Things To Know Before Installing Engineered Wood Flooring

Things To Know Before Installing Engineered Wood Flooring. Engineered wood floors are a popular choice for homeowners. They come in a wide range of styles, offer an eco-friendly option to traditional flooring materials, and are relatively inexpensive.

The only thing standing between you and your new engineered wood floor is making sure that you have all the information necessary before proceeding. Read on – Things To Know Before Installing Engineered Wood Flooring:

1. Installation Cost:

The installation cost of an engineered wood floor will vary depending on factors such as size, type of installation desired, whether or not the installer is licensed or bonded, and any other exceptional circumstances. Also, the longer you wait to install your wood flooring, the less it will cost you.

2. Installation Timeline:

Experienced floor contractors will tell you that the installation of engineered wood flooring should take no more than two days, provided that you have all the necessary personnel, tools, and materials on site.

3. Preparation:

Before the installation begins, you will need to ensure that the area is free from debris, clean, and dry. You may need to repair any holes or cracks in your floor or walls; hire a professional for this if you lack the time or know-how.

When the installation team arrives, they will begin by removing all furniture from the room not to get damaged during the installation. If you have any live plants in the room, be sure to move them.

4. Engineered Wood Flooring Options:

Engineered wood floors are made from a piece of wood pressed flat and glued between two thin wood panels. These light panels fit together like puzzle pieces and can be laid side-by-side or end-to-end to create an engineered wood floor thicker and more stable than traditional solid wood boards.

The thickness of your engineered floor will largely depend on your budget, along with aesthetic advice from your contractor. Look for Engineered Wood Flooring options in your local store or online that best fit your needs, then make sure you know exactly what type of flooring material you are buying before making a purchase decision.

5. Quality:

The type of wood used to produce your flooring will determine the quality of the finished product. Premium engineered wood floors will include a blend of softwoods and hardwoods, which provides a richer look and feel than a plain engineered floor.

6. Engineered Wood Flooring Environmental Impact:

Some people prefer engineered wood floors over solid hardwood for their eco-friendly properties. Because engineered wood is made from thin panels, the waste usually produced by the reliable wood manufacturing process is minimized. The negative environmental impact is caused by the transportation and installation of such large pieces.

8. Risks:

Engineered wood flooring must be allowed to acclimate for at least 24 hours before laying it so that it can adjust to its new environment. Failure to do so may result in your floor warping or buckling under extreme conditions like high humidity, cold, or heat.

9. Grading.

When it comes to installing an engineered wood floor, the flooring must be installed in an area that has been appropriately graded. Using improper techniques or improper tools can result in visible gaps and warping. To ensure that your new engineered wood floor is installed correctly, hire a professional contractor to ensure your grade is level and that your subfloor is prepared perfectly.

10. Warranty:

Most manufacturers offer a limited lifetime warranty on their floors, but they are not foolproof. If you prefer a foundation that lasts an extremely long time, you should get the proper installation from experienced contractors. A warranty protects the homeowner from an inferior product.

At the same time, a guarantee offers additional coverage for those items not covered in a contract, like damage caused by normal wear and tear. Always read the fine print before you buy new wood floors to ensure that you know all conditions, limitations, and restrictions.

11. Engineered Wood Floor Contamination:

Engineered wood floor finishes are highly diluted and non-toxic, but they are treated with stain and sealer; it only takes a few drops to spread throughout a room. Engineered wood flooring is often installed in basements, and crawlspaces where oil and gasoline can be spilled frequently. Natural oils from your skin may transfer to the floor without your knowledge.

If a spill occurs, it is best to wipe up any spills immediately using a dry towel and clean rags. Wood floors should not be cleaned with high-pressure hoses or industrial-strength cleaners. If the floor becomes contaminated, contact the manufacturer for a recommendation to clean and restore your engineered wood floor properly.

12. Maintenance:

Once your floor is installed, regular maintenance is required to keep it looking its best. If a stain or sealer is applied to the flooring, it must be maintained every few years or so when the floor shows wear from use and tear, such as scratches or chips.

Cleaning the feet should be done regularly because small dust and dirt particles can cause scratches on the boards. Engineered wood floors are not entirely resistant to scratches and nicks, so it may be a good idea to have a waxed finish or apply an oil formula once in a while to prevent indentions.

13. Engineered Wood Flooring Installation:

Engineered wood flooring is not particularly difficult to install; however, it can be done improperly sometimes, so make sure that you hire a reputable company to install your wood floor. You should also know the recommended procedure for installing your new wood floor to ensure that everything goes well.

For example, using an orbital sander may reduce the amount of sanding you have to do; however, it can damage the wood and cause voids that will be visible once the floor is complete. If you decide to use an orbital sander, make sure that you use your hand as a guide, basically feeling with your hand to ensure that you are not going too fast or too slow.

You should also know how many boards will be used in your room and ensure that each panel is cut and laid correctly to create a tight fit with one another. This prevents any gaps from becoming visible once the floor is finished. It also ensures that your foot will remain flat throughout its lifetime of use.

Things To Know Before Installing Engineered Wood Flooring – Conclusion

In conclusion, engineered wood flooring is a good choice for those looking for a durable and affordable flooring option. If you take the time to do your homework, you can avoid costly mistakes when making this critical decision.