Practical Guide to Engineered Wood Flooring: Buying, Installing, and Caring for It

Engineered wood flooring uses a hardwood veneer over a layered core, offering stability in variable conditions. Measure and order extra material from the same lot, acclimate boxes on-site, choose the right installation method (floating, glue-down, or nail-down), and follow manufacturer instructions for radiant heat compatibility, refinishing limits, and cleaning. Avoid excess water and wax on factory-finished floors.

Why choose engineered wood?

Engineered wood pairs a real hardwood veneer with a layered plywood or HDF core. That layered construction makes it more dimensionally stable than solid hardwood in variable humidity, so it's widely used in renovations, new builds, and locations where moisture or temperature changes are a concern.

Measure and order the right amount

Measure the room's square footage and account for layout waste. Most installers recommend ordering extra boards to cover cuts, defects, and future repairs. Typical allowance ranges vary by layout (straight vs. diagonal) and board size - confirm the percentage with your supplier before ordering.

Buy all boards from the same production run or stain lot when possible. Finishes and colors can change between batches, so matching lot numbers helps avoid visible differences if you need more later.

Prepare and acclimate

Delivery and on-site storage matter. Keep unopened boxes flat in the room where you'll install the floor and allow the planks to acclimate for the time the manufacturer specifies - often 48-72 hours but check the instructions for your product.

Ensure subfloors are clean, flat, and dry. Follow manufacturer guidelines for moisture limits and underlayment.

Installation methods

Engineered boards install several ways: floating (click-lock), glue-down, or nail/staple-down. Floating floors are common and can be faster to install. Glue-down and nail-down installations are common over concrete or where a permanent attachment is preferred.

Many floating installations are walkable immediately, but glued installations may require adhesive cure time - follow the adhesive and flooring manufacturer's recommendations.

Some engineered floors are approved for use over radiant heat systems, but you must verify compatibility and installation procedures with the manufacturer. ¹

Durability and refinishing

Durability depends largely on the thickness of the hardwood veneer and the finish (e.g., factory-applied polyurethane or aluminum-oxide). Thicker veneers allow limited sanding and refinishing, while VERY thin veneers may not be sandable. Check the veneer thickness and the manufacturer's guidance to know how many times a floor can be refinished. ²

Cleaning and maintenance

Use routine dry dusting or vacuuming with a soft-brush attachment to remove grit. Damp-mop sparingly with a pH-neutral cleaner formulated for hardwood. Avoid steam mops and excess water.

Modern factory-finished engineered floors generally do not require waxing; applying wax may cause buildup or interfere with the finish. Protect high-traffic areas with rugs and use felt pads under furniture legs.

Summary

Engineered wood offers a stable, attractive alternative to solid hardwood. Proper measuring, purchasing from a single lot, acclimation, and following manufacturer instructions for installation and care will help the floor perform and look its best for years.

1. Confirm recommended extra-order percentages for straight vs. diagonal layouts with current installer guidelines
2. Verify common veneer thickness ranges that permit sanding/refinishing and how many times refinishing is typically allowed
3. Confirm manufacturer compatibility and installation requirements for engineered flooring over radiant heat systems