How about the engineering hardwood floor at 2nd floor? (Houston: house, live in)

[haifengpk]

Hi Friends,

I was wondering if we should put the engineering hardwood floor at 2nd floor.

Background:
The carpet at 2nd floor is too old and needs to be replaced. I have two boys, 4.5 and 0.5 years old respectively.

I heard that the step-sound is bigger for the hardwood floor at 2nd floor. Also, the kids will feel a little cold in the winter at the hardwood floor.

Please discuss and give me the comments if I should put the engineering hardwood floor at 2nd floor. What are the advantages and disadvantages for the hardwood floor at 2nd floor.

Thanks in advance.

[Dopo]

To me a perfect house has tile/wood on the first floor and carpet on the second floor

[peacheskitty]

I prefer hardwood. If you need soft spots put in rugs where you see fit. Overall it would be easier to clean and look nicer, though the latter is preference.

[N. Olikee]

Absolutely tear out those carpets and go with wood! Hardwood vs engineered is a decision...depends on what you want, but anything is better than carpet.........yes, you will probably need to invest in some area rugs, but in the end, it is ALL BETTER!

[haifengpk]

How about noise from the 2nd wood floor? Is it an issue for the 1st floor?
Thanks.

[RCH99]

Originally Posted by haifengpk

How about noise from the 2nd wood floor? Is it an issue for the 1st floor?
Thanks.

It will definately most likely be noisier. There are several other things to consider though. If you live in a typical production built home, chances are great that your upstairs subfloor is only 3/4" t&g plywood. In addition, the floor joist spacing will be as wide as code allows depending on the span, and no less. This all means that once the carpet and pad are removed, you will likely be surprised at how unlevel the subfloor is. There will be humps and dips where double joists, or beams below exist. It may be subtle while walking on it, but the 3/4" subfloor will deflect as well. Hardwoods, or engineered wood floors aren't often found upstairs in Houston area homes unless the price point will support the added expense of an enhanced ( stiffer ) floor joist system, and either 1 1/8" t&g plywood or 2" x 6" subfloor. If you have the standard subfloor in your home, it's doable, but you might be less than pleased with the results. I would advise getting a qualified floor installer to assess your floor, and whether or not, they will warrant it against deflection and any other issues. That's a lot of money to spend to not insure that it will perform as expected.

[BookerEast]

I dont agree that it would be noisier. carpetted 2nd floor normally is just crappy thin wood randomly nailed down. Adding some moisture barrier, the flooring materials and properly placed screws/nails should make the floor pretty solid and won't give a full house thud when some kid jumps off the bed.