Solid Hardwood, Engineered and Laminate Flooring - Free Floating vs Regular Wood Floors
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JimInFLA
04-08-02, 10:19 AM
I am leaning towards the free floating wood floors (the ones that “snap” together), but these don’t look as nice as a regular wood floor.
What would be the pros and cons between these two?
For a room that is about 12 X 12 is it that much more for a regular wood?
Is the upkeep/maintenance between the two the same?
Is one more durable than the other?
How do they compare when it comes to moisture? Living in Florida and on a slab creates more of a potential for moisture.
What would be the pros and cons between these two?
For a room that is about 12 X 12 is it that much more for a regular wood?
Is the upkeep/maintenance between the two the same?
Is one more durable than the other?
How do they compare when it comes to moisture? Living in Florida and on a slab creates more of a potential for moisture.
twelvepole
04-08-02, 03:51 PM
Depending on the manufacturer, quality, finish, and warranty you can pay as much, if not more, for an engineered wood laminate floor as solid 3/4" nail down. A wood laminate floor is a thin veneer of real wood over 3 to 5 plies of plywood. If you purchase a laminated floor, make sure the veneer is at least 1/8" thick. Some laminated products have a veneer so thin that they can not be sanded to refinish. Laminated wood floors are much more dimensionally stable than solid hardwood and can be installed below grade on concrete in basements where solid hardwood cannot be installed. Solid hardwood can be installed over concrete above grade, using a moisture barrier and sleepers or 3/4" exterior grade plywood.
Floating laminate floors should be at least 5/8" thick to assure stability. Products with aluminum oxide finishes will provide a more durable finish and have 25 year finish warranties.
The care of wood laminated floors and solid hardwood floors is the same. The same precautions must be taken to protect your investment. Place mats inside and outside doors to collect grit. Grit is like sandpaper and will wear away your finish. Vaccum frequently or run dust mop in high traffic areas to prevent grit. Put felt furniture protectors on all furniture and do not scoot anything on the wood surface. Follow manufacturer's instructions for cleaning products. Never use wax or oil on polyurethane finish or products containing wax or oil. Do not clean with household cleaning products. Use only a pH neutral cleaner for poly finishes.
40% of wood flooring sold is wood laminate. It is very popular in the south where many homes are built on concrete slabs. DIYers claim wood laminate is easier to install than solid hardwood.
Floating laminate floors should be at least 5/8" thick to assure stability. Products with aluminum oxide finishes will provide a more durable finish and have 25 year finish warranties.
The care of wood laminated floors and solid hardwood floors is the same. The same precautions must be taken to protect your investment. Place mats inside and outside doors to collect grit. Grit is like sandpaper and will wear away your finish. Vaccum frequently or run dust mop in high traffic areas to prevent grit. Put felt furniture protectors on all furniture and do not scoot anything on the wood surface. Follow manufacturer's instructions for cleaning products. Never use wax or oil on polyurethane finish or products containing wax or oil. Do not clean with household cleaning products. Use only a pH neutral cleaner for poly finishes.
40% of wood flooring sold is wood laminate. It is very popular in the south where many homes are built on concrete slabs. DIYers claim wood laminate is easier to install than solid hardwood.