Unbiased opinon and advice requested please.
I have read lots of posts about laying a solid wood (oak) floor over concrete and remain confused regarding what I've read here and the numerous options available.
The concrete is at least 20 years old and there is no damp. It is covered in vinyl tiles (which I suppose would come up with a bit of work - but do they need to?). However, I am almost sure the concrete is not of good quality as it seems it's a fairly thin layer in the areas we had to hack up to move heating pipes around the edge of the room. There are also a couple of heating pipes running through the concrete.
I wont be doing this job myself and so have had quite a few "professionals" come to give me quotes and cant believe how many different suggestions and varying prices I've had for the job. Each person one has different ideas and advice (and prices) on how to tackle it.
All include levelling the floor if/where required and using a damp proof membrane/underlay combination.
One says the only way to make sure the job is done properly is to "board out" the floor and then secret nail the solid wood (oak) to the board. He wont do it any other way and says this is the only way to make sure there will be no problems in the future with squeaking and creaking or lifting. He says floating the floor or gluing the T & G will cause problems in the future. He is the most expensive quote and wont negotiate a penny on price no matter how fast I flutter my eyelashes!
Another says it's fine to float the floor without gluing.
Another says it must be glued along the T & G and floated.
Another says lay it this way.. another says lay it that way.
I have the wood already, it is a new range from Wickes The manufacturers guide seems to say you can do what you want with it.. float it.. glue it.. lay it on concrete.. board and nail it.. use metal clips and glue.. build a bonfire..
The room size is 20' x 30' and I wish I'd bought a carpet! Help this poor distraught feeble female PLEASE - what is the best way to lay this floor for a long lasting quality finish?
I have read lots of posts about laying a solid wood (oak) floor over concrete and remain confused regarding what I've read here and the numerous options available.
The concrete is at least 20 years old and there is no damp. It is covered in vinyl tiles (which I suppose would come up with a bit of work - but do they need to?). However, I am almost sure the concrete is not of good quality as it seems it's a fairly thin layer in the areas we had to hack up to move heating pipes around the edge of the room. There are also a couple of heating pipes running through the concrete.
I wont be doing this job myself and so have had quite a few "professionals" come to give me quotes and cant believe how many different suggestions and varying prices I've had for the job. Each person one has different ideas and advice (and prices) on how to tackle it.
All include levelling the floor if/where required and using a damp proof membrane/underlay combination.
One says the only way to make sure the job is done properly is to "board out" the floor and then secret nail the solid wood (oak) to the board. He wont do it any other way and says this is the only way to make sure there will be no problems in the future with squeaking and creaking or lifting. He says floating the floor or gluing the T & G will cause problems in the future. He is the most expensive quote and wont negotiate a penny on price no matter how fast I flutter my eyelashes!
Another says it's fine to float the floor without gluing.
Another says it must be glued along the T & G and floated.
Another says lay it this way.. another says lay it that way.
I have the wood already, it is a new range from Wickes The manufacturers guide seems to say you can do what you want with it.. float it.. glue it.. lay it on concrete.. board and nail it.. use metal clips and glue.. build a bonfire..
The room size is 20' x 30' and I wish I'd bought a carpet! Help this poor distraught feeble female PLEASE - what is the best way to lay this floor for a long lasting quality finish?
