Bellefloor Engineered Wood Question

Q: I recently requested and received multiple samples of engineered hardwood flooring from iFloor.
I am in the process of constructing a retirement home which will be on a concrete slab and want
to install floating (unless you have other suggestions) engineered hardwood flooring in the family room, kitchen and hallways. I am impressed with the Bellefloor samples of iron wood, rosewood, and teak. I know very little about Bellefloor and it is not one of the brands rated by Steve. How would you rate Bellefloor as a brand? Do you feel that floating is the installation of choice on a concrete slab? The only floors that will be heated are in the bathrooms, forced air will be the primary heat source.
DEAN H.
WINSTON-SALEM, NC
A: Bellefloor makes great engineered floors with a good variety of exotic species (I’m a big fan of the Rosewood and Asian Mahogany). I love the products they make and have heard great reviews from a vast majority of our customer who have purchased it in the past. One of the big advantages with the Bellefloor product is the thickness of the species layer. Its thicker than many of the engineered products out there and has 7 plies, which gives it more durability against expansion and contraction.
Floating is one of the best methods for installing over concrete, but keep in mind a few things for this project, as it will most likely see some decent foot traffic. Since Bellefloor is a tongue and groove style floor, you will need to use a tongue and groove glue to anchor the floor together. I would choose a very good underlayment for this, preferably 6mm cork as this will stand up to the traffic a bit better and will still feel good under everyone’s feet.
The big plus to floating is that should damage occur it is easier to replace boards than glue down (even when you need to use T&G glue). Also, this installation tends to be easier and is far less messy. Also, the potential for error with glue down installs is very high if not done by an experienced installer.
To sum up – Bellefloor makes quality engineered floors with several plies and a great species layer and selection. For your case, I would suggest a floating install with 3mm cork underlayment at a very minimum (6mm preferred).