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Am putting on an addition w about 600 sq ft on 1st & 2nd floor (600 each fl) to cover w hardwood flooring. Each floor is basically one big room. Recent discussions w flooring people have steered us to the standard 3/4″ Oak but one flooring guy was hot on a 3/8″ Oak called “Quarter Sawn”. Price for the 3/8″ was about 50 cents cheaper per sq ft for the T&G flooring boards. We are watching our pennies on this projest and was wondering what those “in the know” have to say about the 3/8″ vs the 3/4″ t&g Oak flooring? Thanks.
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Stewart - you might want to look at a recent post here:
< Obsolete Link > Kevin cooley "new hardwood floors over existing" 5/3/00 8:56am
for related info. Is a projest less serious than a project? :)
*Thanks Jeff. I read, I noted, I am now an expert. No, just kidding.Original question still stands. Standard white or red oak 3/4" t&g vs quarter sawn Oak 3/8" t&g.
*3/8ths is too thin -- it'd be used for more of a decorative flooring than a floor that is going to get plenty of use. I believe you'd be happier with the full 3/4" -- extra added insurance for stability.Good luck
*Thanks Dudley. You sound like you have a lot of experience in this area.Yes, this will be a high traffic area and I agree that the 3/8" thickness seems a little thin to me too. I was just trying to get some input from the "field".Thanks again. Hey, are you any relation to Dudley Do-Right?? :-)
*If this is a project for a customer, then 3/8" while very thin, might be fine for the customer.For me, 3/4" is the only way to go.The difference is how long you want the job to last. Most floors will last about 7-10 years for a refinish job. A 3/8" flooring will survive one refinishing; a 3/4" floor will survive at least 2-3 re-finishings, and will last 20-30 years!
*Scooter - thanks for the info. This is not a customer but my own house so I do want it to last and get as much as I can out of the flooring that I put down. I guess this steers me to the 3/4". I'm sure resale value will be better years down the pike if I go with the 3/4.Thanks again.