When you need to improve your flooring but don’t want to take Bruce plank flooring out first, you might ask if new flooring can go on top. You can get new flooring over your existing Bruce plank flooring. You need to weigh key factors before putting new hardwood floors over your Bruce plank flooring. Our discussion will explain the important facts of this topic.
What is Bruce Plank Flooring?
Bruce plank flooring products draw strong demand because they supply engineered hardwood and laminate surfaces to customers. People trust Bruce plank flooring because it endures well while keeping maintenance simple and provides many surface options. The Bruce floor holds up quite well at first but shows gradual wear over extended periods. Putting new floors over your existing Bruce planks can help you update your space when the original flooring remains intact.
Considerations Before Laying New Flooring
Before you decide to start laying hardwood floors or another type of flooring over your Bruce plank flooring, you need to evaluate a few key factors:
Condition of Existing Flooring
Check that your Bruce plank flooring stays firmly anchored and even. Serious floor problems will make the new installation process more difficult.
Type of Flooring
You can place three main forms of new flooring,g such as wood-looking vinyl sheets, laminate, and engineered hardwood, on top of Bruce planks without issues. Wood-look vinyl flooring remains popular because it is installed effortlessly and is easy to care for.
Height and Clearance
Laying hardwood flooring adds height to your existing floor. The added height will make it hard to install doors, readjust flooring spaces, and fit kitchen appliances properly. Make sure there’s enough space.
Underlayment
Correct underlayment choice is fundamental to engineered hardwood and hardwood flooring installation. This material ensures your new floor lies evenly and stops water damage while improving temperature control.
Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Flooring Over Bruce Plank Flooring
If you’re ready to move forward with laying hardwood flooring, here’s how to go about it:
Preparation
Start your project by examining your Bruce plank flooring. You need to clean the surface completely and confirm its complete level. Take care of visible irregularities before starting work.
Choosing the Right Underlayment
You will need a well-made underlayment designed for engineered hardwood or hardwood floors. The underlayment stops moisture from entering through hardwood and helps flooring lay flat.
Acclimation of Solid Hardwood
To install solid hardwood floors, you need to let the planks adapt to room conditions first. The wood requires 48 hours to adapt to room temperature and humidity conditions.
Installation Method
- Engineered hardwood on concrete: When installing engineered hardwood on concrete, you should opt for either floating floor methods or glue-down applications.
- Nail-down wood flooring: To set nail-down wood flooring, use Bruce flooring andBrucee nail guidelines as directed by the manufacturer.
Laying the New Flooring
When installing new hardwood floors on concrete or solid hardwood, make sure the product fits exactly and stays securely in place.
Pros and Cons of Installing Flooring Over Bruce Plank Flooring
Advantages:
- Time-Saving: You can decrease installation time when you put new flooring straight on top of Bruce plywood panels.
- Cost-Effective: A new flooring installation often costs less than removing and replacing the entire floor.
- Less Mess: You won’t face the hassle of ripping up old flooring because this solution keeps your space neat.
Disadvantages:
- Height Issues: Putting down new flooring can lift the floor and change passage areas and doorways between rooms.
- Subfloor Concerns: A damaged subfloor will interrupt the stability of your new flooring installation.
Choosing the Best Flooring to Install
When deciding what to install over Bruce plank flooring, consider these options:
Engineered Hardwood
Engineered hardwood flooring works well because it resists extreme temperatures and stays strong throughout its life. You can lay engineered hardwood planks on concrete floors when you choose the recommended underlayment for this set-up.
Vinyl Flooring That Looks Like Hardwood
People seeking basic low-maintenance floor coverings should consider vinyl floor coverings, which mimic the appearance of natural hardwood. You can quickly install this product to createwood-effect floors and avoid expensive wood upkeep.
Laminate Flooring
You can get the look of wood flooring at a lower cost using laminate as an alternative hardwood. The installation is straightforward, and the floor accepts Bruce Plank directly as a foundation.
Final Thoughts
Could you add another floor covering on top of the flooring made with Bruce’s planks? Yes, you absolutely can. Prepare your surface correctly and pick the right materials to install on your Bruce plank floor. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a smooth project outcome.
When installing hardwoods, watch the temperatures your materials acclimate to and use proper underlayment materials to achieve maximum results during engineered hardwood or floor subfloor setups. The decision rests with you, whether to choose solid hardwood floors or go with the simpler installation of vinyl.
