Engineered wood pairs a hardwood veneer with a multi-ply core for greater dimensional stability than solid hardwood. It installs as floating, glue-down, or nailed flooring and is often suitable over concrete, but it is not waterproof - follow manufacturer guidelines for bathrooms and basements.
Engineered wood flooring pairs a real hardwood veneer with a cross-laminated core to deliver the look of hardwood with improved dimensional stability for modern homes.
Updated guide to hardwood floor installation: choose between solid and engineered boards, prepare a stable subfloor, control moisture, plan layout, leave expansion gaps, and use the right underlayment and fastening method.
A modern guide to refreshing kitchen cupboards in 2025: options to replace doors, interior fittings, materials, integrated appliances, and buying and installation advice.
Plywood offers a cost-effective, strong subfloor and can also be finished attractively when sealed. Use exterior- or water-resistant products and proper membranes in wet areas, and follow local code for thickness and fastening.
Compare staple-down, nail-down, glue-down, and floating methods to pick the right hardwood installation for your wood type and subfloor.