Although most of the Michigan Hardwood Floor Services’ projects involve hardwood flooring, every once in a while our clients want something different and that’s engineered hardwood.
Why Homeowners Prefer Engineered Hardwood Over Solid Hardwood:
Engineered hardwood, unlike solid hardwood, can be installed over various subfloors, including concrete!
It can also be installed both below and above grade, as well as via different installation methods (i.e. glue-down, floating with glued joints, floating click-together).
Engineered Hardwood Floors for Ann Arbor Condominium
This project involved a couple who had purchased a condominium nestled in the heart of downtown Ann Arbor. This high-rise condominium was a real gem, with a beautiful layout and large windows providing spectacular views of the city and surrounding neighborhoods. They loved everything about it except the floor, which was part cork and part carpet. Initially, they wanted to replace it with solid hardwood, but after checking with the condominium association they learned that only a floating installation with soundproofing would be allowed.
Five-Inch Maple Engineered Hardwood
Having these requirements in mind (as well as the goals they had for their own floor), they chose a five-inch Maple engineered hardwood. Since this was a condominium, we had to ensure that we were following the proper rules and guidelines regarding any flooring renovations that would take place. Once all the details were clarified, Victor sat down with his clients and went over the plan.
Step 1 – Remove Existing Flooring
First, the existing floor (cork and carpet) needed to be removed.
Step 2: Prep and Install Concrete Moisture Barrier
Second, we needed to make sure the concrete subfloor was properly cleaned, then we would need to install an underlayment with a moisture barrier to reduce noise both above and below the floor.
Step 3: Install Engineered Hardwood Floors
For the actual installation of engineered hardwood, the method I used was the floating method with an edge-glued tongue-and-groove.
As is the case with any hardwood installation where glue is involved, Victor had to be very meticulous and pay close attention to details. While installing the floors, he had to make sure to leave a small gap along the walls, something which would allow the floors to expand and contract during seasonal humidity and temperature changes.
This maple-engineered floor paired beautifully with the gray tones of this home and the abundance of natural light.
Is solid wood still king? I think it is, but does this make engineered hardwood the “new kid on the block”? It seems so, as today’s advances in technology and consumer education make this product increasingly popular.
What to Look For When Shopping for Engineering Wood?
When shopping for engineered hardwood, make sure you ask for all the details, especially the type of plywood used as this is the key to product stability! Baltic Burch is the most stable.
Make sure to ask how thick the layer of hardwood is on the surface.
And lastly, try to buy a product that has been manufactured in the USA.
We consider ourselves very fortunate to have clients who welcome us into their homes and trust that we will deliver quality craftsmanship, expertise, and friendly service.
Contact Michigan Hardwood Floor Services for Engineered Floor Installations!
Let us know how to help you. Michigan Hardwood Floors Services, LLC. provides beautifully finished hardwood and engineered hardwood flooring in the look and style of your dreams. Don’t hesitate to contact us for more information.
Craftmanship is timeless.
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