I’m getting ready to install about 400 sq ft of engineered walnut flooring. The dimensions are 5/8″ x 3 1/2″, with 3mm top layer over 12mm multi-ply core. The flooring is the click-connect variety. Unfortunately, the floor was very uneven and unlevel which I fixed as best I could by laying down various thicknesses of plywood, and smoothing out the joints with leveling compound. The maximum thickness of the leveling compound is 1/8″.
1. How Even Do I Need to Make the Floor?
I have just confirmed that there are still some spots of variances of as much as 1/8″ on the floor (grrr…). What is the maximum variance that this type of flooring can tolerate? Unfortunately, the manufacturer’s install instructions don’t address this, but I recall reading something on FHB like no more than 1/8″ in any 10 foot radius.
2. Float, glue or nail?
Float – would prefer not to, given the less-solid feel.
Glue – Would both the underside AND the seam be glued? Pros/cons?
Nail – as there is some flooring compound on the floor, is nail-down completely out of the question? I am wondering whether, given the variances in the floor, whether it would be better to nail down — or, would that just delay the inevitable loosening of the boards over time since the floor will never be “perfectly” even.
Also, regarding sound-proofing underlay, when can it be used? Just with floating floors, or also with nail-down installations?
3. With or Against Floor Joists?
Finally, I need to decide which direction to run the boards. The building is an older wood-frame building, with joists that are (for the most part) 16″ OC. I’m leaning toward running them perpendicular to the joists, because I think the space will look bigger that way. The problem is that there is a section of the floor, about 12′ by 2′, which has 1/2 ” subfloor of 3″ wide boards, also running perpendicular. These boards are otherwise under newly-laid plywood pieces. Would this small amount of subfloor cause a problem if I also run the engineered in the same direction?
Thanks very much for any help.
Replies
#1 read the instruction - the manufacture will have a spec. I beleive that 3/16 within 10 ft is common, but make not be for different brands and styles.
#2 - read the instructions - But I suspect that with a click lock connection that floating is the only option.
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A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.
Engineered flooring has no structure to add to the floor, so it makes no difference which way you run it from a structural POV. Run it the way that looks best.
I think you are fine with 1/8" variance though I can't understand why you don't see it in the instructions. Every one I have done had it clearly written.
glue? There absolutely has to be some indications in the instructions. Some brands only work one way.
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