Oak Flooring

[JCE10]

I've been thinking about replacing the carpet in my room to oak flooring. This place has always provided me with a wealth of knowledge, so I was wondering if you guys could help out on the topic at hand. I appreciate any tips.

Also, any suggestions for a good water-based polyurethane?

Thanks.

 

[dartworth]

why not a laminate flooring like Pergo?

 

[JCE10]

I'm sorry, what is the difference?

 

[Luden]

If your on a budget Pergo is a method, But not one I would suggest (I don't think it will last, although it does have a decent guarantee). I would find a local contractor near you that specializes in hardwood floors.

 

[zemel]

Home Depot sells water based polyurethane; "silver" label can, I think it's "Minwax" brand; could be about $ 30.00 / gallon; use it all the time; excellent results. We use "satin"; gives excellent shine.

Remember: 1) buy a good applicator (lambs wool) and stick for it; if you're cheap, you won't know what you did wrong until the job is done; then it's too late ! 2) read the instructions, again, read the instructions ! 3) look at some of the home improvement sites, including Loews, they give instructions, print them out. 3) water based poly doesn't usually "yellow" over time; oil based poly does, but oil based poly lasts longer. 4) you can't just put poly on the floor; there is a method you must follow; wood has to be "screened" first, otherwise, the dried poly will peal off like a banana peel !

One more....buy a good face mask; don't inhale the vapors, they might do damage to yer innards....who was it (Clinton, who said "I didn't inhale !!")

Good luck !!

 

[amdskip]

Laminate is much more durable and has scratch/stain waranties. The only thing is that once it's beat to heck (probably takes at least 20 years of hard abuse??), it's shot because there is nothing there to sand down and refinish. Real oak tounge and groove will last the lifetime of the house but it will have to be refinished and the finish is usually not as durable as laminate. Installing real oak is very labor intensive and it's best left to the pro's most of the time. Laminate can be installed by you with a little research. It's mostly just gluing and inserting. Laminate just floats on the floor as one large sheet where oak gets tacked down on every piece.

 

[allisolm]

Lots of useful info here, here and here.

Hope this helps.

Husband and I replaced carpet with glue-down engineered wood over concrete in living room and dining room. Not hard to do, but hard on the knees.

 

[Ornery]

No matter which way you go, you're talkin' a LOT of money. What makes you want to do this? How long do you plan to live there? I doubt you'll recoup the cost in resale value.

 

[Ernieb]

changed from carpet to laminate floor about six months ago
they are great..afforable...easy to install..easy to clean.

Oak wook is great too..but more expensive
looks even better

 

[Analog]

I installed some 3/4" pre finished T&G oak flooring. Hard work, but worth it in the end.

 

[AbsolutDealage]

"I like oak myself, that's what's in my bedroom. How 'bout you Jimmie, you an oak man?"

 

[spaceman]

Originally posted by: Luden
If your on a budget Pergo is a method, But not one I would suggest (I don't think it will last, although it does have a decent guarantee). I would find a local contractor near you that specializes in hardwood floors.

have you priced Pergo?
it isnt exactly cheap.