This depends on the type of hardwood flooring you plan to install. Flooring installation sometimes plays a role in your choice of product, so we’re including an explanation for both.
There are many reasons you’d decide on a wood residential flooring installation. Whether you select solid or engineered, these floors add richness, warmth, and charm to your home. They're also a great investment, increasing property values and "for sale" prices. They're timeless, never go out of style, lasts for years (sometimes up to 100), and usually only need a refinishing to bring them back to their original glory.
The construction of the two is different, resulting in engineered having different installation options.
Solid hardwood installation
As the name implies, this is solid wood entirely through the thickness. There's only one way to install this type; first, tongue and grooves fit together, then the floor needs to be nailed, stapled, or glued.
The installer must be mindful that solid wood shrinks and contracts to adjust to the weather. This is handled by placing a ⅝ to ¾ -inch gap around the edges to minimize swelling which can result in cupping and crowning. The gaps are covered up by baseboards and molding so they aren't visible.
Also note that, because solid wood can be damaged by excess water or moisture, it should not be installed in a basement, on a concrete slab, or in any higher-than-normal moisture areas.
This installation requires special skills and tools.
Engineered wood installation
While this can have a typical tongue and groove installation with nails or adhesive, there are instances where the tongue and groove are click-and-lock with an uncomplicated floating floor method.
Engineered construction eliminates the challenge of shrinkage and expansion. Because it’s constructed of layers, with each one pointing in a different direction, this floor is stable and won’t move. As a result, and unlike solid, engineered floors can be installed in any grade level (i.e., basements and ground floors) as well as in some higher-than-normal moisture areas.
Moisture still needs to be monitored before installing in a basement or concrete slab, as excessive humidity affects installation.
For more information on residential flooring installation or any of our products or services, visit the Young Interiors showroom in Longs, SC, serving North Myrtle Beach, Myrtle Beach, Conway, Little River, surrounding areas. We offer free flooring estimates.