Installation of a Plywood Sub Floor
Q: What's the best floor for a kitchen? I truly want hardwood floors.
A: Two different kinds of hardwood floors would be a great candidate in a kitchen:
1) engineered and site-finished
2) solid and unfinished (may require the installation of a plywood sub-floor)
Let's take a good look at the important differences. Engineered floors may make the total floor very thin since they can be glued straight to a concrete slab or any other rigid sub-floor. Then there's the solid wood floor which needs the installation of a plywood sub floor so the solid floor can be nailed in. Many of the kitchens in Northern Texas are normally located on the first floor of a home that's constructed on a concrete foundation, but there are always a few exceptions.
Why is this distinction worth talking about? The thickness of the floor in the end product. The thickness of the floor can introduce difficulties with cabinets and appliances, so the total thickness of your desired floor should be considered. There are certain kitchens where you require a thin floor, while others have no limitations at all. If you're going to remodel your entire kitchen including replacing your cabinetry, counter tops and all, you might have the ability to use any floor you'd like.
Here's some conflicts that I've seen as a designer/flooring specialist:
Fridge: If you have a built-in fridge, check to see if you have 1.25 inches of clearance above it. Many don't. Don't block in your refrigerator.
Dishwashers: These are generally sitting directly on the floor and don't have the excess room between the top of the appliance and the bottom of your counter top. You'll need some wiggle room, and if it's too tight you'll be made to make a decision. You can block in a dishwasher which means that servicing it might require a service call from a wood floor technician to remove and reinstall planks.
Range: Some kitchens have cook tops. Some have ranges. If you have got a range, take a look at it and see what it might look like if it were raised and inch and a quarter.
If any of the previously mentioned issues are present in your kitchen, then an engineered floor is going to be the more desirable option. Engineered products vary in thickness between 3/8" to 5/8".
HSW Floors provides quality wood flooring to Dallas, TX and the surrounding areas.
About the Author:
This article was brought to you by Wood Flooring Dallas. At Wood Flooring Dallas, our goal is to provide you, the homeowner, with the flooring you really want, at prices you'll love, and with service you'll be amazed with.
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