Solid hardwood OK for elevator?

[karl ludwig]

I have an unusual project that I'm doing for my condo building that needs the wood flooring replaced in two elevators. The old laminate flooring didn't hold up too well due to people leaving spilled liquids and dog urine puddled on the floor that eventually worked it's way in between the boards. My solution is to replace the laminate flooring with unfinished 2 1/4" x 1/2" select grade red oak that will be finished with several coats of polyurethane. In this way there would be a permanent seal that would repel any future spills. The building is semi-open air though so the elevator interiors are subjected to wide ranges of temperatures and humidity (Dallas, TX). Since solid hardwoods are more prone to expansion and contraction from humidity am I at risk of future cupping and formation of gaps between the boards? Would the fact that we're only talking about 35 square feet per elevator work in my favor? My flooring rep also told me that I could glue this flooring down but everything I read says otherwise. I'm leaning toward nailing. Since these floors will be subjected to daily movement would it be crazy to nail and glue?

[stullis]

Wouldn't recommend it.

Plenty of wood looking vinyls on the market that would probably perform better.

[karl ludwig]

Yeah, I thought about that but they really have their hearts set on wood.

Thanks Scott,
Karl

P.S: Go Favre!!!

[Jim McClain]

If the tenants and their guests were more careful with their drinks and animals, then a wood floor could be a good choice for them. But perhaps a vinyl floor like Scott suggested would be a better choice, especially if it looked like the real thing. I am remodeling my apartment with Luxury Vinyl Tile products that look remarkably like real wood floors. I did the main room last year and am now excited about installing some Karndean flooring in my bedroom and bath this year. Although the careful eye may be able to distinguish the difference between real and vinyl, the stay in an elevator is pretty short and the savings in maintenance and embarrassment substantial.

Jim

[karl ludwig]

The Kandean stuff looks nice. I'll go to my flooring supplier tomorrow to see if they carry it or something comparable. Hopefully the condo board will go for it. Is it likely that the 1/2" solid red oak would develop gaps between the boards from changes in temperatures and humidity?

[Dan Schultz]

karl ludwig said Is it likely that the 1/2" solid red oak would develop gaps between the boards from changes in temperatures and humidity?

Absolutely. Wood flooring is almost the only thing I've ever done in the flooring industry and I am a big fan of wood floors. With the elevator being subject to big changes from the outside enviroiment, spills, pets it wouldn't have a chance. I nearly never recommend a different type of floor covering unless I see a failure on the horizon. I see one here.

On the other hand, I'm an independent inspector and could use the work. Install the wood and call me when it fails but, don't expect me to place blame where it doesn't lie.

[Steve Olson]

I did a floor in a restaurant, that had their heart set on hardwood. I sold them the Mannington Solid Vinyl Adura Plank. It has been outstanding. Super busy place, installed in June of '06, and it has been very durable. Plus, should a single plank get damaged, swapping it out is a breeze.

[karl ludwig]

OK you guys sold me. I'm on my way over to my flooring supplier this morning to see what the have. I'll keep you posted.

Thanks,
Karl

[Peter Kodner]

I'd look into some kerf (end) grained mesquite. You can source it in Texas and use a oil sealer. You will need to allow additional expansion space and the thickness will be substantially more the 3/4.