Step-by-Step Instructions for a Professional Finish
Installing engineered timber flooring is a rewarding project for any DIY enthusiast looking to upgrade their home’s interior. Engineered floors provide the beauty of hardwood along with greater environmental stability, making them an excellent choice for various living spaces. This guide will walk you through the process step by step, ensuring you achieve professional-looking results on your own.
Tools and Materials Needed
For this project, you will need engineered timber planks, underlay (if required), flooring adhesive (for the glue-down method), flooring nails or staples (for the nail-down method), an undercut saw (to trim door jambs), a tape measure, a tapping block and pull bar, a circular saw or jigsaw, spacers, a hammer or pneumatic flooring nailer, and safety glasses and gloves.
Preparation: Setting the Stage for Installation
Store the engineered wood planks in the room where they will be installed for at least 48 hours to acclimatise, which helps prevent warping and buckling. Ensure your subfloor is clean, dry, level, and structurally sound. Any unevenness greater than 3mm over a 2-metre span needs to be corrected before installation. Determine the direction in which you will lay the planks. Typically, planks are laid parallel to the longest wall or, for aesthetic reasons, parallel to the main light source. Trim the bottom of the door frames so that the planks can slide underneath for a clean look.
Installation Methods
For a floating installation, lay the floor over an underlay without directly attaching it to the subfloor. For the glue-down method, apply adhesive to the subfloor before laying down the planks, suitable for concrete subfloors or where a sound deadening underlay is used. The nail-down method uses nails or staples to attach the planks directly to a wooden subfloor.
Step-by-Step Installation
Start in a corner, with the tongue side against the wall. Use spacers between the walls and the planks to allow for expansion. If using the nail-down method, nail the first row through the top of the planks. Fit each new plank at an angle and gently tap into place with a tapping block, ensuring tight seams. Stagger the ends of the planks in adjacent rows by at least 30 cm to avoid pattern repetition. Measure and cut planks to fit at the end of rows and around obstacles using a circular saw or jigsaw. Remember to allow for expansion gaps around the perimeter of the room. The last row may need to be cut lengthwise to fit. Measure the gap and subtract the expansion gap. Use a pull bar to install these last planks tightly against the previous row.
Finishing Touches
Remove all spacers. Install transition pieces such as T-mouldings or threshold strips at doorways and where the new floor meets other flooring types. Replace trim or baseboards.
Post-Installation Care
Clean up any glue residue immediately. Do not wash or polish the floor for at least 24 hours after installation. Use felt pads under furniture legs to protect the flooring from scratches.
Why Choose Titan Timber Flooring
Choosing Titan Timber Flooring ensures you receive high-quality, durable, and aesthetically pleasing engineered timber floors. Our products are designed to last, offering both beauty and environmental stability. With our extensive range of options, expert advice, and superior customer service, your flooring project will not only meet but exceed your expectations. Experience the Titan Timber Flooring difference and transform your living space with confidence.