Research by Architectural Digest shows that improving your home with hardwood floor refinishing can yield a 147% return on investment. Installing a new hardwood floor is also profitable since it produces a 118% ROI.
Apart from allowing homeowners to recover money, hardwood floors are also popular for reasons such as:
- High durability
- They don’t require a lot of maintenance
- They are easy to clean
If your Pittsburgh home has tiles, keeping the floor warm during cold months may be challenging. Hardwood floors are natural insulation and save on energy bills.
So, can you lay hardwood floors over tile when remodeling your home? Continue reading this blog to get answers and learn about the installation process.
Can You Lay Hardwood Floors Over Tile?
Yes. It’s possible to install hardwood floors over tile, but you need to consider factors such as:
- The condition of the tile
- Height concerns
- Insulation and moisture barriers
Uneven surfaces complicate hardwood floor installation and shorten its lifespan. The tiles you want to lay over with hardwood must be flat and without any cracks to provide a good foundation.
Adding a layer of hardwood over the tiles will raise the height of your floor. It may make it harder to open cabinets and doors or transition into other parts of your home.
When considering hardwood floor installation, ensure the additional layer won’t affect other structures. Liaise with home improvement experts to determine how to work around the issue by moving some cabinets and door frames.
Pittsburgh gets so humid during summer, so it’s always good to ensure you have moisture barriers before laying wood floors. These will prevent the wood from absorbing a lot of moisture and rotting or growing harmful mold.
Explore Hardwood Flooring Options
The most popular wood flooring options for laying over tile are engineered and solid hardwood. Engineered hardwood is more stable and won’t expand or contract much when exposed to moisture or heat changes.
Solid hardwood has a natural wooden feel but may require more preparation when laying it over tile. It also expands and contracts due to moisture levels and is better for areas with stable weather.
Many flooring experts would endorse engineered hardwood in Pittsburgh due to fluctuating humidity.
The Installation Process for Hardwood Over Tile
Laying wood floors over tile takes place in the following steps:
- Preparing the tile
- Installing a subfloor
- Laying the hardwood
The preparation involves ensuring the tile is clean, smooth, and leveled. You also need to replace or repair broken tiles for enhanced stability.
Once ready, the next phase is to lay a plywood subfloor that provides a stable base and place hardwood planks on top. You can choose between several installation methods, such as:
- Nail down
- Glue down
- Floating installation
The best technique will depend on your budget and the moisture level in the space you are laying hardwood over the tile.
Get Professional Hardwood Floor Installation Services in Pittsburgh
Now that you know the answers to, “Can you lay hardwood floors over tile?” you may need an expert to help you with installation. Peak Flooring offers professional flooring services at a competitive price.
We can help you improve your home with high-quality materials and give you helpful floor renovation tips. Contact us for a free estimate.