Can you have solid hardwood flooring in Florida?
Having solid hardwood flooring in Florida is still very possible, but there is an alternative option for families who want the look of real wood without the upkeep. Engineered hardwood floors have been in existence for over thirty years and have become the most popular option for a DIY wood floor.
Are engineered hardwood floors a good choice for Florida residences?
What makes engineered hardwoods a good choice for Florida residences is that they’re specifically designed to resist moisture and extreme temperatures, the two biggest problems you’ll face when choosing flooring. They won’t expand and contract like a solid hardwood, which means they won’t buckle or crack during a typical Florida summer.
What is the best type of wood flooring for DIY projects?
Engineered hardwood floors have been in existence for over thirty years and have become the most popular option for a DIY wood floor. Engineered wood flooring is all-wood, laminate plank manufactured from pieces of wood that comes in a variety of pre-finished shades.
Can engineered wood flooring be used on the first floor?
On the first floor of a home built on a concrete slab or in a basement or over radiant flooring systems. But engineered wood flooring tech has grown tremendously over the last 15 years, and the products can be used just about anywhere, including places where you would expect to find plank floors, and sometimes even kitchens.
What is engineered wood flooring?
What is the difference between engineered hardwood and real wood?
Can you sand engineered hardwood?
Can engineered hardwood floors be personalized?
Can engineered wood be sanded?
Is engineered hardwood the same as laminate?
Is engineered hardwood more stable than solid hardwood?
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What type of wood flooring is best for Florida?
Laminated Wood Though the feel of laminated feel does feel like hardwood. Laminate wood flooring is resistant to moisture, and this type of flooring does not move or expand when in contact with moisture, which makes it great for Florida weather.
Why is there no hardwood floors in Florida?
Unfortunately, wood and laminate floors require these underlayments to block moisture because they are highly absorbent and prone to warping. Florida has a very high water-table. Concrete slabs absorb water from the ground beneath. Concrete is not a barrier to moisture.
What kind of flooring is best in Florida?
Since it is primarily made from clay, tile flooring is well-suited to high heat and humidity, and it is extremely durable. Tile flooring is used extensively in all parts of Florida and it is often used to cover the entire floor of a home.
Which flooring is best for hot climate?
Tile is one of the best flooring choices for hot and humid climates. Since it's hard and durable, it won't expand and contract like other materials. The cold, polished materials feel comfortable against your bare feet as you walk along the floor.
Is vinyl plank flooring good for Florida?
Unlike laminate flooring which can be affected by higher heat and humidity levels, LVP floors are perfectly safe in South Florida homes where these things can cause damage to more water sensitive flooring types.
Which is cheaper to install tile or wood floors?
In most cases, tile is significantly cheaper than a traditional hardwood floor.
Why do Florida homes have tile?
For one, tile flooring is a great choice for the Florida environment that sweats through high humidity levels. Tiles are tough and water-resistant, which enables them to take on the excessive moisture in the Florida atmosphere without taking it in and harboring mold or mildew.
Can engineered hardwood be installed in Florida?
Engineered hardwood floors are more impervious to higher moisture levels in the environment, so they are ideal for Florida and similar regions. They are also coated in a specially formulated, UV-cure urethane finish that intensifies their durability and resistance to scratches.
What is the most popular flooring for 2022?
Finally, Vinyl and wood floors are seemingly the front runners for 2022 flooring top trends but, that doesn't mean carpet flooring won't make an appearance. Area rugs, carpet tiles, and frieze carpets are sure to be among the most popular styles this year.
What is the best flooring for high humidity?
High-pressure laminate flooring is excellent for high humidity applications, because it's made with a special glue that reduces the absorption of moisture. Laminate flooring is inexpensive, comprised of wood composites that are pressed together for high strength and water resistance.
What flooring is best over concrete?
Best Flooring for Concrete Slab FoundationEngineered Wood. Natural hardwood flooring offers undeniable beauty and durability. ... Vinyl. As a longstanding choice for kitchens and bathrooms, vinyl has a reputation for extreme water resistance. ... Laminate. ... Carpet. ... Tile.
Which flooring is cooler?
Ceramic is a great option especially if a room is not in direct sunlight. Using blinds and keeping your tiles out of the sun will help to keep your room cool. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are also a good option compared to natural stone tiles as they tend to be more budget-friendly.
Why do Florida houses have tile?
For one, tile flooring is a great choice for the Florida environment that sweats through high humidity levels. Tiles are tough and water-resistant, which enables them to take on the excessive moisture in the Florida atmosphere without taking it in and harboring mold or mildew.
Can engineered hardwood be installed in Florida?
Engineered hardwood floors are more impervious to higher moisture levels in the environment, so they are ideal for Florida and similar regions. They are also coated in a specially formulated, UV-cure urethane finish that intensifies their durability and resistance to scratches.
Are real wood floors expensive?
Installing hardwood flooring costs between $6 and $12 per square foot. That averages out to $3 and $7 per square foot for materials and $3 to $5 per square foot for labor. An estimate for 1,000 square feet of hardwood flooring runs between $6,000 and $12,000.
Are hardwood floors good?
Hardwood floors are known to last decades if properly maintained. Hardwood floors tend to need refinishing every 10 years or so to keep their luster. Expect hardwood floors to last the life of the house.
Engineered Hardwood Floors in Florida | Florida Flooring
We furnish and install all types of flooring focusing on Residential and Small Businesses. (561)234 8000 3020 High Ridge Rd Boynton Beach, FL 33426
The 16 Best Engineered Wood Flooring Brands + Reviews 2022
First of All: What is Engineered Wood Flooring? We’re sure you know this already, but just in case, we want to be sure. There are two main types of wood flooring: solid wood and engineered wood.Engineered wood is often underestimated—but contrary to popular belief, it is real wood flooring. Like solid hardwood, it is 100% wood all the way through.
Who made floating floor?
Sure there were manufacturers offering a more realistic look. Names included Kahrs and Harris. They were also two of the original manufacturers of floating type floors, but they too had appearances that over time turned many off. Namely fillet or three strip products (shown) that looked similar to laminate floors.
How often do you need air conditioning in Florida?
That’s the excuse many use, but looked at closely, it’s not an issue. For the most part Florida residents use air conditioning 7-8 months out of the year. Modern air conditioning removes moisture from the air or maintains a comfortable balance in relative humidity (RH). However, it is important the right system be used that allows for it.
Is there moisture under a solid plank floor in Florida?
The problems with wider solid plank hardwoods in Florida have much todo with what’s under the actual installed floor. Moisture is the enemy. With our humid climate, moisture finds it’s way into the new floor as there’s no climate control below with many stilt type homes.
Does sealing up the underside of a floor keep moisture out?
Many of us know this by living here for decades. Then some seem assured the moisture barrier put down before the floor is installed will keep moisture out.
Does Florida have a high relative humidity?
When cooler months arrive exterior relative humidity levels are not as high as they are in the hotter muggy months. Windows are opened. The results are lower relative humidity levels both indoors and out. Essentially Florida may actually have more stable interior RH levels than other areas that do not use central air conditioning.
Can floating hardwood floors expand in Florida?
Over the years I’ve heard numerous horror stories about hardwood floors in Florida with all of them referring to solid or floating floors. Yes, engineered floating floors can expand considerably with excessive higher humidity levels; particularly those that are glued together or the stuff that is made up of fiber board backing.
What kind of hardwood is used for flooring?
In North America, the common types of hardwood available for flooring include hickory, oak, maple, walnut, cherry, birch, pine, and many more. Every type of hardwood available has unrivaled beauty and can go with any home color scheme, whether it is traditional, modern, exotic, tropical, country-style, etc.
What is the Cost of Engineered Hardwood Flooring?
On average, the labor costs for just the installation will vary from $2,500-$7,000.
What is engineered hardwood?
The alternative today is engineered hardwood, which is manufactured by adhering several layers of wood (e.g ., plywood) in a criss-cross pattern with a veneer finish. Constructing the hardwood in this manner allows the engineered hardwood to become extremely durable, stable, and less moisture-prone. Engineered hardwood is a good option ...
How often can you refinish engineered hardwood?
Engineered hardwood can only be sanded and refinished 1-2 times because the surface veneer layer is very thin. Engineered hardwood can be relatively more difficult to match to the existing wood flooring in the home. The quality of engineered hardwood varies and it is important to purchase it from a reputable flooring vendor.
What does a hardwood finish do in a kitchen?
More important, if you are thinking of installing hardwood in your kitchen, the finish will infiltrate the edges and seal the seams between the planks, which will prevent any moisture from seeping under the planks.
How long does engineered hardwood last?
If well maintained, engineered hardwood can easily last more than 50 years . The flooring is easy to clean and maintain. The one downside is that if heavy objects fall on it, cracks can develop, and this may mean replacement of the entire plank.
How much does it cost to install engineered hardwood?
On average, the labor costs for just the installation will vary from $2,500-$7,000. The engineered hardwood itself will cost between $4-$12 per square foot for most domestic species of wood. Overall, the total cost of installing engineered hardwood can run from $10K-$15K. Today, engineered hardwood is available in many styles, designs, and colors, ...
Why is it so hard to choose flooring in Florida?
If you happen to live in Florida, that decision just got a lot more difficult. Because of the heat, humidity, and beaches Florida is famous for, the types of flooring ...
What makes Florida’s flooring needs unique?
The state is surrounded by water on three sides and the interior parts of the state have a great deal of water. Basically, Florida weather is almost always hot and humid.
What maintenance is needed to care for these floor types?
Your new flooring will come with maintenance requirements. Whether it’s mopping or refinishing, maintenance will be dependant on the type of floors installed in your home.
How long can I expect these flooring types to last in Florida?
But how many years exactly? It all depends on the type of flooring you have install ed. Keep in mind that all estimates are based on proper care and maintenance of your flooring.
What is laminate flooring made of?
Laminate flooring is a synthetic material, made mostly from melamine resin and fiberboard, constructed to imitate the look of natural wood with a top “wear” layer that makes it very durable. Laminates used to look as if they were made of plastic because the materials were cheap and the process was unrefined.
How many layers of wood are in an engineered hardwood floor?
Engineered hardwood floors are manufactured boards made up of several different recycled layers of wood. Typically, each board has five to seven layers, which are compressed and glued together creating a stronger and more moisture resistant board.
Why are engineered wood floors so popular in Florida?
Because of the top layer, engineered wood floors look very similar to solid hardwoods. This gives Floridians a chance to have elegant, refined, and classy flooring, while also adding a great deal of value to a home that must endure Florida’s extreme climate.
What causes water to leak in wood floors?
A tiny leak under a powder room sink can spread water throughout the ground floor within hours.
Why do laminate floors need underlayments?
Unfortunately, wood and laminate floors require these underlayments to block moisture because they are highly absorbent and prone to warping. Florida has a very high water-table. Concrete slabs absorb water from the ground beneath. Concrete is not a barrier to moisture.
Can Florida flood wood floors?
Inevitably, Florida homes are subjected to potential leaks and flooding. Even short term minor flooding will destroy wood and laminate floors. These materials don’t have any resistance to water. Many of the wood floors we’ve replaced with porcelain tile were damaged beyond repair by very minor flooding.
Is it ok to put wood floors on concrete slabs in Florida?
The truth is, wood and laminate floors on a concrete slab at ground level are not a good idea in central and coastal Florida. This may seem like a self-serving statement, but we’re not alone in coming to this conclusion. Mike Holmes, the home improvement guru of the popular TV series “Holmes on Homes”, isn’t crazy about the idea either… (more on this later).
Is there a basement in Florida?
Concrete is not a barrier to moisture. If you’ve dug any holes in your yard, you know it doesn’t take long to hit soggy sandy ground. This is why there are no basements here. It’s just too wet. Concrete slab construction is an answer to this; however, using the right type of flooring is key.
Can mold be found under tile?
We’ve never seen signs of mold under a tile floor. Tile floors are usually replaced for a handful of reasons:
Am I stupid to want engineered wood in Florida?
We bought a house that has solid oak floors. We have had two water leaks since then, we might have mold, the floor is damaged, and needs to come out. I would really like to replace all this solid wood with engineered wood.
Comments (9)
Loved my engineered hardwood floors. We had to take them up, along with tile; when the cast iron pipes under our slab foundation crumpled. Ended up laying the LVP thought out. I hate it! It’s like walking on plastic, well because it is. All the years Of the engineered wood, never had issues with spills.
What is engineered wood flooring?
Engineered wood flooring is all-wood, laminate plank manufactured from pieces of wood that comes in a variety of pre-finished shades. This type of flooring boasts a wood wear layer that tops three to twelve ply layers of various wooden materials, such as oak and poplar.
What is the difference between engineered hardwood and real wood?
Another difference in installation between real and engineered hardwood floors is the fact that real wood has to be nailed down, whereas engineered hardwood planks snap together and float over a thin foam-rubber underlayment, which ensures a quick and clean insertion with no gluing or nailing.
Can you sand engineered hardwood?
Minimized sanding also means that engineered hardwood is incapable of concealing subfloor flaws , as there is usually no sanding during the installation, so this restriction necessitates perfecting the subfloor to prepare for the wood layer.
Can engineered hardwood floors be personalized?
Even though engineered hardwood floors are shaded with many popular wood stains, the color options are limited to the choices of the manufacturer, so engineered hardwood floors cannot be personalized to the extent that solid wood floors can be.
Can engineered wood be sanded?
It also means that engineered wood floors are capable of surviving several refinishes to achieve a fresh look, and it can be site-finished just like solid hardwood if the owner prefers. Even though they can be sanded a few times like real wood, the real wood layer on top of engineered hardwood floors is much thinner than a solid wood plank, ...
Is engineered hardwood the same as laminate?
These materials are cross-layered, glued, and pressed together. Engineered hardwood is not the same as laminate because the top layer consists of real wood. This trait guarantees attractiveness comparable to solid wood flooring.
Is engineered hardwood more stable than solid hardwood?
Engineered hardwood floors are also known to be more stable than solid hardwood as the manufactured wood moves less than real wood. The installation process of engineered wood also seems catered to Florida housing communities; this flooring can be attached to a subfloor like real wood, but it can also be glued down directly over concrete slabs ...
