2 1/4 versus 3 1/4 hardwood plank - which one would you choose?

[patrob]

Originally Posted by TMA28

I much prefer the plank style and the cost isn't much of a difference. The stripe doesn't look bad especially if its a standard feature...like what my parents got.
.....For small spaces, its usually best to choose the stripe instead of the plank. Most installations are done lengths wise rather than done width wise...

Anything from 2" up to 8" & etc. is called Strip Plank Flooring. And does not matter if your house is small, you can still install wide strip planks... In some cases narrow boards in a small space makes it look too busy & makes the space look even smaller. Also installation of your hardwood planks depends on the direction of your joists & NOT the length of the room. If you choose to install with the joists, this will void your warranty

P.S. If Mattamy offers Bruce & Mirage, definetely choose Mirage vs. Bruce. Slightly more expensive but a lot better quality.

[Joseph]

Originally Posted by patrob

Also installation of your hardwood planks depends on the direction of your joists & NOT the length of the room. If you choose to install with the joists, this will void your warranty

The warranty will still be good if you increase the thickness of your subfloor. (to be an inch and 1/2, or is it an inch and 3/4 - can't remember).

But in reality, there is nothing to worry about running the hardwood with the joists without the extra subfloor thickness. If installed properly, you won't have a problem with it at all.

[patrob]

Originally Posted by Joseph

The warranty will still be good if you increase the thickness of your subfloor. (to be an inch and 1/2, or is it an inch and 3/4 - can't remember).

But in reality, there is nothing to worry about running the hardwood with the joists without the extra subfloor thickness. If installed properly, you won't have a problem with it at all.

Of course nothing should happen with running the hardwood with the joists but what can happen is sagging between the joists , especially when 16 on centre. Also the associated costs and problems are greater than doing your floors the proper way. Like the height of your tiles, nosings & baseboards. When you are custom building your own house, yes you can do all that but on a typical subdivision - Good Luck Instructions from most or all manufacturers will tell you to install the floors across the joists.

There is nothing wrong without installing the extra sub-floor thickness but all depends on the length of the room & span of the joists. The longer the room, the more chances of floor flactuation. Also is your house constructed with TJI or 2x10 floor joists? Sure you can install it anyway you like if you are doing it yourself.....but a reputable contractor will or should not.

[Mark & Lynda]

Originally Posted by Joseph

The warranty will still be good if you increase the thickness of your subfloor. (to be an inch and 1/2, or is it an inch and 3/4 - can't remember).

But in reality, there is nothing to worry about running the hardwood with the joists without the extra subfloor thickness. If installed properly, you won't have a problem with it at all.

The previous poster is correct in that the manufacturer will not honour the warra ty if installed parallel to the joists. My installer even said if you want it installed parallel to the joists you need to sign a waiver on the install warranty.

When you say increase the subfloor thickness do you mean having the thicker subfloor installed as an option through the builder (most builders don't offer the option) or laying down new sheets on top of the builders subfloor? Doing it afterwards you'll have larger transitions and possible issues with staircase nosing height, baseboard heights and door casings.

[patrob]

Originally Posted by Mark & Lynda

When you say increase the subfloor thickness do you mean having the thicker subfloor installed as an option through the builder (most builders don't offer the option) or laying down new sheets on top of the builders subfloor? Doing it afterwards you'll have larger transitions and possible issues with staircase nosing height, baseboard heights and door casings.

Most builders will not offer that option since there is no need for it. All you do is add 1/2" plywood on top of the existing sub-floor. It's better if done by the builder to avoid future problems with height differences. This just causes builders more headaches like drilling/cutting through double layer of plywood for heating/plumbing/electrical & now they have to screw the sub-floor with 3" screws instead of 2"... They just won't do it!