Strange engineered wood flooring install in Philippines (pics) - DIY Chatroom

Flt_Simulation · 06-10-2009, 07:28 AM

I am in the process of having a new house built here in the Philippines. The bedroom floors are to be finished with engineered wood plank flooring. This flooring will be installed over a smooth finished concrete slab.

From everything I have read on the internet, it seems like 90% of this type of wood plank flooring is installed as a "floating floor" especially when installed over a finished (and level) concrete floor. From what I have read, there will usually be a "pad" placed between the concrete floor and the engineered wood planks. Then, the 'tongue and groove' edges of the planks are usually glued prior to pushing the planks together. The planks are installed so as there is about a 3/8" gap between the planks and the walls in the room, which allows the planks to expand if needed do to changes in room temperature and humidity .... Well, not the case here!

I took the photos below to show how the Filipino floor contractor insisted on installing my engineered wood planks. The contractor that did the install is the same company that supplied the planks (and is the sole importer for this flooring into the Philippines)

First, a thin poly foam sheet is installed directly over the exsisting concrete floor. I don't have a photo of the poly foam sheeting actually on the floor, but here is a photo of a roll of the stuff:

Next, a layer of 10 mm Marine grade plywood will be installed over the poly foam sheeting and secured with screws into the concrete floor.

Here is a worker using a large hand drill with a masonary bit to drill through the plywood and into the concrete floor below:

A plastic anchor is then inserted into each hole, and the end of the plastic anchor that extends slightly above the plywood is cut off with a sharp chisel:

Next, scews that resemble drywall screws are pounded into the plastic anchor. This holds the plywood very tight to the concrete below:

An adhesive will then be applied to the bottom of the engineered wood planks (no adheasive on the 'tongue and groove' outer edges):

The planks will then be machine stapled (about every 4") in the non-visable ‘tongue & groove’ area to the plywood below. This installation procedure will insure the engineered wood plank’s security and stability:

Here is a completed section of the flooring (It's still dirty in this photo):

Now, I can't see how this floor will be able to expand or contract with changes of temperature or humidity, but the flooring company guarantees the work and says this is the only way they will install this type of flooring ... and guarantee the work

Just thought you might want to see how it was done over here.

Ron,

.

Flt_Simulation · 06-10-2009, 07:53 AM

Just for your info ... Here is the price breakdown for material and installation (also includes the 10 mm marine plywood)

Total area to be covered: 1,206 sq ft

Total job cost: $4,170

Cost per sq. ft: $3.46

Just Bill · 06-10-2009, 08:31 AM

Some engineered floors are glue down/nailed, they don't move nearly as much as a laminate floor.

jerryh3 · 06-10-2009, 09:24 AM

Is that OSHA approved footwear?

HardwoodGuy · 06-12-2009, 01:02 PM

Like I've said time and time again...people have different methods, but are you sure that's a stapler? They would have to be pretty precise to staple into the tongue at the right angle. I don't know why they don't glue it down the way most do, by spreading the adhesive and then placing the planks into the adhesive.

Thanks fo sharing.

brix_andre · 07-21-2009, 01:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flt_Simulation

Just for your info ... Here is the price breakdown for material and installation (also includes the 10 mm marine plywood)

Total area to be covered: 1,206 sq ft

Total job cost: $4,170

Cost per sq. ft: $3.46

Hi! Can you pls give me the contact number for this contractor? Thanks!

Flt_Simulation · 07-21-2009, 09:17 PM

Brix ...

Kentwood Flooring / Evergreen Manufacturing
Metro Manila
Attn: Vivian Gruba
Phone: (02) 813-8943

The installers travel to all areas of the Philippines. My project was in Bacolod City ... After finishing with me, the installers said they were on there way to Cebu.

The installers work for the same company that the Engineered wood planks were bought from.

brix_andre · 10-05-2009, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flt_Simulation

Brix ...

Kentwood Flooring / Evergreen Manufacturing
Metro Manila
Attn: Vivian Gruba
Phone: (02) 813-8943

The installers travel to all areas of the Philippines. My project was in Bacolod City ... After finishing with me, the installers said they were on there way to Cebu.

The installers work for the same company that the Engineered wood planks were bought from.

Flt...

Thanks for the reply. By the way, how's your engineered wood flooring doing so far? Does it really adjust to the change in temperature & humidity? Does it look nice after installation? Was it installed properly? Was the contractor good as well as the quality of the materials that were used? Sorry if I ask too many questions coz I want to make sure before I ask the to install for my house also. Appreciate your feedback. Thank you so much!!!