six inches apart whenever possible.

5. Safety Considerations When Installing Engineered Hardwood Flooring

Your existing floor or the adhesive underneath may contain asbestos. Generally, installing flooring over asbestos is safe, as long as the materials containing asbestos are not cut, sanded, or chipped, as these actions can release asbestos fibers into the air.

If you want to remove asbestos, the safest way is to contact a certified asbestos removal company to do the job.

The above are the basic steps for installing engineered hardwood flooring that Timber Villa shares with you. If you want to do it yourself, engineered hardwood is a great choice. If you find this process complex, you may want to hire a professional. Currently, Timber Villa is one of the reputable companies of engineered hardwood flooring installation services with competitive costs. With a professional, enthusiastic, and meticulous construction team, we ensure customer satisfaction. Timber Villa has experience in constructing many projects such as business offices, hotels, restaurants, cafes, apartments, hospitals, commercial centers, etc. If you need quick, quality, and affordable engineered hardwood flooring installation, contact Timber Villa for the most professional service.

VILLA TIMBER FLOORING & RENOVATION PTY LTD (AUSTRALIA)

Tel: (03) 9191 9898

Mobile: 0434 331 642 (Quang) - 0422 879 868 (Vinh Pham)

Email: inquiry@timbervilla.au

Address: 298 Canterbury Road, Surrey Hills, VIC 3127

VILA WOODEN FURNITURE JOINT STOCK COMPANY (VIET NAM)

Address: 133 Nguyen Nhan, Hoa Tho Dong Ward, Cam Le District, Da Nang City, Vietnam

Hotline: 0905 612 637

Tax: 0401929279

Email: inquiry@timbervilla.au