Engineered Flooring Install Question

funktional · 01-04-2008, 02:49 PM

First of all I want to just add what a great resource this forum is. Not only do I hope to learn a lot here, but I hope over time I can also contribute information that may truly help someone else out.

I am in the process of installing a floating engineered floor on slab. My lower level is roughly 600 sq ft and consists of three separate rooms (Living, dining, kitchen). I have attached a jpeg of the layout. I would like to lay the floor continuously through the three rooms with no thresholds but I’m not sure if this can be done with engineered wood. Basically the planks in all three rooms would follow the same direction. I am afraid though that there might be an issue in the entryways with the engineered product and that with a floating install the expansion and contraction could warp this narrow area.

Anyone have any experience with this situation?

I will be laying Robbins Classic Fifth Ave red oak ½” thickness with a 5” wide plank. It will be floating over a poly vapor barrier and foam padding.

Thanks in advance!

redline · 01-04-2008, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by funktional

... I am afraid though that there might be an issue in the entryways with the engineered product and that with a floating install the expansion and contraction could warp this narrow area.

If you leave the proper gap along the perimeter then the floor should have enough room for expansion.

slakker · 01-04-2008, 04:45 PM

Depending on the length and the material, this may be a problem,

The specs on a walnut I laid was maximum 22' with 1/4" on both ends. It basically said not to do any lengths longer as the gap needed will be more than 1/4" and hence you'll need really thick basebaords.