Install Hardwood Below Grade

Tips from Real-Estate-Agents.com

Q: I just bought a below grade condo on the garden level of a renovated school house. The school house was renovated ten years ago and the basement floor is dry as a bone. I'd like to put a hardwood floor down but I have heard mixed reviews about installing solid hardwood below grade. My plan was to put down a moisture barrier, lay down 2x4 (flat) framing, add insulation between framing, and putting down 3/4 inch plywood, then installing the hardwood. Is this a bad idea?

A: I wouldn't install solid hardwood below grade. The expansion and contraction measures of a floor in those conditions might be too extreme for you to control. I would recommend an engineered floor, a high quality product. A well engineered floor may be refinished several times. The plywood center core helps control the expansion and contraction.

For a high quality floor, look for one that has the same wood on the backside as the top. I think you would receive the best results with a floating, engineered floor, one that comes to mind is Harris-Tarkett Longstrip. This product sits upon foam and a moisture barrier, this permits the sub floor to "breathe."

Another option would be to consider laminate flooring products such as Decades by Shaw, Wilsonart and Formica just to name a few.

To locate some reputable flooring contractors, please return to our site at: http:www.servicemagic.com, fill out a service request and let us match you with the ideal service professional in your area.

Good luck!

This information is brought to you by John Fuchs of Carpet Warehouse in Rancho Cordova, CA.

-- Tips courtesy of Service Magic