I would like to install a hardwood floor in our great room.(Kitchen, dining area, family room) i am on a cement slab. The family room is sunken. (5″)I would like to make it all one level. Do I pour more concrete? Frame it in using a vapor barrier? Fill space with insulation? Where exactly do I place vapor barrier. Cost is also a factor. I can frme it in myself, Concrete I woud have someone else do it. Thanks.
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Frame it with 2" x 4" PT on its side. The add another 2" x 4" turned on its face. That all adds up to approximately 5". Then it should be flush with the existing slab and a sheet of plywood (or PT sleepers) which you will nail your hardwood to will span the previous step down and be in the same plane as the slab.
Insulation not necessary if you're were I'm at in the South but you may want it where it gets cold.
Vapor barrier is a must between any wood and concrete or even the "void" space below where you'll be framing as moisture could collect in there and warpdamage your hardwood floor.
I used 30lb felt on my floors.
There are of course, more than one way to do what you're asking about but this is the way I would proceed.
Hope this helps.