So you have decided to invest in engineered wooden flooring, but are now concerned about its installation process. You are not alone. To someone who has never installed wooden floors, the process may seem tedious and requiring a lot of effort, both of which are simply untrue. The installation process of engineered wood flooring is quite simple, especially if you go for Mikasa engineered wood flooring with Plank-Loc™ technology. Continuing on the subject, in this post, we present an overview of the guidelines of engineered wood flooring installation. Read on.
General Awareness of Wooden Flooring
Wood is hygroscopic, which means it absorbs and emits moisture depending on the ambient humidity, air, and temperature. This can result in the swelling and shrinkage of wooden planks. This is why it is important to leave ‘expansion gaps’ and ‘movement joints’ in between wooden planks and the wall during installation. Furthermore, to avoid damage to the wood, humidity should be regulated under 60%, both during the installation process and after. Also, the temperature of the room and installation materials must be at least 18 °C.
Pre-Installation
The installation of wooden flooring should only be considered after you have completed all other works such as wallpapering, painting, and tiling. It is also important to maintain the right relative humidity to ensure moisture damage and soiling of the floor. Begin with measuring the width of the room in accordance with the width of the boards. Remember to include expansion gaps when measuring the room’s width.
Installation – Things to Consider
Temperature and Humidity
It is paramount that the minimum working temperature is 18 °C. The relative humidity should be 60% before, during and after wooden floor installation.
Door Openings
Expansion gaps must be left for floors installed through door openings.
Opening Packs
Installation of wooden floors requires patience. The wood floor that we supply is ‘furniture dry’. Taking them out quickly can result in the absorption of moisture and cause them to expand.
Inspect the Boards
Make it a habit of inspecting the board during installation. Finding faults early on can help rectify them easily. If you find faulty boards, you can have them exchanged. Faulty boards can be easily detected before installation and you must avoid using them.
Post-Installation
Surface Treatment
Generally, surface treatment is not usually required. However, in areas where liquid can be spilled, surface treatment can be justified. Surface treatment prevents discoloration and moisture damage to the boards.
Protective Covering
If further work needs to be carried out in the room, the floor needs to be protected with paper as it is permeable to moisture.
Ventilation
Post-installation, you must ensure adequate ventilation during the installation. Doing so prevents moisture from damaging the floor.
Maintenance
Engineered wood floors are designed keeping low maintenance in mind. To increase the lifespan of your wooden flooring, here are a few things you must follow:
- Vacuum or sweep to remove loose dirt as often as you want.
- Use protective mats at exterior entrances and avoid using rubber mats.
- Do not roll or slide appliances across wooden floors.
- Maintain 60% relative humidity.
- Use felt protectors under heavy furniture.
Related: 4 Key Benefits of Installing Engineered Wood Flooring
Wrap Up
Installing wooden floors is not a big task. With the right information and guidelines, it makes the task both enjoyable and educational. You can Browse through our collection of engineered wood floor types and also download a comprehensive engineered wood installation brochure. To discuss your requirements or learn more about our engineered wood flooring, simply call 1800-833-0004 (Toll Free) or write to us at info@mikasafloors.com. You can also fill out our contact form and we will take it from there.