Andy Pratt
03-06-2009, 12:56 PM
I have an option to get prefinished 3/4" solid ipe flooring for $2.5/sf and I'm considering purchasing it for the living room in the house I'll be moving into this summer. I have read about some issues with the flooring, but also about it's many good characteristics. I was hoping you guys could help me balance it out to see if I want it:
I've read that it doesn't perform well in low humidity environments, and is prone to cracking in that case. This will be in a relatively small room with a woodstove, do you think I'll encounter issues here?
I've heard different things about how you fix it to the floor, is it necessary to pre-drill all pilot holes for the nails used with it?
Some people have extreme reactions to it and I'm not sure what impact that will have on the construction. I've handled cumaru a little and although it irritated my skin a small amount, it wasn't anything horrible, is this wood drastically different?
I haven't seen the wood yet, is it typical for prefinished Ipe to have a thick film finish on it? I would like to avoid the thick finish as it will be difficult to repair, any recommendations here.
Thanks,
Andy
I've read that it doesn't perform well in low humidity environments, and is prone to cracking in that case. This will be in a relatively small room with a woodstove, do you think I'll encounter issues here?
I've heard different things about how you fix it to the floor, is it necessary to pre-drill all pilot holes for the nails used with it?
Some people have extreme reactions to it and I'm not sure what impact that will have on the construction. I've handled cumaru a little and although it irritated my skin a small amount, it wasn't anything horrible, is this wood drastically different?
I haven't seen the wood yet, is it typical for prefinished Ipe to have a thick film finish on it? I would like to avoid the thick finish as it will be difficult to repair, any recommendations here.
Thanks,
Andy