Solid Oak

Solid Oak


Would you install solid oak flooring or engineered oak?

I am wondering which option to go for and best method of fixing to screeded floors in living areas. Some say fix solid oak planks direct to screed with special adhesive. Others say fix engineered oak with underlay. Would you use prefinished varnish or oiled or waxed.

Hi Grumpy,

I reckon that's a great question. I truly understand your dilema. There are so many differing opinions on the subject. Since you ask for mine. I alway err on the side of caution when it comes to making recommendations for installation methods. I like a proven history of performance. I prefer quality installation methods that have been proven to last over the long term.

From my observations and experience I would recommend a prefinished hardwood floor. The strongest finishes today are polyurethane with aluminum oxide (second hardest substance to a diamond) in the finsh in multiple layers and UV cured. These are the most scratch resistant. All real wood dings and dents.

Over time cracks occur in concrete. Moisture occurs. I would recommend an engineered oak product not a solid for dimensional stability over your slab. The best most stable hardwood products for radiant heated floors will have a thickness of 9/16" - 3/4".

The best and most forgiving installation method for subfloor irregularities would be to glue tap and glue the individual boards together and float them over foam underlayment. Leave at least a quarter inch gap around the perimeter of the floor and cover with quarter round or baseboards. Remember to use transition strips when changing flooring surfaces and continue to leave your gap at the transitions.

Float your hardwood over the best foam you can get your hands on. Hush step, cork, Quiet walk ect. an underlayment that will repel moisture but will allow your heat to come through and improve acoustics. The better underlayment will feel and sound significantly better. It is worth the extra cost. Follow the manufacturer's specific installation instructions; they know their product best. They spend a lot of money and time on testing for the best installation methods for longevity. Use them. They vary slightly from manufacturer to manufacturer.

Good luck with your project.

Jen