Floating Floor vs. Glue down on basement slab

KG032973 · 02-23-2009, 12:11 PM

We're having our basement finished and have a contractor doing the bulk of the work and tackling some of it ourselves. We checked out some glue down hardwood flooring and our contractor is advising us against this and saying he uses floating floors because they handle moisture better and are easier to install. I want a nice solid feel to my floor and while I've used floating before in a smaller room in my house I just don't know if I want my whole 800 square foot basement covered in the stuff. Our basement in Kansas has never had an issue with moisture on the concrete (the house was built in 94) and my understanding is that there is a glue out there that you can use that has a vapor barrier in it. Can anyone suggest one way or another on this and let me know if there are issues I need to be concerned with regarding glue down (beyond it being more difficult to install)?

Floorwizard · 02-23-2009, 12:35 PM

It's all about what the manufacturer recommends over what the installer recommends and what you want.
Find a wood that fits your needs, however I am not sure of one that recommends glue onto slab.
Except perhaps Bruce Natural Reflections line.
Possibly

jaros bros. · 02-23-2009, 02:23 PM

You can glue down a wood floor to concrete but you will need to check the moisture content of the floor with a chloride test to see how much moisture it is releasing. This is relatively new procedure, installing over concrete. Even the adhesive you are talking about with the vapor barrier needs to meet some guidelines with the moisture content. Your installer may simply not have the expertise to do this job with the method you are recommended, then again maybe he is right. I would consult a flooring expert or call a flooring company to come take a look at it. If your contractor does not do ONLY flooring as his expertise he may be outside of his field. Maybe he has a sub he can consult with.
Just because you have never had problems doesn't mean that your concrete is good to go. You need to perform a choride test.

Floorwizard · 02-23-2009, 03:09 PM

Any idea of what the test must come up with to be approved...??

I am curious

jaros bros. · 02-23-2009, 03:26 PM

According to my understanding, moisture vapor emitted must be less than three pounds per 1,000 square feet in day.

Floorwizard · 02-23-2009, 04:02 PM

That is for glue down specific?

Or floating?

jaros bros. · 02-23-2009, 04:13 PM

Glue down.

jaros bros. · 02-23-2009, 04:16 PM

If it goes over that you need a moisture barrier like Taylor's MS-Plus. Two coats, one to seal and another to glue. Whatever product you use, I'd check with the manufacturer to get the specifics of what you can and can't do.

jaros bros. · 02-23-2009, 04:17 PM

Any idea of the what the vapor rate is for floating?

HardwoodGuy · 02-23-2009, 05:14 PM

I would have to agree with the other guys. Finding people with experience with gluedown floors is difficult. Many may claim they know how it's done, but with the economy the way it is many are starving for work. In other words thge chosen contractor may prove to be a disaster.

Take a look at upgraded underlayments for floating floors. They are suprisingly good at making a floating floor feel solid underfoot. I'm guessing the sound may be turning you off more than anything. And there are oodles of styles to choose from today that don't look like the same old dreary looking butcher block style floating floors of the past.