Flooring guys.

[DSM4Life]

I am looking do upgrade the kitchen and the two things we are looking to do is:
1) Put down hardwood flooring
2) Install a island

The question is do i put down the entire hardwood floor then install the island and drill into the hardwood floor (to secure the island to floor)? OR Do i install the island (drill into the existing floor to secure) then install the hardwood around the island?

[Sicko]

I had a hardwood floor co. in early 90's so I can tell you that if money is not a concern then ALWAYS install flooring under counters islands etc.. The basis behind this is that if at a later time you remodel your kitchen you will have to lace in the flooring at a much greater price than it would cost due to the fact that it is much more labor intensive. In addition wood changes color as it ages. So if you were to install new flooring where the island was it would not match the aged wood that already exists. Another tip if you plan on living in this house for some time DO NOT install manufactured flooring such as "pergo" as this junk might carry some kind of great sounding warranty but it is junk that you cannot refinish if you want to change the color years down the line.. If you get water damage or whatever you can not sand it out because it is only a micro layer of hardwood is glued over basically plywood. Spend the extra dough and get a solid hardwood flooring.

[X83]

Wood flooring expands & contracts with the humidity and temperature fluctuations so personally I would build the island first then install the wood flooring around it, depending on your subfloor construction material.

[Hoggage_54]

Some of my best friends are Carpenters...

[DSM4Life]

Some of my best friends are Carpenters...

Are they hot?

[gixxerboy1]

there is alot of wood to polish in your home

[jtuner77]

I had a hardwood floor co. in early 90's so I can tell you that if money is not a concern then ALWAYS install flooring under counters islands etc.. The basis behind this is that if at a later time you remodel your kitchen you will have to lace in the flooring at a much greater price than it would cost due to the fact that it is much more labor intensive. In addition wood changes color as it ages. So if you were to install new flooring where the island was it would not match the aged wood that already exists. Another tip if you plan on living in this house for some time DO NOT install manufactured flooring such as "pergo" as this junk might carry some kind of great sounding warranty but it is junk that you cannot refinish if you want to change the color years down the line.. If you get water damage or whatever you can not sand it out because it is only a micro layer of hardwood is glued over basically plywood. Spend the extra dough and get a solid hardwood flooring.

THis is the right answer DSM. I did hardwood flooring for a long time and this is the wisest and most cost effective route.

[Shol'va]

I dated a few carpenters and always kept their timber limber. So I feel I can help answer this one. My advice is 1000 percent the advice above. Let me clarify, I agree with post number 2 and 7.

[oscarjones]

You should lay the entire wood floor first, and then buy one of those badass rolling islands with wheels that lock. So when you want to have a party or play "horeshoe" you can roll the island out of the way and have a nice wide open play area!

[oscarjones]

[oscarjones]

[PitMaster]

Just a few things to consider. If all the hardwood is down first and they're gonna stick build this counter on top of it these guys treading back and fourth gonna scratch the floor up more or even ding it up. Heavy tools drop and accidents happen. This leads to more sanding and refinishing which could lead to slight dips or variations and more time spent. You could up front make sure you get enough hardwood for entire kitchen and stock it somewhere for future use. If the counter is in place first they could build around it and stagger it properly, if done right so that any changes later on could be easy for you. They could even take a sec. and show u how. All companys different some are sloppy, if u go with flooring first and they gonna walk all over the thing hopefully they will roll down that same paper they use for subflooring on top if it temporarily for protection. Another thing if u live in a cold place and got the cash I would highly recommend radiant heat flooring and then put the hardwood on top. You will sacrifice 3" of ceiling height with the concrete floor. Something to think about.

[dec11]

you playing around with hardwood? what? never?

[lovbyts]

Dont worry about the scratches. If you get GOOD hardwood and proper finish you have nothing to worry about. The house I grew up in has hardwood floors. My sister and I use to roller skate in the hallway. It has not been re finished for 40 years and still looks great. No scratches you can see unless you get down on your hands and knees (yes we know that's your favorite position ) and look close.

Agree with the 100% hardwood finish. I like the on wheels idea unless you are having electrical connection but you can easily put in-floor plug. Think ahead.

PS I LOL at the comment on expansion/contraction. My moms is 50+ years old and not one gap or crack.

[PitMaster]

Dont worry about the scratches. If you get GOOD hardwood and proper finish you have nothing to worry about. The house I grew up in has hardwood floors. My sister and I use to roller skate in the hallway. It has not been re finished for 40 years and still looks great. No scratches you can see unless you get down on your hands and knees (yes we know that's your favorite position ) and look close.

Agree with the 100% hardwood finish. I like the on wheels idea unless you are having electrical connection but you can easily put in-floor plug. Think ahead.

PS I LOL at the comment on expansion/contraction. My moms is 50+ years old and not one gap or crack.

It depends if the lumber is somewhat green when installed or if it's kiln dried. I imagine all hardwood floor should be kiln dried. But some guys go to actual lumber yards,mills and have things specifically cut and sized, so then you have the dry time to consider. May be much more shrinkage from the soft woods. Tongue and groove pine for example.

[lovbyts]

BTW do NOT let someone talk you into using bamboo. It's a fad thing and does not last over the long haul.

Yes I realize if lumber is green or the type of wood but that is why you need to do your homework and if you are going to get hardwood make sure it's quality meaning it's also DRY and you have a guarantee for years to come.

[DSM4Life]

The island on wheels is out the window. I liked it but the bf doesn't like that idea.

[RaginCajun]

The island on wheels is out the window. I liked it but the bf doesn't like that idea.

tell him to stop being a bitch!!! hahahaha! you really do not notice the wheels unless you are looking for them and it is easy to clean under. i think it also depends on how much room your talking about.

[lovbyts]

The island on wheels is out the window. I liked it but the bf doesn't like that idea.

Why is he afraid it will roll out from under him when he is leaning on it and you are leaning on him? LOL You can get them so you never see the wheels except when you go to move it and drop the wheels.

[Tigershark]

Just do not use Home Depot. They are all about the quantity and not the quality of the work. They had to come back 3 times to fix crap they screwed up by doing it too fast.

[RaginCajun]

Just do not use Home Depot. They are all about the quantity and not the quality of the work. They had to come back 3 times to fix crap they screwed up by doing it too fast.

good point

[lovbyts]

Just do not use Home Depot. They are all about the quantity and not the quality of the work. They had to come back 3 times to fix crap they screwed up by doing it too fast.

Agreed, I would not use the for something that requires quality like that. Now for Carpet they are fine. Hardwood and Tile is a whole other things. Like any big company though they use multiple contractors so the quality is going to be determined by the individual. It's much better finding someone who has references and you can see some of the previous work.

[spywizard]

we did that last year, ran the hardwood wall to wall and permamounted the island.. if you don't want it screwed to the floor (the island you dirty bird) you can use rubber bottomed furniture feet, get them at target cheap..

good luck.. we did 3/4" thick x 3" oak..

[Shol'va]

You already know this but it bears repeating, Always use good thick hard wood and you will never be disappointed.

[Shol'va]

The best reason for having hardwood floors...Crisco Oil Parties

[yungone501]

Dsm, youre a smart man. Think of a manly topic to discuss that will lure in all the hot carpenters...your tactics don't go unseen!

Next thing you know guyz, dsm will be inviting us all over to his house to build this crap and the lure will be all you can eat steak and 'protein drinks'....hahahahahaha!!!

[Sicko]

The best reason for having hardwood floors...Crisco Oil Parties

Dam it Shol'va that is a visual I could have gone my whole life without having !!!!

[DSM4Life]

Dsm, youre a smart man. Think of a manly topic to discuss that will lure in all the hot carpenters...your tactics don't go unseen!

Next thing you know guyz, dsm will be inviting us all over to his house to build this crap and the lure will be all you can eat steak and 'protein drinks'....hahahahahaha!!!

[DSM4Life]

I am going to do the full hardwood floor first then worry about the island later. I don't want to rush either decision.

[lovbyts]

Good idea since one is not dependent on the other but consider putting one or two outlets in the floor for future electrical needs like your island.