Ngumpi.com – If you’re considering putting wide plank plywood flooring in your home, you might be wondering about its durability. The first thing you should know is that wide plank flooring will change slightly over time. Unlike other types of flooring, however, it will acclimate to a room’s moisture levels over time. To acclimate wide plank flooring, you should first sticker each piece of plank when it arrives. Depending on the sub floor and the temperature in the room, the acclimatization period will vary. Whether you choose to nail the planks to a sub floor, a floating floor, or a traditional style, it’s important to take note of the difference between each.
This type of flooring will still expand and contract with fluctuations in temperature
Choosing the right flooring for your home is a major decision. If you’re putting wide plank flooring in a warm, humid climate, you’ll need to account for the relative humidity levels in the room. Although wide plank flooring is most stable in climates that are warmer, this type of flooring will still expand and contract with temperature fluctuations. Make sure to choose wood that is kiln-dried or air-dried to avoid any problems with movement.
The downside of wide plank flooring is its higher price. Wide plank flooring requires longer planks from narrow trees, which means there are fewer available trees for this project. It is also very expensive to mill wide boards, which involves a great deal of waste. Solid hardwood boards that are ten to twenty inches wide are very expensive. Genuine wide planks are cut directly from the trunk of the tree and never branches.
The 11/32″ thick plywood plank is a great choice for most homes
DIY wide plank plywood flooring is a great DIY project that can save you money while preserving your home’s style. It takes a week to complete, but it is well worth the extra effort. And the flooring is beautiful and durable. Michelle put it in her living room six years ago and she says it looks just as good as the day she installed it. The 11/32″ thick plywood planks are a great choice for most homes.
As with any type of wood flooring, wide plank floors require a little maintenance. A quality wide plank flooring requires very little power sanding. A light sanding is required to remove scuff marks and smooth out any joints. You can also finish the flooring with a penetrating sealer. Penetrating sealers are a type of oil-based varnish that protects the wood and makes it hard and durable. Some penetrating sealers are made of tung and linseed oils and phenolic resins. When finished, they can be buffed to a low “satin” finish.
Leave a 1/4 inch gap between the floorboards and the end wall
When installing wide plank floors, make sure to choose the right installation method. You can install solid wide plank floors over a plywood subfloor using adhesive, pneumatic nailer, or face nailing. If installing over concrete, leave a gap of 1/4” between floorboards and end walls to allow for seasonal dimensional growth and to prevent wood from cupping. If you’re installing over concrete, use a moisture vapor barrier to prevent moisture from getting through.
If you want a unique finish, you can choose an unusual paint color for your floors. A black oil-based paint mixed with turpentine can give you a shabby chic look. Use a sanding sealer to prevent blotchy planks. Although plywood flooring may take some time to install, it’s a long-lasting and unique flooring option. If you don’t want to do it yourself, you can hire a professional to do it for you.
