- Applying wood flooring on a concrete basement floor

Can we apply a wood flooring (parquet or traditional) directly to concrete on a basement floor if we use waterproof adhesive? There is some moisture there in the spring and fall.

Tips:

1. Before applying anything to concrete always do a moisture test. Spread a green garbage bag on an open area of the concrete floor. Tape down on all edges with duct tape to seal. Leave in place for two days. (This should be done after a period of wet weather) After two days remove the bag, if the floor appears to be dark and damp then caution should be exercised. You must build a subfloor membrane to seal out the moisture.

2. During a dry weather period seal the floor with a solvent based penetrating water sealer. Apply with a low pressure sprayer ie. a garden sprayer. Allow to dry for 24 hours.

Do not attempt to apply parquet or traditional wood flooring directly over a concrete floor. The moisture will cause the flooring to expand and warp.

The best solution is to apply DELTA MS FLOOR WARMER to the concrete underneath the wood flooring. This is a three step process:

Following the instructions included with the product you first apply the landscape fabric over the entire surface securing the joints with butyl tape. The second step is the Delta Floor Warmer which is applied dimple side down leaving a 1/2 inch air space along the walls. Over this lay 5/8" tongue and groove plywood subflooring securing with concrete anchors again leaving the 1/2" air space along the walls. You now have a firm dry surface to install your wood flooring on.

Article courtesy of: Shell Busey