question for woodyoulike

[jackthelad]

Hi

Please excuse me asking you directly, but I read on your very informative website, information regarding regarding engineered wood planks bowing upwards, (cupping). If I understood correctly this is normal within limits 50mm?

my concern is that once laid they will rock about or feel spongy, underfoot.

Will the planks flaten out over time once laid?

Should I try to use the cupped boards at the ends, ie cut, to minimise effect?

Thanks In advance.

 

[WoodYouLike]

Hi Jack

Bowing planks in Wood-Engineered with a pine backing is indeed 'normal'. 50mm is rather much - the top end if you like before we regard the product faulty.
Less than that will settle down once the boards are connected to other rows, but only if the connecting boards don't have the same problem (if too many boards are bowed too much you still have a faulty product). Cutting the board to use as a beginning or end bit is also a 'simple' solution - it breaks the bowing.

If the boards rise up at the end (like a rocking boat) that's a bad sign meaning the connection between toplayer and backing has somehow come under too much strain: the top layer (solid wood) is too strong and 'squeezes' the backing upward. (hope you get the 'picture' of this)

BTw, thanks for the compliments

 

[jackthelad]

Thanks once again.

Regarding compliment, fully deserved..

Regarding cupping, not as bad as 50mm in my case, but have cupping on different boards in different directions some up, some down.

I will have to ensure these particular boards abut straight boards or use them for cuts, as previously discussed.

Keep up the good work

Regards Jack

 

[WoodYouLike]

Regarding cupping, not as bad as 50mm in my case, but have cupping on different boards in different directions some up, some down.

That could be down to storage, where the packs were stacked on too few battens

 

[jackthelad]

Hi

Once again I find I must ask your advice.

It is some weeks since our original discussion, and my worries were well founded.

I laid the floor 4/5 weeks ago, for the most part the floor turned out great. However in one area one plank is bowed (the centre of the plank doesn't touch the subfloor), so it flexes and creaks when walked on.

The subfloor is level / very dry, and there is ample expansion joint all round so I am convinced this is not the issue. I think that simply the bow in this full plank is enough to lift the surrounding shorter planks. It is the first in row, but in the centre of the rooms width, (hope that makes sense).

I need to sort this so here's my thoughts.

I must either....

Get the bowed plank to sit flat, perhaps drill a small hole and inject adhesive. to stick it to the concrete below. I understand these floors can be laid using adhesive anyway.

Fill the gap between plank and floor so it cant flex.

Cut the plank in half to reduce its strength using a small dremell cuter perhaps and make it look like a t&g joint.

Last resort replace the offending plank. don't fancy this, skirting board fitted, glued on 3 sides.. ouch

Any advice you can offer will once again be gratefully received.

Regards Jack

 

[WoodYouLike]

I must either....

Get the bowed plank to sit flat, perhaps drill a small hole and inject adhesive. to stick it to the concrete below. I understand these floors can be laid using adhesive anyway.

Not advisable. Wood is very strong and the bowed plank will not be forced into the adhesive long enough to be able to bond.

I think your second idea (cut the plank in half to reduce the strain) might do the trick. If it still doesn't work you can always remove the whole board later