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, visit Service Magic, enter a service request (it's free) and be matched with the ideal service professional in your area.
This information is by John Fuchs of Carpet Warehouse in Rancho Cordova, CA.
-- Tips courtesy of Service Magic
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