How to Install Engineered Hardwood Flooring

Engineered hardwood flooring is sold in easy to install planks, often with a lock and fold style of edging for each installation. While some types of hardwood flooring require planks to be cut to fit, nailed or glued in place, most engineered hardwood flooring does not require any of these methods. For the do-it-yourself types, this installation method is easy to do. Read on to learn how to install engineered hardwood flooring.

Step 1

Removing all current flooring materials, such as carpeting, padding or other flooring. All nails should be removed from the floorboards. Sweep the floorboards to remove any debris. Finally, remove the baseboards from around the room to make installing the engineered hardwood flooring easier.

Step 2

Lay a foam underlayment on the floor, which will attach with an adhesive strip already attached to the product. This provides cushion for the engineered hardwood flooring planks to lay on top of. The underlayment product is a simple roll of plastic like paper that is placed on top of the floorboards.

Step 3

Start with one plank of engineered hardwood flooring, placing it down in the corner of the room. Fit the next place to the right or left of the first plank, attaching the groves to each other. The grooves will slide together, locking into place. Do a solid row of planks running next to each other from one side of the room to the other.

Step 4

Cut the last plank to fit correctly against the wall as needed. The engineered hardwood flooring should be cut using a circular saw to give a clean line. The fit should be secure and tight, but not so tight that there isn't any give to the floor when stepped on.

Step 5

Begin the next row by placing the next piece of flooring down. This piece will slide into the groove on the planks already on the ground. Slide the piece into the grove, then down to lock into place.

Step 6

Line up each of the engineered hardwood floor planks correctly. From row to row, the planks should not line up, but should have 2 or more inches difference from one edge to the next. This provides enough stability in the planks to keep them from breaking apart. Continue to do this to cover the entire floor with hardwood flooring planks.

Step 7

Finish the project by reattaching the baseboards around the edge of the room. Be sure to cut around corners or fixtures carefully by measuring the floorboards prior to cutting them. Baseboards allow for mistakes to be hidden when they are small.

Video demonstration