Which type of hard wood flooring is best for home with high crawlspaces underneath?
by
Tonya W
+2
My crawlspace is about 6ft high underneath the house. I want real hard wood floors and want to try to install them myself so I guess I have two questions. Which type of wood should I look into getting and would I be able to install myself?
5 answers
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Looks and price often dictate what people go with. Hardwood Flooring now days comes in two basic versions. Prefinished and "Sand in place" As a DIY project the prefinished is tons easier and faster. The tools you will need to install a floor properly will include a miter saw, an air compressor, flooring nailer / stapler, Trim nail gun, flat bar, hammer, Underlayment stapler. You may also need a table saw or circular saw for ripping cuts. If you don't own these you can rent them. For some ideas on floor finishes check out this article I wrote. http://www.networx.com/article/exotic-wood-floor-finishes-you-havent-s Here is a link to a 5" wide Jatoba Install. Jatoba is one of my favorites http://www.flickr.com/photos/kmswoodworks/4526483527/in/set-72157623938796966
KMS Woodworks
on Mar 15, 2012
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Does the crawlspace have anything to do with the type of hardwood I put down? Since there may be more air getting under the floor from the huge crawlspace, is the expand/contract factor greater? I think I'll go with Prefinished since its already treated. Do you know of any good places in Ga to purchase?
Tonya W
on Mar 19, 2012
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The crawl space should already be "isolated" for moisture, as it helps with keeping mold and other moisture issues at bay. Wood is a "hygroscopic" material and will absorb and release moisture as the environmental conditions change. The more stable the environment the more stable the flooring. I have found many great deals at Lumber liquidators. The Bellawood product line is one of the best. http://www.lumberliquidators.com/
KMS Woodworks
on Mar 19, 2012
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Okay, that makes sense. I'll travel up to Lumber Liquidators to see if I like what they have. Thanks!
Tonya W
on Mar 19, 2012
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I've had great luck with bamboo flooring (used it 4 times in 3 different houses). I choose the 'carbonized bamboo' for my current home. It's hard as nails, doesn't scratch (I have a big dog, 4 cats and a 2.5 yo son who loves to zoom his hot wheels all over the floor) and it cleans easily. Definitely use the underlayment recommended for whatever flooring you choose. It makes installation easier, muffles sound more effectively and provides a vapor barrier from your crawl space.
Jennifer G
on May 08, 2015
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