DIY Doctor UK DIY Forums

We're building a cottage in Maine. I want flooring that is durable, fairly wide planks and not glossy. I want it to look and feel like an older cottage where if someone drips on the floor or if pine needles are tracked in, it's OK. The square footage is approx. 2500 sq ft. There will be a large covered porch, a screened porch and a sleeping porch above it.

The architect favors Meranti wood throughout but I think I read it has a problem with moisture. Do we use the same wood outside and in the porches as we do inside the house? I am interested in finding a flooring that isn't exorbitant in price. Who isn't?

Would love to hear from people who have used engineered wood. Is it better for us because there can't be a basement? In Maine so I am concerned about temp fluctuations and freezing temps for solid wood. Suggestions?

Thanks-

I'd use pressure treated outside and wide pine inside.
Pine is king in your area.
Prefinish engineered is great and stable, only draw back is any I've seen has micro bevels where the boards meet that can be a pain to sweep clean.
It's not the cold that's going to effect the wood, it's moisture from above or below that will be the issue.


Meranti typically refers to like four different types light red, dark red, yellow and ??? The dark is often used for outdoor decks so I would not worry about dripping on it! That said, it is as expensive as some of the more "exotic" hardwoods. Pine is going to be less expensive and will also fill the bill for the application that you describe. Ceramic Tile Flooring