Hey everyone! I'm renovating my kitchen and dealing with some serious challenges from my worn-out hardwood floors. The hardwood has a couple of major bumps – about 2 feet wide and 8 feet long – sticking up about 1/4 inch in some places. There's also a dip in between those humps that's about 3/8ths of an inch deep. The boards are laid parallel to the joists, and I think that might contribute to the unevenness. I've gotten mixed recommendations from flooring stores which is making it tough to decide what to do. Since I live here now but plan to rent it out after the reno (I'm a nurse, doing travel work), I want something durable and low maintenance but also affordable since I've had unexpected costs eat into my budget. Here are the main options I'm considering:
1. **Glue-Down Luxury Vinyl Tile:** One installer suggested this since it can cope with uneven floors, but I'd need to put down 1/4 inch plywood first to make it stick. This adds more cost and hassle, especially in my old home with narrow stairwells. Plus, I worry about damaging the hardwood with nails or staples since I'd like to keep it refinishable for selling later.
2. **Click-Lock Luxury Vinyl Plank:** Another option is a floating system that's easier and cheaper to install. However, leveling the floor could be tricky and pricey. An installer mentioned using a belt sander to smooth out the bumps, and then filling in the dip with felt or even roofing shingles, which I find intriguing since I have the tools for it. This option avoids extra expensive materials.
My main concern is about preserving the hardwood since refinishing it might get ruined from moving stuff around. Plus, there's a tenant downstairs who works nights, so I need to keep noise down during installation. Help me out here – should I go for refinishing, or stick to the vinyl options? Looking forward to your insights!
2 Answers
Hey! I hear you on the stress of all this, but I think sheet vinyl could also be a strong contender! It’s the cheapest option and pretty low-maintenance. Just remember, you’ll need to be careful with the installation to avoid snags. I’d suggest fully sealing the seams and maybe reinforcing some areas if you’re worried. Getting the roll into your apartment can be tricky, yes, but if you have good helpers, you can manage it! Plus, if worst comes to worst and you mess up, you can always get another sheet without breaking the bank!
It sounds like you have quite the flooring conundrum! Based on your description, I'd lean towards the glue-down luxury vinyl tile. It’s durable enough for a rental, and if properly installed on the plywood base, it should hold up well against wear and tear. It’s usually more forgiving with any slight unevenness too. Just be sure to communicate any previous intentions with future refinishing when talking to installers, as this can affect your decision. I appreciate your concern about damaging the hardwood. If you think you might want to refinish it down the road, definitely be cautious with any installation techniques that could leave permanent marks.
I agree with FloorGuru! Just think, if you go with the click-lock option and things get more uneven over time, you’d be stuck with it. Plus, if you ever need to replace the vinyl, it could be a bit of a project. The glue-down vinyl allows for flexibility without completely covering your hardwood options.
Thanks for the tip! I appreciate your reassurance. Getting it up there is definitely a worry, but it sounds like it's worth considering for the cost savings.