Diy install engineered hardwood floor

The first thing we did was make sure our floor was level. We had to pour some self leveling concrete in a small area right in front of the door because it was too big of a dip. Next we scraped all the shmootz off the floor with a scraper tool and removed excess nails from the previous floor.

We spread some of the cork underlayment glue on the floor and rolled out the underlayment. Then we sorted through all the flooring pieces and took out the longest and lightest pieces and separated all the lengths in different stacks. We wanted the long and lightest planks to be in the main walking areas, and the darker more knotted pieces to be hidden under the cabinets or under where the dining room table would go. The floor we chose was tongue and groove and gave a couple of options for install: glue down, staple, or free float.

Also, the power of the staple also gave the boards one last tap as it shot the staple in, tightening the seams even further. I found the flooring easy to install and would do the staple down method again.

You could also use a scrap pieces of flooring to do the tapping, but once you get to the end of the row, this tool comes in handy to squeeze between the wall and the last plank to make it tight. We finished the bedrooms and the hallways weeks ago and made our way through the hallway and out to the living area. Well, if you plan on stapling your flooring which we did because of our slightly unlevel flooring it matters which direction you go. You should definitely start at one end of the house and work your way to the opposite end.

The flooring stapler nails the staples into the tongue of the tongue and groove boards. Generally, no underlayment is required with a glue-down application. Adding engineered wood flooring on your stairs can make them look stylish and sleek.

However, it does make DIY installation a bit more complicated. Start by prepping the stairs for installation. Ensure you have a dry, flat surface on each step. Measure and cut each individual stair carefully. If you have spindles that attach to the stairs, you may need to make intricate cuts and connect two pieces around the spindle on each stair for a snug fit.

Be sure to work from the top of the stairs to the bottom. Finish by filling the nail holes in with wood putty and allowing the new wood planks to sit in place overnight before walking on them. Here are the installation methods used for installation engineered wood floors:. Engineered wood flooring is quickly becoming a popular option for homeowners who want an affordable upgrade for their space. With its significant savings over solid hardwood and the option to choose DIY installation, this is a relatively budget-friendly home makeover.

Handy homeowners should be able to complete this project. However, for those without as much experience in home improvement, the floating installation method provides a simpler alternative that most should be able to tackle on their own. Your email address will not be published.

Learning Center Find the answers to your home improvement questions. Method 2: Glue-Down Installation The glue-down method of installation is ideal for flooring in a high traffic area, as it adds more permanence to your floor. Essentially, you spread glue on the subfloor before installing the planks, and this keeps the floor in place.

Method 3: Nail-Down Installation For a more heavy-duty installation, nailing down your engineered wood flooring is a popular option for those who are comfortable with a nail gun. It follows the same preparations and process as the other methods but requires a plywood subfloor. Tools and Materials Instead of any sort of glue, the nail-down method requires a few more tools. Materials Engineered hardwood floor planks Floor transitions and moldings Matching wood putty. Stapling down your engineered hardwood is a very similar process to nailing it down with a few minor differences.

However, both nail-down and staple-down installation methods require a plywood subfloor. Tools and Materials Grab your toolbox and see what tools you need to get your floor fastened to the ground.

For your first row, face the tongue towards the center of the room then pre-drill and nail the planks down with finishing nails about 1 inch away from the wall and every inches along the length of the plank. Then, use a nail-punch to countersink the nails and fill the hole with a matching wood filler.

When installing the following rows, drive staples at a degree angle right above the tongue of the plank. Repeat this process every inches down the length of the plank. If you run out of space in a row, simply measure the gap between the wall and the last plank, then mark and cut the next plank accordingly. For cutting instructions refer to the section above. Stagger the planks by using the leftover cut ends that are at least six inches long to begin your next row.

Continue this process until the floor is completely covered, then remove your spacers and add your transition strips and molding. Once the planks are installed, avoid heavy traffic and furniture placement for at least 24 hours. FAQ Now that you have an idea about each installation process, do you have more questions? Have no fear! Know the most about your engineered wood floor before installing it by checking out our most asked questions.

Is engineered hardwood waterproof? Thanks to its multi-layered design and sturdy core, all engineered wood resists water better than solid hardwood. Can I install engineered hardwood myself? There are four ways to install engineered wood flooring, and all can be done by yourself. While the floating floor method is more catered to a DIY flooring project, glue-down, nail-down, and staple-down methods also work without a professional. Just be sure to contact your flooring manufacturer for complete installation instructions.

What is the best method to install engineered hardwood flooring? There are four methods to install your engineered wood flooring. You can float the floor, glue the planks down, nail them down or staple them down and have a new gorgeous floor in no time.

For instance, a floating floor installation requires no power tools and is recommended for low-traffic, residential areas. Whereas the nail-down installation method uses a nail gun and is best suited for commercial installations. Is it better to glue or float an engineered wood floor?