Q: I’m installing 5/8 engineered hardwood floor on second floor over 3/4 plywood. These are 7 1/2 planks. Do I need to install a vapor barrier? We are nailing it with 1 1/2 inch L cleats. Is this workable over floating the floor or gluing it? How does a wood floor expand when nailed tight to a plywood floor?
How can it move without the plywood moving?
A: Well, the product is engineered which means it is suppose to be, because of it’s construction very stable. You should not need a vapour barrier on the second floor. In fact, if it is nailed down and you are punching a thousand holes through such a barrier, how can it be a barrier? As to specific installation instructions, there is so much variation from one product to another, it is best to follow the recommendations of the manufacturer.
Solid wood floors are more of an issue in significant humidity swings than engineered. And some species are more affected than others. I prefer cleats over staples because cleats allow some stretch or expansion of the floor board. Staples are more resistant and under sever conditions can cause splitting of the tongue. The wood floor moves separate from the wooden sub floor. This is why you can walk into any given building and see gaps between boards. Expansion and contraction.
Related Questions
Leveling a slanted wood floorMy living room is about 12' x 13' with a slanting wood floor that varies over an inch from one side of the room to the next. Is there anyway of levelling this without destroying my downstairs neighbours ceiling and without spending gobs of money? I am also interested in…
Minor levelling issues and wood floor installationI have opened two rooms into one and have levelled the floor using a self levelling compound (as best I can). However, the floor is still not 100% level, and there are some small differences between what was two rooms. what problems should I expect if I go ahead and…
Finishing a wood slice floorQ: I just did a wood slice floor. Should I seal the wood before I poly it, and then grout? Or grout first, then seal and poly? A: Forgive me but I've been at this trade many years and have never heard of a wood slice floor. Please explain. Follow-up:…
Shimmying up a sloping floor to levelI have a sloping floor, from both edges to center is 11/2 inches, it seems to be around the chimney, but from the basement the rafters seem tight and not sloping. I was thinking of putting 4 adjustable jacks around the chimney and jacking the floor up slowly so not…
Matching wood grainsI had to install hardwood flooring in my hall and connect it to an existing hardwood floor in the foyer area. I matched wood grains as close as possible. I still notice the difference, even though is very small. Is there a way to hid it?
Oak wood floor is liftingI have recently laid a oak floor in my living room and dining room. The floor has started to lift. Is this common and does it settle down after a while?
It’s up to personal taste. If you get unfinished wood and find someone good at matching stain colours you could keep it the same or close. But people often have different floors in different rooms too.
Can I use different color hard wood on the second floor than that on first floor. I couldn’t find the same color in the market.