Before engineered hardwood is installed, the subfloor should be identified, structurally sound, clean, dry, and flat enough for the selected product and installation method. Those words sound simple, but they must be supported by measurements and site observations. A visual glance alone cannot confirm moisture, flatness, or the condition hidden beneath an existing floor. Homeowners do not need to perform the installer’s technical work. It is still useful to ask what was check

The wear layer is the real-wood surface you see and walk on; the core is the supporting structure below it. Both matter, but neither number can tell you by itself whether a floor is right for your home. A useful comparison also includes the product’s total thickness, construction, finish, dimensions, installation method, subfloor requirements, warranty, and maintenance instructions. When two samples look similar, ask the dealer to show you the current specification sheet for