Any advice for a novice in buying wood flooring?

Hi Theresa and Mark,

My husband and I are living in a 200 yr old center hall colonial in MA that we renovated with our church as a parsonage. It is gorgeous. We own our 1986 home in Florida and my father-in-law is living there. Next month we are going to FL to rip up the carpet and put down wood flooring with the help of one of our parishioners who winters in the area. I am researching wood flooring on-line and have found 3/4″ pre-finished solid Tigerwood. I have visited a local store to check out the different finishes, etc. I know there is always something we learn from doing these projects and I am trying not to have regrets. Any advice for a novice in buying wood flooring?

Sincerely, Pat Adams
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Hi Pat,

Sounds like with an old house reno- behind you that you’re no stranger to fixing houses. And that you’re asking around is even better. That’s the good news.

3/4 inch prefinshed tigerwood also sounds pretty sweet, however, they build houses differently in Florida than they do in MA (also my home state.)

Notably, there may be a concrete slab under that carpet. If there is and you buy wood for it, there is a whole other kettle of fish you need to think about, like a vapor barrier, leveling the slab, 3/4 inch plywood subfloor, new threshholds to name a few. If you’re building over a basement or crawl space you still need a vapor barrier (I use 30# tar paper) and I like to make my threshholds on site. Pre-fabs never seem to fit quite right. And don’t forget about shoe molding.

Anyway, the finish: Lumber Liquidators’ “BellaWood” is their premium finish and is rated for 50 years (I think.) Other finishes are still pretty darn durable.

Then, there’s acclimatization. Check with the manufacturer for what they recommend.

I hope this helps. How did you find us, by the way?
Mark
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Hi Mark,

Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions. I found you through HGTV.

My husband says there is a subfloor under the carpet. So making sure it is level is pretty important, I imagine, since the house was built in the 80’s and is in a humid environment.