Engineered hardwood is the workhorse of NYC flooring: a real hardwood wear layer over a stable, layered core that handles concrete slabs, underfloor heating and the humidity swings of apartment living. NYC Floor Pro installs engineered hardwood across Manhattan and NYC, from boutique retail floors to full apartments.
Why engineered works in NYC
Most Manhattan buildings sit on concrete, which rules out traditional nail-down solid hardwood. Engineered boards stay flat and stable over concrete where solid wood would cup or gap, and they tolerate the dry winter heat and humid summers of NYC apartments. The top layer is real hardwood, so the finished floor looks and feels like solid wood because it is.
Glue-down vs floating installation
Over a prepared concrete slab we install engineered hardwood by full glue-down: boards bonded directly to the slab for a solid, quiet floor with no hollow sound. Where building rules or site conditions call for it, we install floating floors over acoustic underlayment. We recommend the method after testing your subfloor.
Moisture testing and subfloor preparation
Every engineered installation starts with moisture testing of the slab, grinding or self-leveling where needed, and moisture barrier where readings call for it. See our subfloor preparation, leveling and soundproofing page for how that work runs.
Recent engineered hardwood projects
Tiffany flagship, Midtown West: sanded and finished about 8,000 square feet of wide-plank engineered oak across the 8th and 9th floors with a natural water-based satin finish.
Ulla Johnson boutique, Madison Avenue: installed 1,000 square feet of engineered oak in a custom pattern by full glue-down.
Common questions
1. Engineered or solid for my apartment?
Over concrete, engineered is the right choice in almost every case. Over a wood subfloor, both work – we recommend after seeing the space.
2. Can engineered floors be refinished?
Quality engineered floors with a real-wood wear layer can usually be sanded and refinished at least once.
3. How is engineered installed over concrete?
By full glue-down over a prepared, moisture-tested slab – the method we used at the Ulla Johnson boutique.
4. Does engineered look like real wood?
It is real wood: a hardwood wear layer over a stable core. It is what we installed at the Tiffany flagship.
5. Do you supply the flooring?
Yes – the showroom at 238 East 60th Street carries a wide range of engineered lines, or we install material you have bought.
Related: hardwood floor installation, luxury wide-plank flooring, the brands we carry.
Get an estimate
Call 718-316-5330 or email nycfloorpro@gmail.com for an estimate. NYC Floor Pro, 238 East 60th Street, New York, NY 10022.