If you’re looking to increase the value of your home, then you should consider installing engineered wood floors. This is especially true if you’re looking to sell your home because many buyers look for homes with wood floors.
There’s a reason wood flooring has been “in” for so long. They’re more durable and easier to clean compared with other floor options.
To help you learn more, these are some basic FAQs for installing wood floors.
What Is Engineered Wood Flooring?
Engineered wood flooring is a type of wood flooring made of composite core and solid wood veneer. It’s a newer version of hardwood flooring with the aesthetic of hardwood floor combined with extra durability.
Because of the plank construction, engineered wood flooring can be installed in any room in a home.
What Is Engineered Wood Floor Made Of?
You can get engineered wood floors in various wood species, including hickory, white oak, and engineered walnut flooring. Depending on your preference, you can choose between real wood grain, knots, and character to shine in each plank.
Engineered wood can include high-density fiberboard, stone-plastic composite, or engineered plywood. These layers are what provide durability.
What Are the Advantages of Engineered Wood Floor?
There are several advantages to choosing engineered wood floors in your home. First, these floors are DIY-friendly with interlocking flooring. This makes it easier and cheaper for you to install instead of hiring a floor installation company.
You can install the floor in any bedroom in your home, unlike other floor types. Each plank is also unique since it’s made of real wood veneer. On top of all that, it adds a super stylish look to the home.
Is Engineered Wood Waterproof?
Another common question asked is whether engineered wood is waterproof. Because engineered wood has many layers and a sturdy core, it’s very water-resistant. But, planks with stone-plastic composite are completely waterproof.
How Long Does Engineered Wood Floor Last?
Engineered wood floors last for a long time, which is why it’s a great investment. It can last anywhere from 20-80 years!
The length of time it lasts primarily depends on how well you take care of it and the number of surface layers you install.
How many layers does engineered flooring have?
Usually having three or more layers in addition to the top hardwood veneer, engineered wood flooring is constructed. In general, there is more stability the more layers there are. Plywood, high-density fiberboard, or hardwood may make up the core layers. Vanier-engineered flooring, for instance, contains five to seven layers of hardwood in the core.
What is the thickness of the hardwood veneer?
The hardwood veneer, or top layer hardwood, can commonly range in thickness from 0.5mm to 4.5mm or more. A durable hardwood veneer can last for many years. For instance, Vanier-engineered hardwood flooring has a 25-year finish warranty and a Select and Better 2mm hardwood veneer.
Can I refinish (sand) an engineered floor?
The thickness of your hardwood layer will determine how thick it is, yet 95% of hardwood surfaces never get refinished. Because of the premium finishes available and the lengthy procedure involved in refinishing a floor, damaged portions are frequently professionally removed. If sanding is necessary, a skilled sander would normally remove 1/32 of an inch. So, you can sand the floor 1-2 times if it has a 2 mm layer.
How should I install my engineered hardwood?
In general, there are three techniques to install engineered flooring: (i) nailing it to a plywood subfloor; (ii) gluing it to a plywood or concrete subfloor; and (iii) floating it over a plywood or concrete subfloor.
The appropriate plywood subfloor for nail-down installation should be 34″ thick, and a 15lb roofing felt should be positioned underneath.
Use an adhesive with an integrated vapor barrier that is 100% urethane based if you are attaching the floor directly to the subfloor.
Use an underlayment with a vapor barrier for float installation. Unless the particular engineered floor is a glue-less click-lock, the seams will typically still need to be bonded together when floating using ordinary wood glue, such as Elmers or Titebond.
Please be aware that the preceding explanation is only a general suggestion. For more information, refer to your installation manuals.
Where can engineered wood flooring be used?
Engineered wood flooring is a great option whether you are building a new home or remodeling an existing one because it can be put in any living space, including the living room.
Bedroom or living room
Installing engineered wood flooring in your living room or bedroom is advised. The flooring is elegant and classic. Any home decoration or theme will go well with the broad range of engineered wood flooring patterns and styles currently on the market.
Underfloor heating
Engineered wood flooring is more resistant to temperature-related expansion and contraction than solid wood. Nevertheless, it is still susceptible to moisture damage if exposed to it frequently. Engineered wood flooring is a wonderful choice for installation over underfloor heating systems since it is heat resistant.
Is engineered wood flooring suitable for the kitchen?
The kitchen is one of the locations where wood flooring is most frequently installed. This is due to the fact that wood has more style options than other floor covering options, is more durable, provides increased comfort, and has a more natural warmth to it.
When putting in wood floors in a kitchen, there are two crucial factors to take into account. The standard of the wood and the finish you apply. A higher quality of wood will be more resilient and hardier. Which in a busy kitchen is important. The finish’s high quality will make cleaning and touch-ups simple over time.
Can engineered wood flooring be installed in bathrooms?
Although engineered wood flooring is more temperature-resistant than solid wood flooring, water can still harm it. As a result, it might not be the best flooring choice for bathrooms. Engineered wood flooring has a two- or three-layer design to guarantee stability and robustness. Solid hardwood makes up the top layer, while a layer of plywood lies beneath. A three-layer construction has an additional bottom layer of softwood or hardwood. Consult with flooring contractors for advice and support if you are still unsure.
What is the difference between laminate flooring and engineering wood flooring?
Laminate flooring has a synthetic backing and a laminate surface that has a high-pressure image of wood. Laminate has a limited useful life since it cannot be renewed. Solid wood or wood with a wood-wear surface makes up wood flooring. A properly maintained wood floor will last for many generations. Refinishing, resanding, and repainting wood floors may make them look brand-new once more.
Is installing Engineered Wood flooring as a floating floor over concrete possible?
Engineered wood flooring is specifically made for this kind of use. Over the concrete floor, an underlay with a DPM is necessary. Over that, the floating floor system can be installed.
How do I clean it?
Dry cleaning is better to wet cleaning for engineered wood floors. Regularly vacuum and brush the flooring. You should occasionally clean it with a damp, thoroughly wrung-out cloth or mop.
What should I avoid using when cleaning?
Even though engineered wood flooring is stable and long-lasting, it still needs to be well-maintained. Use of vinegar, soap-based cleaners, wax, or other abrasive cleaning solutions should be avoided as they may erode or harm the veneer surface of the hardwood’s top layer.
How long after installation can I walk on it?
Before wearing socks and stepping on your new flooring, you should wait six hours. After 24 hours, you can wear shoes and walk on them. It is best to wait at least 48 hours after installation before placing furniture to accommodate pets.
How do you lay engineered wood flooring?
Many homeowners prefer engineered wood flooring because it is aesthetically pleasing and easy to install. To ensure that engineered wood flooring lasts as long as possible, there are a few crucial factors that you should keep in mind before installation.
The best installation of engineered wood flooring can be achieved by laying it on a level, flat surface. Make sure the flooring is free of any lumps or knots that can result in seams in your finished product. It should also be clean and dry.
How well does engineered wood flooring resist fire?
Engineered hardwood floors have an ignition temperature of 270 degrees, making it one of the last materials to ignite in the event of a fire and an ideal flooring choice for evacuation areas.
Ready to Install Your Engineered Wood Flooring?
These are some of the most common questions when it comes to installing engineered wood floors.
If you’re hiring a company to install the flooring for you, be sure to do thorough research and read reviews. You’ll want to be sure you hire experienced workers that you can trust.
Once you have engineered wood floor successfully installed in your home, you’ll be shocked to see the difference it makes!
So, don’t wait any longer. Install your wood floors today!
And if you’re looking for other ways to beautify your home, be sure to check out our blog. We have a bunch of other articles on home and real estate that you’ll love!