Installing New Floors: Would Click-Lock or Tongue & Groove Be Best?

Now that you have some extra money to spend on a couple of home projects, you want to do something about the floors. While they are sturdy enough, the floors don’t have the look or the other benefits that you would like. One approach is to install new flooring that’s designed in one of two ways. Here are some things you need to know before making a choice between a clock-lock floor or one that uses a tongue & groove design

What’s the Deal with Click-Lock Flooring?

If you are planning on managing the installation on your own, you’ll find this option is easier to complete. Each section will quickly lock into place and you can move across the expanse of the floor with ease. This solution does not require you to use any type of adhesive. Thanks to this advantage, there will be no stopping to apply the glue or the need to spend time wiping away any excess product.

As the temperature and humidity fluctuate during the year, this type of flooring is less likely to warp or develop gaps. You can expect the surface to remain smooth. That makes it easier to keep the flooring looking great and not have to spend a lot of time on repairs. If there is the need to replace a section, it won’t be hard to extract it and slide a new one into position.

How About Tongue & Groove Designs?

While click-lock flooring is great in many applications, don’t overlook the possibility of going with tongue & groove flooring. This type of flooring does not have to float on some kind of underfloor, since the sections are thick enough to support weight on their own. When the plan is to have a professional come in, remove the old floor, and replace it with something new, this is the best approach.

The design also performs well under extreme exposure to heat and humidity. There is less potential for splitting, so you will save a fair amount of money on repairs in the years to come.

Keep in mind this solution will involve the use of an adhesive to seal the bond between each board. That’s to your advantage, since it will help to muffle noises more effectively.

You also have more design options with tongue & groove flooring. For example, you may want to go with wider boards. Click lock flooring is generally available in widths no greater than 120mm. If your plan is to create more of a rustic look in the home or you want to preserve the look of an original wide board floor, opting for tongue & groove the best choice.

Before you start the project, talk with a professional about what you have in mind and listen closely to the suggestions. Ask to look at samples of different woods and see what you think. Always compare pricing and allow for that in your project projections. You may find that having a professional install the tongue & groove flooring would not cost as much as you anticipated.