FINISHED FLOORING

                A wide variety of finished floorings can be installed in log homes just as with conventional homes.  Some customers sand, stain and finish the upstairs 2x 6 tongue & groove decking for their finished flooring.  This is commonly done and is acceptable, but be aware that this decking is not a flooring product.  The second floor decking will usually shrink, yielding a less than perfect floor.  It is best to carpet the upstairs (this is also a good sound barrier), or install another wood floor over the 2x6 decking.

                Also, when installing vinyl or tile in the upstairs of a log home, be sure to put down a 1/4” luan plywood or equivalent as an underlayment.  Without the underlayment, shrinkage in the 2x6 decking will create seams which will show through the vinyl or will crack vinyl or natural tile.