Plain 1X6's As a Floating Floor

Species

• Tongue and groove hardwood flooring is available in several species. Red pine is among the most common types of hardwood flooring -- its knotty, white wood is both attractive and strong. Other common woods, like ash, cherry, oak and maple are available in 1 x 6 planks as well. If cost is not a limiting factor in making your flooring decision, consider exotic species, like tiger wood, bloodwood, Brazilian cherry or Bolivian rosewood. Wood flooring is typically stained, but if you prefer the look of plain wood, the option is entirely up to you. Seal the wood to protect it from stains and water damage.

Advantages of a Floating Floor

• One of the most salient advantages of floating floors is that they are easy to install. Even a novice DIYer can install a floating floor, saving significant amounts of money. Glue-less models of tongue and groove flooring are environmentally-friendly and easily click together. Because floating floors move as a unit they are less likely to move apart from each other with changes in the weather.

Disadvantages of a Floating Floor

• While the "floating" aspect of a tongue and groove flooring can reduce gaps between planks, buckling can be a problem if the entire unit shifts up against the wall. Floating floors can also be louder than flooring attached to the subfloor. In addition, as wood acclimates to your home, the tongue and groove fittings can swell, making them difficult to fit together. Installing engineered wood flooring, as opposed to solid wood planks, can help you avoid installation issues.

Basic Installation

• Floating floors can be installed over almost any hard, level substrate, including laminate, tile and concrete. Most manufacturers recommend laying a 6 mil plastic moisture barrier and a foam underlayment underneath your floating floors. The foam adds cushion and helps dampen noise. Some floors require glue for proper installation and others simply click together. Carefully read the installation instructions from your manufacturer to ensure a successful project.