Expert: Dave Coil - 6/28/2004

Question
I am aware that moisture (water/dampness/etc.) are the bain of hardwood floors.

Rather than use hardwood (oak) that has just been finished only on the top as it all seems to be in the prefinished market, could one use a lacquer and totally finish the whole plank piece (e.g. 3 1/4 inch planks) on the sides, ends and bottom to reduce moisture loss and gain?

I am aware that the wood would have to have been kiln dried before total finishing.

What if any problems would prefinishing the entire plank cause? I am aware that for fitting of pieces the lacquer costs would have to be uniform, but is there anything else?

The reason for my question is that no one seems to market fully finished or sealed planks.

I am referring to solid planks and not engineered.

Thanks for your comments (in advance)

Bill

Answer
What is normally done...by a true flooring professional, a vapor barrier is installed to the substrate prior to the hardwood installation.  This creates a small air gap for venitation that helps the interior temperature to be relevent to the flooring.   Some of the new installers..do NOT us this vapor barrier but use a felt layer as a cushion.  Wrong approach.
For the effort of coating the entire plank....it wont hurt a thing, and may benefit somewhere down the line.   Good Luck.