How Do You Prepare Floors For Engineered Wood Floors?
Engineered wood floors are an affordable alternative to traditional hardwood. They are made from a plywood or OSB base, then topped with a layer of real wood veneer. Engineered floors tend to be less susceptible to moisture and humidity than hardwood or laminate, but they still require careful planning prior to installation. The most critical part of this planning involves preparing the sub-floor to accommodate the new floor covering. Engineered wood can be installed over any type of sub-floor with the exception of carpet or floating wood/laminate finishes. Check the moisture level of the wood sub-floor using a handheld moisture meter. Do not install engineered wood on floors that measure higher than 13 percent moisture. This will cause the floor to warp or swell over time, and will produce poor results. Secure any loose or raised floor boards using a hammer and nails. Replace missing nails that can lead to squeaky floors, then remove any stray nails or staples. Check for nails that ar
