Why engineered wood
Seasonal humidity in the region is hard on solid wood. Engineered planks use cross-laminated plies under a real hardwood surface, which limits movement and allows glue-down over concrete. See the hardwood flooring category and Anderson Tuftex engineered hardwood, made in South Carolina.
Matching and extending older floors
A frequent project in Chevy Chase, Kensington and Northwest DC is extending original 2 1/4 inch red oak into a new addition or kitchen. Exact matches need unfinished solid strip flooring woven into the old floor, then sanding and finishing everything together. We will tell you honestly when a new engineered floor in a separate room is the better choice.
Humidity after installation
Keep indoor relative humidity roughly between 35 and 55% year round. In practice that means a humidifier in winter and air conditioning or a dehumidifier in summer. Most seasonal gapping complaints come from dry winter air.
Bamboo floors
Engineered and strand-woven bamboo go down with the same nail, glue and floating methods, but the acclimation time, moisture limits and approved adhesives come from the bamboo manufacturer, not the wood rules above. We follow the installation guide for the specific collection. See bamboo flooring for the CALI and Teragren lines we install.
Prefer an oiled finish? Pair a new floor or a refinish with natural oil refinishing.
Common questions
Can engineered hardwood be installed in a kitchen?
Yes, with care. Wipe spills promptly and use mats at the sink and dishwasher. If water resistance is the priority, consider waterproof flooring instead.
