I have to install some wood flooring in my in-laws basement. I believe it is 3/4 ” hardwood. Question is – is a subfloor needed, or just sleepers w/ the wood falling on joints. Obviously I want a subfloor down, but I’m not sure if they’re expecting to buy all that plywood. Would just like someonelse to say the subfloor in necessary; not just me. I hate working for relatives, but they really need it done soon. Appreciate any explanations or suggestions. As always, thanks for the info.
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yes, you should have subfloor
and sleepers under it
fastened down
With glue and tapcons
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Piffin,
Should he also consider a vapor barrier.
We did something similar once and used 30# felt, no glue under the sleepers though.
Then again, it's his in laws!
Saw
i'd rather seal the crete, but if it is wet enough to need plastic, he should not be doing a wood floor there. I like the dricore mentioned
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
You may want to look into a subfloor such as DriCore (http://www.dricore.com) or Delta-FL (http://www.deltadry.com/bvf/ca-en/products/floor/products/FL.php).
Paul
Is this engineered or solid flooring? You should check if you're not sure. I'm not aware of any solid flooring manufacturer (prefinished anyways) that will warranty their product when installed below grade (subfloor or no subfloor). Many engineered can with a lot being able to be glued strait to the concrete floor. However my personal preferrence would be to install the subfloor w/ the flooring over it. Concrete should be tested for moisture first.
Thanks for all the info. The basement is dry, so no worries there. The flooring is from trees my father in law cut down and had milled out, so no warranty issues there. Another question, would strapping (1x3) be sufficient for sleepers, or should I use 2x's? Any good alternatives to suspended ceiling that is down there at moment? Something that is relatively inexpensive, yet still allow acess to mechanicals. Thanks.
seriously look at the dricore its alot less work, and defintly worth the price.
I hope he follows your advice. I still would not install solid wood flooring below grade, period.