Engineered wood flooring looks fantastic and transforms any room, but there are common mistakes that can cause costly issues. Steer clear of these five wrongs:
- Skipping Subfloor Preparation
If you skip that and go straight to the installation, it is only preparing for a floor catastrophe. Your subfloor needs to be clean, dry and level as well structurally sound. Planks sitting on an uneven grade will rock in place since the joints aren’t all flat. Then apply time to mend any signs of damages you see and then take a little effort to make sure the facade is 100 percent flat.
- Ignoring Acclimatisation
Before installation, it must acclimate to the temperature and humidity of your home. Keep out at least 48 hours before opening the box. Neglecting this will be result in the floor expanding or contracting after being put down which would make a gap between planks where they should not be and buckling. For Engineered Wood Flooring, contact https://www.irwintiles.ie/wooden-flooring/engineered-wood-flooring
- Forgetting Expansion Gaps
Wood naturally swells and shrinks as temperature rises or falls. All interior walls require a 10-15mm gap around the perimeter. Your flooring needs a bit of room to expand and contract in changing seasons – without this space, you may experience warping or lifted planks.
- Using Incorrect Underlay
Underlays are not universally suitable for all installation methods or subfloor types. Correct sound insulation, protecting against moisture and keeping the floor in place require usable underlays. Refer to manufacturer guidelines and determine if you need a moisture barrier or acoustic capabilities.
- Poor Plank Layout Planning
Not planning your layout means the awkward cuts end up smallest at one side or not even able to be installed. Before you get started, measure your room and plot out where each plank will go.
By preventing these errors, you will get professional grade results which last for years.