Can I Install Engineered Hardwood Flooring Over Existing Hardwood?

If I have bought my dream house and everything is perfect except the floor, is it possible for me to install engineered wood floor over the existing hardwood? If you are in this situation, you should not be confused. You will find the answer in this article here.

Can You Lay Engineered Wood Floor Over Hardwood?

If you don’t like the existing hardwood floor in your house, you can install the new engineered hardwood flooring over it. However, do you really have to do so? It depends on your needs. There are some situations where you need to install engineered hardwood over existing hardwood:

There Is Plenty of Height Allowance

If the existing hardwood floor consists of multiple layers or is very high, you will have to conduct more modifications. For example, you need to trim the length of doors to make them fit. In this situation, engineered wood floor installation over existing hardwood is required.

There Is No Structural Deficiency in the Existing Floor

If you find issues like an uneven surface or squeaky floorboards, adding engineered wood layers is not a solution. You will need to conduct repairs to the existing hardwood floor fist. Only then you can install engineered hardwood floor over the old floor.

The Floor Is Free of Asbestos

If asbestos is present, you will need to enclose it with a vapor barrier. After that, you can lay down engineered woods. The vapor barrier ensures that the asbestos is not disturbed. But the additional steps are time-consuming & problematic. That’s why many people prefer replacing floor to doing so.

Read More : How to Install Solid Hardwood Floor?

Do You Need to Install Engineered Wood Floor Over Hardwood?

Even though you can apply engineered hardwood floor over an existing hardwood floor, it doesn’t mean that you really have to do so. You will need to put engineered wood floor over existing hardwood if the old hardwood floor is structurally solid and free of asbestos. Besides that, you also have to ensure that there is enough high allowance between the old floor & the room & door trims. But if you want to make more modifications to the room, height allowance doesn’t belong to a necessity.

There are 2 main strategies when you install engineered wood floor over your old hardwood floor. You can glue down the floor or float it.

Gluing Down

If you want to glue down engineered wood flooring, you have to use a bonding agent. In this method, you just need to apply the glue or bonding agent to the floor before you lay down the new engineered hardwood floor.

With this approach, the floor will be stable and doesn’t shift much. So, the result will feel more like real hardwood rather than floating floors do. Besides that, there is no risk of a hollow sound when you walk on and a spongy feel.

Sadly, the process of installation can be time-consuming, especially if you are not a professional. If you decide to hire a professional, the labor cost will be very high. In addition, if you want to replace or remove the floor, the process of removal is much more complicated compared to that of a floating floor.

Floating

Another approach to put engineered wood floor over your old hardwood is by floating it. It doesn’t require you to use glue and other adhesives. However, it uses the weight of the floor to make sure that the hardwood planks stay in place. This floor has a better flexibility compared to glued-down floor because it is designed to expand and contract with natural humidity levels.

Engineered wood is excellently suitable for floating. The process of installation for a floating floor is fast enough & easy. Then, the natural contraction & expansion allow for less damage. Therefore, you shouldn’t worry about it rubbing against glue, nails, or other materials. Besides that, a floating floor tends to be a better option on budget than the glued-down floor.

But installing a floating floor in the bathroom and kitchen is not a good idea. In fact, the heavy furniture & appliances in the areas can cause damage to the floor.

In addition, the floor tends to shift more compared to the glued-down floor. It means, if you don’t install it properly, walking on the floor will make a hollow sound.

Each option has its advantages and disadvantages. So, the decision rests on what you expect from the engineered wood floors. But if you install engineered wood over the existing hardwood, it will be better to choose a floating floor. In fact, it is not only more affordable but also easier to install. Of course, this belongs to a significant benefit if you do the installation yourself.

How to Install Engineered Wood Floor Over Hardwood

Here is the step by step how to install engineered wood over your old hardwood floor:

1. Trim the Door Casings

You have to trim the casings of your doors if you don’t want your doors get stuck when used.

2. Apply Underlayment

Usually, it is made from foam. Doing this has so many advantages.

3. Measure the Room

You have to measure the room to determine how many strips of planks you will need.

4. Install the first course of plank

Before installing, apply glue to the groove of the pieces. Then, install additional planks properly.

5. Install the Rest of the Wood Planks

Now, you should lever the joint together with a pry bar. You should also remove excess glue first. Then, you can start installing the rest of the hardwood planks.

6. Rip the Last Course

With a jigsaw, rip the last course to the required width. Ensure to cut in the notches of the doorway.

7. Install the Last Course

It requires dedication and patience. You must use a pry bar to make sure that the final course is tight against the previous one. You may need a box & hammer.

8. Let the Glue Cure

Now, leave it to cure for at least 12 hours before you remove the painter’s spacers and tape.

9. Add the Finishing Touch

You can apply molding around a finish trim and the perimeter. It depends on your preference.

That’s all about installing engineered wood floor over hardwood. Make sure that you only purchase this kind of floor at the trusted manufacturer like Jati Luhur Agung. Find out the product here.

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