Features and Benefits

• Engineered wood can be installed by do-it-yourselfers. It can be nailed down over a plywood subfloor, glued down over a plywood or concrete subfloor or floated over a plywood or concrete subfloor. When nailing down, the plywood subfloor should be ¾ of an inch thick and a roofing felt or similar material should be placed beneath. When gluing down, a 100 percent urethane based adhesive with an integrated vapor barrier should be used. For floating installation, use an underlayment with a vapor barrier. The seams will probably need to be glued together with regular wood glue, unless it's a click-lock flooring product.

• Many options are available when homeowners choose engineered flooring. Engineered flooring can be made of any type of wood to provide homeowners with an opportunity to create the perfect custom look. If you would like to use planks wider than six or eight inches, engineered wood can be a good choice. The thickest layer of engineered wood provides a stability that prevents it from buckling, shrinking or shifting.

• Engineered wood can generally be used in any level of the home. Engineered hardwood's construction fortifies it with greater structural stability so that it can be used at any level of the home - at, above, or below ground level. Depending on the moisture level, it might be necessary to use a moisture barrier. Engineered hardwood should not, however, be installed in a bathroom.