Engineered Wood Flooring Installation Methods
Installing engineered wood flooring is easier than you might think. Modern engineered floors come with a variety of installation methods you can follow. While paying for a professional to fit it for you will provide best results, it is possible to install the floor by yourself.
Discover more about the different installation methods you can use below. Regardless of which method you follow, the floor should be acclimatised for 48 hours prior to installation.
Tongue & Groove/Floating Floor
Tongue and groove/Floating floor is the most popular installation method for engineered flooring. When following the floating floor method, a good quality underlay is required.
If you are installing over a concrete subfloor, make sure the underlay has a damp proof membrane. This will protect it against moisture. Using underlay adds stability to the floor, while also making it quieter and more comfortable.
The planks feature a tongue and groove profile on all four sides. To connect them, insert the tongue of one plank into the groove of another. You will need to leave an expansion gap of at least 15mm around the perimeter of the room. This can be achieved with the use of spacers. You can cover the expansion gap with scotia beading once the installation is complete.
The tongue and groove method is one of the easiest to follow. The above is just a brief guide on how the method works. Be sure to check manufacturer guidelines for more detailed instructions.
Glue Down
Although it takes a little longer than the tongue and groove floating floor method, gluing down the floor provides a more secure fit. Make sure you purchase an engineered wood adhesive that is suitable for your subfloor.
With a trowel, apply enough adhesive for approximately two planks at a time. This prevents the adhesive from drying before you’ve secured the floor down. Be sure to leave a 10-15mm expansion gap around the edges of the room and place the first plank with its tongue facing towards the wall.
After securing the first row, leave a 150mm gap between the joints of the planks on the second row. Avoid applying adhesive to the tongue and groove of the planks as it won’t leave room for any expansion.
When using the glue down method, it is important that the subfloor is flat and even.
Clic Fit System
The Clic Fit system provides the easiest installation method for engineered floors. This method is commonly used to create a floating floor, making it fast and easy to install.
You won’t need any prior experience and the floor can be installed on any type of subfloor. The planks simply click together to fit firmly into place. If you are creating a floating floor, correct underlay will need to be used. Remember, if installing over a concrete subfloor, you’ll need a damp proof underlay to protect against moisture.
Like other installation methods, you will need to leave an appropriate expansion gap. Your new floor will come with full instructions on how to use the Clic Fit method. Be sure to follow these closely to ensure you don’t void the warranty.
The above is just a brief overview of the different installation techniques. Each engineered wood floor comes with its own detailed instructions you should follow. If you have any questions, contact Stories Flooring today and a member of our team will be happy to help.
