Should you use Hardwood Flooring in Your Basement?
Basements are the most vulnerable parts of any building structure, in terms of water seepage and soil permeability. As they are built directly over the ground and have concrete slabs as their foundation layer, they tend to have certain issues that are prevalent especially in new residential or commercial constructions.
Hardwood flooring, on the other hand, is a great option for any place but it has its own limitations and use. For a ground area (basement) that is susceptible to damage through water ingress, it should be taken care of before applying any wood-oriented flooring surface. You need to ensure that the basement is properly designed to avoid moisture intake and comes with a proper foundation and barrier to increase energy efficiency and performance. More so, you also need to have a drainage system installed to control the water table.
Prepare the Basement
Before constructing the basement, make sure that you decide which type of flooring you will have. The concrete slab should in proper condition and should include a layer of porous fill in the bed to allow for better drainage of water. The groundwater should be directed away from your home, towards a sump pump basin.
You would also like a heating system beneath the concrete slab to allow natural cooling of the material. For this, you would need to add a flexible tubing system before the slab is poured. Once added, the slab should be allowed to cure for a minimum of 30 days. To further reinforce the floor, you can add a vapor barrier which seals off the ground, preventing water ingress and moisture.
Vapor barriers can be made from a number of different materials, including PVC, polyethylene sheets or a roofing felt. The thickness of the insulation layer should be 1-2 inches thick; this depends in the area where you reside. Colder climates should have a more thick insulation layer and vice versa. With regards to insulation, PE (Polyethylene) is the latest type of vapor barrier, specifically because of its ability to withstand heavy loads and can resist mold and mildew.
Choose the Basement Flooring
Choosing the right floor is critical whenever you are building a new home or building. Generally it is not recommended to use hardwood flooring in basements as they are susceptible to moisture entrainment or in extreme cases, a burst pipe or broken hot water heater can cause extensive damage to any flooring, particularly hardwood.
But if you still want to add hardwood to your building structure, there are several options you might want to consider.
1. Engineered Hardwood
This type of hardwood is a new option that is easier to incorporate the look and feel of hardwood in moisture-laden environments, such as basement and washrooms. This wood consists of a combined core of plywood, hardwood, or HDF (High Density Fiber) with a hardwood veneer glued on top of it, unlike laminate, which fuses a layer over the core of HDF.
Engineered hardwood replicates the look of solid hardwood. It offers different types of woods to fit any room design, making it a flexible choice. It is generally constructed from three or more core layers laminated together with a high pressure bonding process for greater stability. The hardwood veneer comes in a variety of thicknesses; most flooring contractors suggest a thickness of at least 2mm.
The thickness of the hardwood depends on the type of wood, the pattern of the room and your budget. You can determine the best choice of wood for your environment and budget. Generally, harder the wood, the more durable it will be, even if your basement entails a lot of traffic.
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- Solid Hardwood
This type of hardwood is usually constructed from planks and consists of natural wood throughout the core. It is installed using the tongue and groove method and requires sanding and finishing to keep away imperfections in the wood. It is expensive than laminate or engineered hardwood and also more prone to damage from water or other elements. Moreover, it can also be damaged from radiant heating systems.
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- Laminate
Laminated wood is the recommended choice for most basements as it comes with distinct advantages over solid hardwood. Since it is constructed from a core of HDF (High Density Fiber), it is more resistant to water damage and other potential hazards. The top most layer of laminated wood can copy different types of surfaces, such as wood grains, vinyl or tile patterns, giving homeowners a wide range of design options. It can be used on a floating, tongue in groove, interlocking or locking method, allowing for more stability and security for in-floor radiant heating.
Conclusion
While hardwood is not suggested for use in moisture-prone places such as basements, emerging alternatives such as laminate and engineered hardwood are giving homeowners another option for achieving the look and feel of hardwood in their finished basement. Before you choose flooring for your current basement, be sure the concrete slab is in good shape and free of cracks or splits. If there is any damage, it is critical that it be repaired before installing any type of flooring.
To avoid any damage from water and other elements, thoroughly research your alternatives and make sure you follow all installation instructions. A flooring contractor should be consulted whether you are remodeling an existing basement or building a new home.
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