I am building a house in rural Alaska that will be primarily used as a summer home. I am at the point of putting in the floors, but am unsure of which way to go with the material choice because I let the home freeze each winter. We are not in the arctic (southwest Alaska) but it does go well below zero a few times each winter.
Initially, I considered the laminated wood floors as my choice, but have since heard that the freeze thaw will eventually undo the glue and cause problems.
Tile is an option, but is not really what I want for the kitchen.
Thoughts on engineered wood?
I am a novice at this all.
thanks for any thoughts you can share.
Unsure in Rural Alaska
Replies
If it was really rural Alaska, you'd just use unfinished plywood like everyone else <G>.
But in semi-rural alaska and letting it freeze? Carpet on OSB or plywood would do just fine. But not in a kitchen.
I've seen linoleum, tile and wood used in vacation ski houses that get winterized and frozen every week between rentals.
If there is not a good floor refinisher in town, that would push me towards Pergo et al instead of real wood for the greater durability. Are you going to have a no-shoes policy? A dog? All our unpaved driveways and yards make for a lot of grit in the house. Tough on wood floors.
Thanks David-I'm on the other side of the Inlet on Lake Iliamna.
If the Pergo style will hold up, then, that is what we'll use.