So I went looking for solid hardwood floors yesterday & the recurring theme seemed to be "moisture". More than one supplier mentioned that if I am looking to install solid hardwood n a hi-rise, any higher than the 5th floor, then I will see buckling of the boards in the winter, due to a lack of moisture. The problem will be compounded if I go with wide planks. However, to avoid this issue, I... [more]
So I went looking for solid hardwood floors yesterday & the recurring theme seemed to be "moisture".
More than one supplier mentioned that if I am looking to install solid hardwood n a hi-rise, any higher than the 5th floor, then I will see buckling of the boards in the winter, due to a lack of moisture. The problem will be compounded if I go with wide planks. However, to avoid this issue, I was advised to install engineered hardwood. I was shown these beautiful engineered floors by Mirage, so aesthetically I am not really opposed to engineered, but it is a matter of perception (solid is better than engineered) & I was told solid hardwood is better for resale.
So my questions are: is the moisture issue real? Will the planks unbuckle once moisture is restored to whatever the optimal level is? Should I consider engineered hardwood?
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I have solid hardwood on the 20th floor and the floors have not buckled in 12 years. Shoot, even when the clown upstairs caused a flood and the flood got wet, it didn't buckle. A properly installed solid hardwood flood is very durable and beautiful. To me, the reason to consider engineered wood is the consistency of the finish and the predictability of the install. With solid hardwood, if it is finished on site after installation, the quality of the finish can vary widely based on the skills of the crew, where engineered wood will be "perfectly" finished from the factory.
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Response by sammy300
almost 13 years ago
Posts: 208
Member since: Mar 2012
Lanzz, I agree the finish on the engineered floors seemed really amazing & consistent.
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Response by alanhart
almost 13 years ago
Posts: 12397
Member since: Feb 2007
I agree with greenberg.
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Response by Guywithcat
almost 13 years ago
Posts: 329
Member since: Apr 2011
People here are generally brokers, most of whom did not go to college and picked real estate sales over car sales. Not sure why you think they could answer much of anything (though they all think they are economists).
Already been asked on this thread: http://streeteasy.com/nyc/talk/discussion/35047
I have solid hardwood on the 20th floor and the floors have not buckled in 12 years. Shoot, even when the clown upstairs caused a flood and the flood got wet, it didn't buckle. A properly installed solid hardwood flood is very durable and beautiful. To me, the reason to consider engineered wood is the consistency of the finish and the predictability of the install. With solid hardwood, if it is finished on site after installation, the quality of the finish can vary widely based on the skills of the crew, where engineered wood will be "perfectly" finished from the factory.
Lanzz, I agree the finish on the engineered floors seemed really amazing & consistent.
I agree with greenberg.
People here are generally brokers, most of whom did not go to college and picked real estate sales over car sales. Not sure why you think they could answer much of anything (though they all think they are economists).
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http://www.vice.com/read/meow-meow-meow-329-v17n2
Thanks