We just had a new home built. We have 3/4 solid oak floors in our first floor. We have had unbelievable problems with the floor (cupping, split boards, bouncy areas, squeaking etc). We hired a wood flooring inspector because builder refusing to do anything. Inspector found zero expansion space left, poly film missing in areas, incorrect nailing pattern, unlevel floor an so on. After the inspector left, we looked at the fireplace hearth a little closer and we remembered that they actually built the huge brick hearth on top of the solid hardwoods! Should you do that??!

solid wood floors require expansion space. installing a brick hearth on top would not allow the floor to move naturally like it should be able to do.

Thank you Kevin!

Even engineered needs expansion for that matter.

That is good to know Stephen! I would say I can't believe our builder did this, but truthfully it is just the tip of the iceberg with these people. I appreciate your input.