Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | Jan 27, 2000 09:04am | #1

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   John, walk-out or regular basement? How dry is dry? I'd be
   inclined to seal the concrete with asphaltic sealant, cover that with 10mil poly, top with 3/4 plywood and install regular 1/2 inch or 3/4 inch hardwood. Staple the 1/2" and floornail with a special adaptor plate the 3/4".
   But that's just me.

2. 
   John_Keller | Jan 27, 2000 04:55pm | #2

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   George,
   The basement is accessed by a stairway and has no
   walkout steps. I can see no evidence of moisture or
   water stains on any of the existing walls. How would
   3/4" plywood be fastened to the concrete. Would a
   Remmington stud gun be adequate?

1. 
   Jack_Durre | Jan 28, 2000 01:35am | #3

   *John: I dunno. I spent many years in S. Florida, practicing architecture, and I've seen many different attempts at wood floors on conc. (slab on grade, very high water table...should be a similar situation, don't you think?) Best solution seemed to be sleepers on the slab, with an air space. Direct layment never worked there. The idea of asphaltic sealant simply invites a pressure head to build up before it lets go. I would suggest floating the flooring, a la Pergo. In fact...That would also help you with your headroom problem...laminate flooring on a foam mat. Allows the slab to breathe; the whole thing can move as a unit, so expansion isn't a problem.Good luck!

1. 
   Winster | Feb 01, 2000 10:29pm | #4

   *John,Most or all of the hardwood floors I have installed say not to install below grade,so if i were u I would pick out the floor u want to go with and find out what the floor company has to say.It is there garentee and they would know best.good luck ted

1. 
   Peter_M. | Feb 01, 2000 11:45pm | #5

   *I agree with the how dry is dry. Concrete floors can be very sneaky. That concrete can be letting all sort of moisture out, but look dry as a bone. Certainly enough moisture to make your new hardwood floor look like poop. I would seal, and go with the 10mil poly as per georges sugestion, then sleepers, and 3/4 plywood. If there is a space requirements, I would look to a non-wood wood floor (Pergo) or something completly different.I've found it far better to advise a customer against something that won't hold up well, rather than doing what they want, just to make them happy in the short term. People will see a bad floor with your name attached to it....they most likly will not hear that you advised them against it.

3. 
   John_Keller | Feb 01, 2000 11:45pm | #6

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   I would appreciate any advice on installing wood flooring in the basement of a home.
   The owner wants the basement finished for a family
   room. We thought the glue down laminate variety
   might work best to eliminate a height problem
   with the other rooms.The basement has been there for 30 years and shows no signs of water.
   John Keller