Using Hardwood Flooring In Basements

There is simply too much moisture present in basements to comfortably install solid hardwood flooring.

Using hardwood flooring in basements.

More homeowners are deciding to use hardwood flooring in their basements despite the risks of damage from the water vapor that may not be apparent until sometime later. The first two are made from wood but considered to be more moisture stable than solid hardwood. Generally most people that have basements may also have wood floors above and wish to match the same look. While it is possible to install hardwood flooring directly onto a concrete basement floor by gluing it down it is recommended that a more durable option such installing subfloor first or using engineered wood flooring is considered.

According to flooring manufacturer armstrong engineered hardwood may be an option in some basements due to its multi ply structure. Should you consider installing hardwood floors in a basement. Most people realize that you need a 3 4 plywood sub floor floor to nail solid hardwood into. The third is not wood but it looks amazingly like wood.

While solid wood flooring isn t suitable for use in basements some types of engineered wood flooring will work just fine. Constructed with perpendicular layers of wood engineered wood is more resistant than traditional hardwood which is typically one solid layer to moisture damage and the warping caused by temperature shifts. The flooring is specifically engineered to withstand moisture and is thinner than solid hardwood flooring allowing for the installation of extra insulation. Then leave them for three days.

Unlike traditional hardwood flooring nearly all armstrong flooring products are 100 waterproof and ideal for basements. For instance many existing homes in northern climates have traditional 2 red oak strip flooring above basements in the main living area. At the end of that time lift the squares to see if moisture has accumulated on the bottom of the plastic. Whether you are looking at rigid core luxury vinyl tile vinyl sheet or engineered tile you will have no problems finding a flooring option that can withstand potential basement moisture.

While it is possible to nail this into concrete using hilties or sleepers solid hardwood still isn t approved below grade. Cut plastic garbage bags into squares and then tape them to the floor in various places around the basement. Bamboo engineered wood basement flooring this hardwood flooring is layered with different kinds of hardwood and often fitted with a high density fiberboard core. You do have three alternatives.

Solid hardwood flooring is a super poor choice for basements. The answer is yes and no.