Can I put hardwood or Laminate floor in my "basement" or would normal moisture make it warp?

Answer 1

Very, very possible, just like Viola said. I would get a book at the local home center about laying hardwood or laminate (you choice), and in there it will tell you how to do a vapor barrier and other tips. It's an inexpensive extra step a lot of people don't think about, which can really help with problems further down the line. Consider it insurance.

I lived in my parent's basement for 5 years and had a nice hardwood floor, so I know it is possible -- you just need to do a good job planning it. My suite was raised 3" in case we flooded, which we did about 15 times. I had a vapor barrier and hardwood. We used a dehumidifier down there just in case, and it always filled up. Turns out the basement was placed directly in front of an underground stream. :) All went well though ...

Answer 2

Most of the time you may put a laminate or hardwood floor in your basement. Do a moisture test. Get to the slab and tape the edges of piece of plastic wrap directly on top of your concrete floor. Check after 24 hours. If there is no accumulated moisture. It is generally safe to install wood or laminate.

Water and laminate or wood do not mix. Silicone seal the perimeter of the wood or laminate to prevent liquids from accessing the underside or core of the laminate. Manufacturer's have water damage warranties in place but they do not warrant excessive water. They are designed for normal household spills. Remember to make sure your ground slopes away from the property and keep your gutters clean.

With a laminate floor you will float interlocking boards together over a foam underlayment with a plastic moisture barrier attached while leaving a 1/4" gap around the perimeter of the whole floor. Then cover the gap with quarter round. There are transition strips available also. The manufacuturer's installation guidelines are included in approximately 1 out of 5 boxes.

With the wood you have 2 installation methods. You may glue the boards together set your tension straps and float over foam the same way a laminate is done or you may directly glue an engineered hardwood product to the floor. The glue acts as the moisture barrier. There are also some hardwood products that have a glue-less locking mechanism. Those would also be floated over foam with a moisture barrier.

Good Luck with your project.
Jen

Answer 3

If you were to put hardwood in the basement, assuming it's on a cement slab, you would need to place a moisture barrier down first. Then you need to decide how to put the floor in, i.e. glue, floating, nail, etc. A moisture barrier with a laminate will work as well, but if you're willing to hardwood go for it.

Answer 4

I would not put it in the basement. I am even going to go with vinyl fir bathroom and kitchen just to be safe. Use laminates and hardwood in standard areas of the house

Answer 5

I found this site, not sure if it will help.

http://www.freeadstb.com/hardwood_floor_tips/