Hardwood Floor Help
Hardwood floors are fast becoming a popular flooring option all over the US. As hardwood flooring is still a relatively new concept in the US. There are a number of questions associated with hardwood flooring such as; is it advisable to install a hardwood floor over a concrete slab? What precautions should be taken before installing a hardwood floor on concrete? Can I install a hardwood floor over a vinyl floor? Is it ideal to install hardwood floors if I have pets? What kind of rugs can I use with my hardwood floor? Can engineered wood be refurbished? Do I have to take special precaution for furniture legs? How can I stop gapping? Here we will be covering some of these questions in hopes to find the answers to these questions.
Installing hardwood over concrete; it is not a good idea to install hardwood floors on concrete slabs. However hardwood flooring can be installed on concrete floors. But (yes there is a but) the costs involved in installing a hardwood floor on concrete are also higher because you have to take additional steps, like installing a plastic barrier, and an additional subfloor (like marine plywood). There is a new underlayment product out called AcouBond that is designed specifically for allowing installation of hardwood flooring on concrete slabs. If required, engineered plank floors can be used over a concrete slab. Engineered planks can be directly glued to the concrete slab and do not require additional buffer material. Some things to keep in mind when installing hardwood, especially on concrete are; hardwood planks should be acclimatized to a house’s humidity and temperature for at least 24-48 hours. In addition, the concrete flooring should be fully cured for at least 60 days before installation. It is also important to read the manufacturer’s handbook/manual before any installation.
You can install hardwood over vinyl floor if it meets certain criteria (among them the vinyl floor should have thick cushion and a tightly secured subfloor). It’s possible to install a hardwood floor over a vinyl, but it is always recommended to read the manufacturer’s instruction manual before attempting any installation.
Hardwood floors are not ideally suited for pets. Urine, scratching and clawing can destroy a finish. It is important to keep in mind that the type of wood used also plays a vital role in determining how resistant the hardwood floor will be to the daily wear and tear of pets.
It is important to remember that not all rugs are non-scratching, and there is a probability that rugs and carpets will scratch the surface of the hardwood floor. Over a period of time, moisture can also cause the rugs to bleed on the hardwood floor. You can also put down a non-slip rug mat; they will help the rug not move and scratching the hardwood.
Engineered wood can be refurbished, but it requires expert care to refurbish a hardwood floor that is made from engineered wood. What is equally true is that high quality engineered wood can only be refurbished a couple of times if the thickness of the finishing layer is high. Some quality engineered wood does have a thickness of around 1/8 inch and can be refurbished a couple of times.
There are special precautions to take with furniture. Most flooring stores offer a special felt padding that allows a cushion on the bottom of furniture. Felt pads have to either be nailed on to the legs or be stuck on to the bottom of the furniture legs like a sticker. It is important to follow the instructions provided with the pads and not hammer the pads directly on to the furniture.
A common problem with hardwood floors is when gapping occurs. Gapping cannot be eliminated completely as wood naturally expands and contracts over time. It is possible to use a humidifier during hotter months and also choosing a species of wood that is less resistant to weather is an ideal solution. This is why it is important to let the hardwood acclimate to the house for a couple days before installing.
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