How to Replace an Engineered Floor

An engineered floor can be replaced in the same manner as any type of wood flooring. Engineered wood flooring is flooring that consists of three to seven plies or layers of varying thickness. The number of plies adds to the strength of the wood and makes it cheaper than solid wood flooring of the same core type or species, such as oak.

When your existing engineered flooring is in need of replacement or repair, below are the steps needed to replace the flooring.

Purchase Materials for the Floor Replacement

You will need to go to a lumberyard or home improvement center to purchase the engineered wood flooring needed for the replacement. Measure the existing flooring ahead of time and calculate the total square footage of the room where the flooring will be laid. The square footage is calculated by measuring the room's length and multiplying it by the width. With this information, the sales associate assistant can use a flooring calculator to determine the amount of wood needed in order to complete the job.

Remove Existing Flooring

Use a pry bar to remove the nails and screws that hold the engineered floorboards in place. You will need to pry up all of the existing floorings and toss them in a waste container before you move to the next step in the replacement process of the room's engineered flooring.

Inspect the Floor Joists and Subflooring

While the flooring is up you should inspect the floor joists in order to determine if they are properly installed or in need of replacement or adjustment. The floor joists, which should be under the plywood subflooring, are the cross beams through which the flooring will be attached. In addition to the joists, replace rotted or damaged subflooring with 1/4 inch or 1/2 inch plywood sheets.

Replace Floor Boards

With the floorboards completely removed and the joists and subflooring inspected or replaced, replace the floorboards with the newly engineered ones. Use a screw gun or a nailer to attach the floorboards to the joists. They can also be glued to the subflooring or allowed to float in the case of a floating floor that uses a tongue and groove installation method.

Clean the Work Area

Properly dispose of all of the floorings that were removed and place it in the appropriate recycling location within your community. Clean up any dust and residue on the engineered flooring you installed and apply a coat of wax or sealant as recommended by the manufacturer. Be sure the floor is completely dry and clean before you place any removed furniture back into the room. With this step completed, you are now ready to enjoy your engineered flooring.