I d avoid solid wood flooring due to if moisture would be an issue then maintenance would be a big problem.
Laminate max floor temp.
Humans appreciate floors temperatures that are controlled to above 66 f 19 c in cooling and below 84 f 29 c in heating.
Laminate flooring is installed in buildings that will have temperatures maintained between 65 and 85 degrees fahrenheit.
These types include high pressure laminate hpl and laminate that has an abrasion class ac rating of ac3 ac4 or ac5.
Laminate is also more stable than natural wood when it comes to changes in humidity.
Laminate isn t fastened to the subfloor so it can float on top.
When acclimatizing the laminate the temperature must be at least 65 degrees fahrenheit and maintained at that same temperature during the acclimation process and for at least another two days after installation.
For this reason there also needs to be a gap of at least 1 4 inch along the walls when installing the floor.
Never raise the flooring surface temperature setting above 85 degrees f.
Some laminate floor types can withstand hot and cold climates as well as changes in humidity.
Floating floors expand and contract because they are not attached to a secure anchor.
Before you install your flooring you must acclimate your laminate to the environment where it will be housed.
A radiant heat system manufacturer radiant floor company opines that 120 to 135 deg f is ideal and most sources we have found discuss typical radiant heat operating temperatures in the 115 135 degree range.
Plus a laminate floor expands and contracts as a whole so unlike hardwood it doesn t leave gaps between planks or around nails.
To do this arrange your boxes of flooring with flat and side by side.
As for the flooring to use you can use laminate click lock real wood vinyl sheet linoleum and even stone ceramic tiles.
You ll also be instructed to place the laminate flooring in the room for 48 hours before installing it acclimatization.
If thats the case just install your new floor on top of it don t waste your money or time ripping it up.
Don t put them flush against the wall.
The installation of your laminate flooring is the critical time to think about humidity.
To learn more about ac ratings and high pressure laminate check out our laminate flooring section.
This also includes flooring near door jambs.
Why 18 64 4 f to 20 c 68 f.
At any given time after the initial 48 hour period the homeowner should only increase or decrease the temperature settings 4 to 5 degrees per day so that the laminate flooring can gradually adjust to the temperature changes.