How To Level A Floor For Engineered Hardwood
Engineered hardwood can be installed in challenging spaces.
How to level a floor for engineered hardwood. Pound nails into the subfloor with a hammer and set screws slightly below the surface of the subfloor with a screwdriver. Engineered hardwood construction has durable high performance qualities. To level a floor start by removing the existing flooring. It is advisable to avoid floor cleaners or restorers which contain oil or wax.
If you ve already started reviewing your options in the hardwood flooring market then you ll be well aware that engineered hardwood flooring is an increasingly popular product. Look to premium collections for those. If a wood subfloor is in place measure the moisture content percentage mc of the wood subfloor and the engineered wood flooring to confirm all the engineered hardwood is acclimated and suitable for installation. Better still it s competitively priced compared to solid hardwood flooring.
This construction prevents the engineered hardwood from warping and bowing the way a hardwood floor might in moist areas. Clean it well with a wet dry vacuum. The structure of engineered wood flooring makes it a versatile hardwood option for areas where humidity and temperature could be a concern like basements or over concrete slab or radiant heating. If your style changes so can your floor.
Once it dries use a lambswool floor buffer to bring back the mirror finish. Remove any obstacles from the floor. Engineered hardwood s layered construction is extra stable allowing it to withstand potential moisture humidity and temperature changes. Then mix leveling compound according to the instructions on the package in a large bucket.
You will have to make sure your joists can handle the addition of considerably more weight from the plywood subfloor and any floor coverings. Engineered hardwood can handle a sanding and re finishing or two especially in thicker boards. Use a long level and tape measure to check that the floor is level. It stands up to everyday use.
It s critical to unpack and acclimate the engineered hardwood flooring under monitored conditions. It is constructed with multi layers of wood. Other things to keep in mind regarding the durability of engineered wood flooring. Take a plain wood floor cleaner spray it onto the engineered hardwood floor and let it set for a while.
Upwards of 2 20 per square foot for engineered hardwood compared to upwards of 3 40 per square foot for solid. Once the compound reaches a creamy consistency pour a thin layer into the sunken sections then smooth out inconsistencies with a hand trowel. Each layer is positioned in a different direction. A plywood subfloor will bridge any minor waves in the existing floor and leveling compound would help too.
Check your wood flooring manufacturer s recommendations and sand any high spots with a concrete grinder. Let s learn about engineered hardwood. Handling the engineered hardwood.