Because a basement is a below ground level space it is susceptible to moisture and leaks making water damage a common problem for basement flooring that is not waterproof.
Using hardwood flooring in basement.
Always install basement carpet on top of a vapor impervious subfloor this will raise the temperature of the floor in winter make your carpet more pleasant to walk on and most importantly prevent humid air from cozying up to the concrete and triggering mold growth.
In addition to using hardwood for ground floors and upper levels many are turning to wood flooring for their basements.
Aesthetically pleasing and low maintenance hardwood flooring is a popular choice for homes across the world.
Of course the practicality of a material that s completely impervious to water can t be overlooked which makes it a great option for bathrooms too.
There is simply too much moisture present in basements to comfortably install solid hardwood flooring.
Alternatives to solid hardwood.
Most hardwood flooring companies won t honor the warranty if you install their flooring in the 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.
And some people say it can also be installed below grade too in a basement for.
If something in this case flooring is below grade it means that it is below the earth s surface.
Although hardwood flooring is a timeless choice humidity levels below ground even in dry basements are too inconsistent for this material.
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.
Bamboo engineered wood basement flooring this hardwood flooring is layered with different kinds of hardwood and often fitted with a high density fiberboard core.
We ll tell you who it is in a moment.
The first two are made from wood but considered to be more moisture stable than solid hardwood.
Whether you re looking to simply cover your concrete slab or turn your basement into a bonafide living space vinyl is the best choice for your basement floor.
This is a fancy durable moisture proof and informal floor that makes good sense for basements especially.
You do have three alternatives.
There is one company that allows for basement installation and it won t affect the warranty as long as you ve installed it per their instructions.
While it is possible to nail this into concrete using hilties or sleepers solid hardwood still isn t approved below grade.
The flooring is specifically engineered to withstand moisture and is thinner than solid hardwood flooring allowing for the installation of extra insulation.
According to flooring manufacturer armstrong engineered hardwood may be an option in some basements due to its multi ply structure.
What is below grade.
It looks great rivals any hardwood floor in appearance and installs quick and easy.