If you ve decided to install engineered hardwoods there are four possible installation methods depending on the subfloor.
Engineered hardwood floor on slab.
You need to be aware of any concrete substrate that has known moisture problems and remember that new slabs will be high in moisture.
The top layer is made from hardwood.
It s essential to choose the best option from the available types of floors for your hardwood installation on a concrete slab.
For that reason the adhesive you choose depends on the environment and the conditions during installation.
Moisture impacts the engineered hardwood flooring regardless of whether the subfloor is wood or concrete.
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.
Solid hardwood floors are suitable for installing both at ground level and above ground level assuming the concrete is dry and that the right subfloor and vapor retarders are used.
Glue nail staple and float.
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 systems.
Like any wood product engineered hardwood expands and contracts because of changes in moisture.
Engineered flooring is somewhat less expensive than solid hardwood but most types can be sanded and refinished only once since the surface hardwood layer is relatively thin.
Better still it s competitively priced compared to solid hardwood flooring.
Scratch and dent resistance differs among wood species.
Excessive moisture permeating from floor slabs after installation can cause floor covering system failures such as debonding and deterioration of finish flooring and coating and microbial growth.
These planks click together and make a strong and movement stable foundation.
Engineered wood flooring looks very similar on the surface but it is made from a relatively thin layer of hardwood bonded over a substrate of high quality plywood.
Upwards of 2 20 per square foot for engineered hardwood compared to upwards of 3 40 per square foot for solid.
For your areas with concrete slab engineered wood will be your best bet.
However we still do not recommend installing engineered floors in laundry rooms or bathrooms.
The thin slice of wood that lies on top of the layered board is typically less than 1 8 of an inch.
Engineered hardwood flooring is made from a high quality plywood.
The topmost layer that is showcased is actually a thin veneer of a slice of wood.
This can be a rich deep mahogany or a light knotty pine.