What type of flooring is best directly over a wood subfloor?

The key to laying the flooring over a wood subfloor is to find something resilient. Here is a quick rundown of the different types of flooring, how each will perform, and their advantages and disadvantages.

The installation of flooring over wood subfloors requires special attention. Moisture resistance, durability, and control are all essential factors when selecting flooring.

So, if you have a wood subfloor but are wondering what type of material will work best with it, you're in the right place. We will share insights on different types of flooring that can be installed directly over a wood subfloor.

Consider this essential factor first 

There are several factors to consider. An important one is wood expansion. Wood is a natural material that can expand and contract in response to changes in humidity and temperature. This can cause problems for certain types of flooring, such as laminate, which is not designed to accommodate these movements.

Laminate flooring is made of layers of compressed levels of melamine resin and fiber board similar to cardboard with a top layer imprinted to look like wood, and if the subfloor expands or contracts too much, it can cause the laminate to become damaged or even detach from the subfloor. The upside to laminate is cost of material and installation. The downside is that it is temporary due to its lack of waterproofing ability.

Choose a flooring option more forgiving of wood movements, such as engineered hardwood or luxury vinyl plank (LVP). LVP is an excellent choice for wood subfloors, as it is waterproof and more durable than many other types of flooring.

It is resistant to scratches and dents, making it a good option for high-traffic areas. Additionally, LVP is easy to install and maintain, making it convenient and a cost-effective choice for many homeowners.

Here are some more options:

1: Hard surface over wood subfloor  

This option involves installing a hard surface over a wood subfloor using wire mesh and cement. This method was commonly used in the past. However, it’s no longer a great deal due to the availability of other options. It’s still a choice, though.

Its pros include:

·         It provides a solid, durable surface that is resistant to moisture and wear

·         It can be finished with a variety of materials, such as tile or stone

Cons:

·         It may be labor-intensive and time-consuming to install, requiring specialized tools and materials

·         It may be more expensive than other options

·         It may not be as forgiving of wood movement as other options, potentially leading to cracks or other issues

2: Durock or any other cement flooring

Want an excellent choice for use directly over a wood subfloor? This is it. It's made from a special blend of sand and cement, making it durable and easy to work with. The material also provides superior soundproofing for your home than other insulation boards, such as fiberglass or cellulose.

Durock flooring is easy to install and requires no special tools or equipment for the installation process. It involves installing sheets of durock or cement board over the wood subfloor and taping and finishing the joints between the sheets. This option is commonly used as a base for tile or stone flooring.

Pros:

·         It provides a stable, level surface that is resistant to moisture and wear

·         Can also be finished with a variety of materials, such as tile or stone

·         May be more forgiving of wood movement than the first option

Cons:

·         It may be more expensive than other options

·         May require more advanced installation skills

·         May not be as tolerant of wood movement as some alternatives. That can lead to cracks or other issues

3: Schuler Ditra flooring system

This option involves installing Ditra, a moisture-resistant membrane made by Schluter Systems, over the wood subfloor. Ditra is designed to allow for movement and expansion of the wood subfloor, making it a good choice for areas with fluctuating humidity and temperature.

The Schuler Ditra flooring system includes a subfloor preparation kit with everything you need to prepare your existing subfloor for installation.

The installation involves spreading the adhesive and leveling the compound with a trowel or spatula. You will then lay down your Schuler Ditra and roll it. This process helps ensure no gaps between the subfloor and your new flooring.

Its pros:

·         It provides a moisture-resistant and stable surface that is easy to install and maintain

·         Allows for movement and expansion of the wood subfloor, reducing the risk of cracks or other issues

·         Can also be finished with a variety of materials, such as tile or stone

Cons:

·         It may be more costly than other options

·         May not be as forgiving of wood movement as some other options, potentially leading to cracks or other issues

4: Natural engineered wood

This option involves installing natural engineered wood, such as bamboo or oak, over the wood subfloor. Engineered wood is made of pressed and bonded layers, making it more stable and less prone to expansion and contraction than solid wood.

Pros:

·         Provides a natural, attractive appearance

·         May be more durable than solid wood

·         It may be more forgiving of wood movement than solid wood

Cons:

·         It may be more expensive than other options in the long run

·         May be more susceptible to expansion and contraction due to changes in humidity and temperature

·         It may not be as forgiving of wood movement as some other options

Conclusion

You now have several options to consider when choosing flooring to be installed directly over a wood subfloor. Each option has its pros and cons, and the best choice will depend on your specific needs, preferences, and budget. Factors to consider include cost, durability, ease of installation, and the potential for wood movement.

However, no matter which option you choose, working with a reputable and experienced flooring company is essential to ensure the best possible results. If you have any questions or greatly require assistance with your flooring, please don't hesitate to contact us at Universal Floors and More Inc. for all your flooring needs. We offer 100% financing through our third party Hearth and offer 10% off your first service with us! We serve Lee County, FL including Ft Myers, Cape Coral, and Lehigh Acres areas. Se habla español.