If you’re looking to add warmth, elegance, and durability to your home, engineered wood flooring is a fantastic choice. Not only does it offer the beauty of real wood, but it’s also easier to install than solid wood flooring. With a bit of preparation and the right tools, you can tackle this DIY project yourself and achieve a professional finish. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process.
Table of Contents
Tools and Materials You’ll Need
Before you get started, gather the following tools and materials to ensure the job runs smoothly:
- Measuring tape
- Chalk line
- Moisture barrier or underlay (depending on your subfloor)
- Saw (a miter or jigsaw works well)
- Spacers
- Tapping block and pull bar
- Adhesive (for glue-down installations)
- Soft mallet
- Vacuum cleaner or broom
Step 1: Acclimatize the Flooring
Engineered wood is less susceptible to moisture than solid wood, but it still needs time to adjust to the room’s humidity and temperature. Before installation, store the planks in the room where they’ll be laid for at least 48 hours. This will prevent the wood from expanding or contracting once it’s installed.
Step 2: Prepare the Subfloor
Preparing the subfloor is a crucial step. The subfloor must be clean, dry, and level. Start by removing any old flooring, including nails or staples. Then, sweep or vacuum the area to get rid of dirt and debris. If you’re installing over concrete, use a moisture barrier to prevent water from seeping into the wood. For wooden subfloors, ensure all boards are secured and level. If needed, sand down any uneven areas or use a self-leveling compound.
Step 3: Lay the Underlay or Moisture Barrier
Depending on your subfloor, you’ll need to install an appropriate underlay. If you’re working with concrete, a moisture barrier is essential to protect your engineered wood from water damage. For wooden subfloors, a quality underlay will improve comfort underfoot and reduce noise.
Simply roll out the underlay, cutting it to size, and make sure the edges fit neatly without overlapping. If you’re using a moisture barrier, follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
Step 4: Plan Your Layout
Planning your layout before installation will ensure a seamless and visually appealing result. Use a measuring tape and chalk line to mark a straight starting line along the longest wall of the room. This is usually the most visible area, so it’s essential to start here for a clean finish.
To avoid any narrow planks on the edges, measure the width of the room and divide by the width of a plank. If the last row will be less than half the width of a plank, trim the first row accordingly.
Step 5: Begin Installing the Planks
Place spacers along the walls to create an expansion gap of about 10mm. This will allow the wood to expand and contract with changes in temperature and humidity.
For floating floors, simply click the planks together. Start with the first row, making sure the tongue side faces the wall. Use a soft mallet and tapping block to secure the planks in place without damaging the edges. Stagger the seams of each row by cutting the first plank of every second row in half. This will give the floor a more natural appearance.
For glue-down installations, apply adhesive to the subfloor in small sections, working your way across the room. Place the planks on the adhesive, making sure each one fits tightly against the next.
Step 6: Cut and Fit the Final Rows
When you reach the final row, you’ll likely need to cut the planks to fit. Measure the space between the wall and the last row of planks, and use a saw to cut the planks to size. Don’t forget to leave the expansion gap along the wall.
Use a pull bar to ensure the final planks are tightly in place, and insert spacers between the wall and the last row.
Step 7: Remove the Spacers and Add Finishing Touches
Once all the planks are installed, remove the spacers from the perimeter of the room. Install your skirting boards or moldings, making sure they don’t press down on the flooring. This allows the floor to expand and contract naturally over time.
Finally, give the floor a good sweep or vacuum to remove any dust and debris, and you’re done!
Expert Tips for a Professional Finish
- Check the moisture content: Engineered wood flooring is only compatible with water-based underfloor heating systems. If you have underfloor heating, make sure the system is compatible and that you follow the correct acclimatization and installation processes.
- Use the right saw blade: To avoid splintering when cutting planks, use a fine-toothed saw blade. This will give you a cleaner edge and a more professional finish.
- Test the first few rows: Lay out the first two rows without securing them to check your layout. This ensures you won’t encounter any issues when you start installing.
Conclusion
Installing engineered wood flooring yourself is a rewarding project that can transform your home. By following these steps and using the right tools, you can achieve a beautiful and durable result. For more advice on choosing the right flooring for your home, visit Flooring365.co.uk, where we offer a wide range of engineered wood, solid wood, parquet, laminate, and vinyl options. Don’t forget that we offer free samples so you can experience the products first-hand!
