Should we consider installing hardwood floors in a
basement? The answer is yes and no. Generally
most
people that have basements may also have hardwood floors
above and wish to match the same look. For instance,
many existing homes in northern climates have
traditional 2 ¼” red oak strip flooring above basements
in the main living area.
Often the preference is to have the same flooring
installed below, but solid ¾” hardwoods have never been
a good idea for basements or what is termed below grade
(subfloor being below the soil line). Basement cellars
are notorious for moisture problems that often stem from
outside influences. Solid hardwoods that come into
contact with excessive moisture or water often change
shape by cupping or crowning. Often no fixes are
available. Rain water that seeps through the foundation
etc.
In our scenario above the Jones’s have their heart set
on the same type of flooring for below as they have in
the rest of their home. With solid hardwood being ruled
out because of the adverse effect it has with high
moisture content, a safer alternative is an engineered
strip floor that can be glued to
the concrete, providing
all concerns with moisture are addressed. Several
prefinished flooring manufacturers offer an engineered 2
¼” strip product. Another alternative would be an
unfinished engineered that can be sanded and finished on
site.
With any gluedown floor in a basement it is highly
suggested to use a vapor barrier. Some may suggest
plastic sheeting glued, then a hardwood glued over that.
Newer more sounding procedures call for a moisture
barrier that can be applied by way of trowleling.
Products such as Bostiks MVP are often used.
Floating floors are probably best suited for
installations in basements, providing proper moisture
barriers are used. Damage incurred in basements with
moisture problems are generally from moisture seeping in
from below the subfloor or through walls. Common
procedures for floating installations with vapor
barriers not only below but up walls helps protect
floating floors better.
There are numerous ideas with engineered flooring for
basements today, just as there are for other areas of
the home. It doesn’t have to be the same as the top
floor.
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| Related
Pages: |
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| •
Moisture Control -
Drainage, Foundations |
| •
Testing for
Moisture - Meters, Tools |
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