It’s no secret that hardwood floors are the most popular choice in flooring. They’re not only beautiful, but they add an elegance and warmth to any environment, from the most traditional to contemporary.
They’re also durable, long-lasting. You’ll have them for decades, and they're easy to care for too.
The Moisture Challenge
There’s one big consideration: Water and moisture.
Excess water can warp solid hardwood, so versatility is limited. Those little puddles can easily form when there are leaks, or when you spill and don’t wipe it up. Your floor can also be slanted, making the water drip down into the lower parts, and slanted floors are common in older houses.
Water isn’t the only problem, because humidity can be just as damaging. When rooms get muggy, they then get damp, and the moisture penetrates every part of the wood. It even gets into the bottom of the floor. Then the boards will warp, expand or twist.
For that reason, it’s never recommended for installation in below-grade areas, or in the bath, which is widely known as the wettest room of the house. You might still want it in your bath, though, because although tile is beautiful, it can be pretty cold.
Can Engineered Hardwood Flooring Be Installed in the Bath?
Yes, but use fans or vents so the room doesn’t get steamy, and don’t leave wet towels on the floor. Be sure to wipe up spills immediately.
While it is real wood, the engineered version, unlike solid, has a different construction that gives it more stability and superior moisture-resistance. With solid, the fibers lie parallel, but with engineered, it’s all layered so the fibers cross each other.
So go ahead and install it anywhere, but be mindful to:
●Avoid puddles. No flooring, even engineered hardwood flooring, likes standing water, so don’t let them form.
●Check out your floor; slanting is caused by any number of problems, from rotting sills, to problems with the foundation and subfloor; if you are set on having hardwood, the best thing to do is call in an expert to get an opinion.
●Be sure to ask about a moisture barrier. Sometimes it’s recommended, but other times it is not. Ask your flooring pro what they advise and why.
Finally, when you buy engineered hardwood flooring, be sure it’s thick enough to give the best strength and great moisture-resistance.
For the best engineered hardwood flooring in Baton Rouge, visit the experts at the showroom at Wholesale Flooring & Granite.
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