Hardwood floors in basements.
Installing hardwood floors in basement.
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.
Almost any kind of flooring is okay to install in a below grade basement.
Because a basement is a below ground level space it is susceptible to moisture and leaks making water damage.
Vinyl tile and vinyl plank flooring are easy to install thanks to interlocking joints.
Generally most people that have basements may also have wood floors above and wish to match the same look.
This flooring can be made to look like different wood species or to resemble ceramic tile.
Should you consider installing hardwood floors in a basement.
The answer is yes and no.
Even in the event of something as catastrophic as a water heater flooding the entire basement these floors would dry out to their original condition.
When it comes to choosing basement flooring there s good news.
Installing solid hardwood flooring in a basement that is below grade generally voids the warranty so if you really want the look of hardwood there choose engineered over solid planks.
For instance many existing homes in northern climates have traditional 2 red oak strip flooring above basements.
Second to that would be ceramic or porcelain tile sheet vinyl flooring or plank luxury vinyl tile.
Concrete is the safest basement flooring.
This basement flooring option offers great value for the money.