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Engineered Hardwood flooring, Easy to Install, Easy to Care for
The advantages of engineered flooring are many, however because it can be installed over many types of subfloors as well as above or belowground, I would have to say that installation is possible its greatest advantage. This is especially true if you are a do-it-yourselfer. Many of the engineered hardwood flooring brands do not require that you nail or glue the boards to the subfloor which means that you can install them over a concrete slab subfloor and that the engineered hardwood-flooring can either be floated. When installing engineered hardwood flooring, the main issue is to have a subfloor that is clean, level, and dry. If you are installing the flooring as a floating floor, you must use a reliable vapor barrier between the subfloor and the engineered flooring. Cork underlayment is an excellent vapor barrier. However, it is recommended that you only use the products that are suggested by your manufacturer. The majority of engineered hardwood-flooring features the tongue and groove locking system, which is designed to be free of unsightly gaps between the boards. Many of these systems allow you to take up the boards at a later date when necessary, such as if you need to repair or replace a damaged board. However, this option is only open if youve chosen to install the flooring as a floating floor. Many homes that are being built today have radiant heat, which can be effected by the type of flooring chosen. Therefore, it is important to understand the both the long-term as well as the short-term effects radiant heating may have on your type of flooring. For example, with solid hardwood radiant heat can brutally dry out the hardwood causing the boards to warp and cup. However, engineered hardwood flooring is designed to counteract this effect making is suitable for homes with radiant heating. The following is a list of things you should consider when purchasing, installing, and maintaining engineered hardwood floor: Carefully consider the in which you plan to install your engineered hardwood flooring. Do not install in areas where there will be high levels of moisture. When ordering your engineered hardwood flooring, allow for a certain percentage of waste per square foot. This will depend on your level of experience in installing flooring. The average percent of wastage is between 7 and 10% for non-professional installers. Carefully read all installation instructions and warranty information before you begin your installation. If you have a radiant heating system, ensure that you read any information about your particular system in order to learn and understand the best method of using it under an engineered hardwood floor. Carefully inspect each case of engineered hardwood flooring for defects before you start installation. Prior to installation, ensure that your subfloor is clean, dry, and level. If not, then consult the manufacturers instruction on your engineered hardwood flooring on how to level your subfloor. Regularly clean your engineered hardwood floors by dry or damp mopping, sweeping, and vacuuming as this will prevent dirt and grim from scratching the finish. Place rugs and runners at high traffic areas and endurances to reduce the amount of dirt and moisture tracked into the home. This will minimize the amount of sweeping and mopping that will be required to maintain your flooring. Do not use wax-based cleaners, harsh detergents, abrasives, or steel wool when cleaning your engineered hardwood flooring. Do not apply any finish to an engineered hardwood floor, which already has a factory finish. Never soak or over wet engineered hardwood when cleaning as excessive water will damage the flooring, just as it would with solid hardwood Never walk across engineered hardwood floors while wearing high heels or athletic spikes. Engineered wood floors can be refinished, however because the top layer is thin, it is not recommended to sand them more than once.
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