Easy Steps to Install Engineered Timber Flooring
Learn how to install engineered timber flooring with these instructions for your home. It’s easy!
There are different types of timber flooring, including custom timber flooring. The best one you can easily find is engineered timber floorboards.
What is engineered timber flooring?
It is made from layers composed of a timber surface sitting on substrate of ply, pine, or rubber wood. The top layer is timber but thinner than the solid hardwood timber flooring. Its multilayered construction provides resistance to contraction and expansion.
There are 3 common ways to install engineered timber flooring: floating, glue down, nailed-down. We’ll discuss the floating method because it’s the easiest one on the list.
Before you begin, you need to make sure that the subfloor is cleaned, levelled, dry, and adjusted to your door clearance. Read all the manufacturer’s instructions.
Floating Engineered Timber Flooring Installation
Floating installation is only approved for engineered timber floorboards.
Step 1. Choose your starting wall where you want to begin installing your floor. Make sure your groove side of each plank faces your starter wall. Remember to plan your layout in a good light. Do this to make sure your layout has the look you want before you start gluing.
Step 2. Start laying out wooden floors on the first row from right to left. Cut the last plank to fit if needed. You need to provide a 10-12mm expansion space to give your floor planks space to expand and contract. Use a spacer to maintain the expansion space. Larger room requires additional expansion space. Then move on to the next row plank by plank, connecting the groove and tongue to each plank. If everything looks good, then you’re ready to glue.
Step 3. Now separate each plank on the first two rows so you can begin gluing them. Start at the top right, apply the glue on the groove of the in joint that faces the next plank. Lock the end joints of the first two planks together. Continue doing the same down to the entire row.
On the second row, start from the right. Run the adhesive along the long groove that’s facing the first row. Lock its long groove into the first row. Do the same thing on the second plank on the second row. Apply the glue on the long groove facing the first row. Lock the in joint to the first plank of the second row and to the first row. Continue to do the same steps to the entire second row.
An important point to note: poor alignment of the starter rows will affect the later rows. It is critical to observe proper alignment to make sure nothing goes out of place.
Step 4: Use a tapping block to ensure that no gaps are between the boards. Clean excess adhesive coming out of the seams using a slight wet cloth. Use painters tape across boards to secure the joints white the glue sets. Be sure to test the tape to ensure it doesn’t leave residue or remove coating once removed.
Step 5: Move on to the other rows. Continue doing the same process, starting from right to left, until the floor is complete. Keep using spaces on all rows to maintain the expansion space.
Step 6: You most likely need to cut the width of the planks on the last row. Start measuring the plank with the tongue facing the end wall. Then mark the cutting line with a pencil. Apply adhesive along the long groove and place the plank on the last row after cutting. Use a pry bar to keep the expansion space. Place spacers between the planks and the wall.
Step 7: Allow the flooring to dry for at least 24 hours. You can’t walk on the new flooring, so plan the work accordingly.
Step 8: Remove taps and spacers. And you’re done!
Easy right? But, if you are still intimidated by these instructions, you can always find expert timber flooring installers locally.
Where to Find the Best Timber Flooring Installation Services in Melbourne and Sydney?
If you want to find the best timber flooring installation services in Melbourne and Sydney, there’s Oslek Flooring. You can always relax and watch the flooring experts at Oslek do what they do best. They provide custom timber flooring too.
Get the experts and set your appointment with them by clicking the link https://www.oslek.com.au/contact-us/