When installing engineered timber flooring, it’s important to follow the correct installation methods to ensure a successful and long-lasting result. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you correctly install engineered timber flooring:
Plank Prep
- Allow the planks to acclimate to the room’s temperature for 24 hours to prevent expansion or contraction in humid conditions, which could cause the floor to buckle.
Subfloor Preparation
- Prepare the subfloor by removing baseboards, old nails or staples, and loose dirt.
Underlayment
- Always install engineered wood over an underlayment to prevent moisture buildup, keep the floors warm, reduce noise, and even out subfloor imperfections.
Cutting the Flooring
- Use appropriate tools, such as a table saw, miter saw, circular saw, or hand saw, to cut the planks with the finished side up. It’s important to wear a mask when cutting the planks due to potential excess dust.
Installation Methods
- Staple-Down Method: Similar to nailing down, this method requires a plywood subfloor and involves using a staple gun to fasten the planks down.
- Nail-Down Method: Also requiring a plywood subfloor, this method involves using a nail gun to secure the planks down.
- Floating Floor Method: This common method involves interlocking the tongue of one plank into the groove of another without the need for fasteners.
Additional Considerations
- Always follow the cutting instructions for your particular flooring product before cutting the planks.
- After installation, avoid heavy traffic and furniture placement for at least 24 hours.
Installation Guidelines
- It’s vital to carefully read and understand the installation guidelines provided by the manufacturer to avoid voiding warranties and ensure a successful installation.
By following these steps and guidelines, you can correctly install engineered timber flooring and enjoy its benefits for years to come.
A1Flooring(VIC) provides these products and categories in Australia especially in MELBOURNE.
