What to put under laminate on basement floor

canoes

I've been told I need to put a floating floor (laminate) in the basement we're finishing. I've been told different things about what to put under it.

It has french drains and previous owner obviously had some water issues but it's been ok for me so far.

Do I use a 1. thin vapor barrier then a pad?
2. Just the pad?
3. Do I need to have the dimpled padding?

Thanks.

bbo

I'm putting dri core in mine, but I value the ease of carry materials down there. if I had a helper I'd be doing the rll of dimpled material, then OSB and all that tap con'd down.

my basement has never been wet sinc eI lived here and there was no sign of water intrusion at all when I ripped out the old vinyl and carpet they had down there.

if you do have any concerns with water, definately use something dimpled. I don't and I still am.

JetSwet

How flat is your basement?
Laminate is made to be installed in a dry basement with just the vapor barrier nothing else
As long as you have no water at all coming in you will be fine.

canoes

Thanks for feedback.

The basement is a "little wavy" per the tile guy who did the bathroom, but it isn't bad.

joecaption

Do some more research before buying any laminite for a below grade install. Most are not rated for that.
There also needs to be a moisture test done before instaling it.
Engineered flooring is rated for below grade installs.

canoes

Only the back is below grade. It's built into a steep hill and the front looks like a first floor-walkout and lots of windows. The back is completely underground though and with hill behind it, drainage is a concern. I'm not putting flooring along the back wall.

I did a fair amount of checking and the flooring places were consistent in recommending laminate. They just weren't consistent in what should go under it.

framer52

I have done laminate in basements before with no guarantees on it.

i used 2 different vapor barriers to mitigate moisture problems and so far it appears to be working.

Moisture is a real problem that will ruin the floors if not dealt with.

First layer was a products sold at lowes, a poly that was laid with glue sealing the outside edges with taping done on all of the seams. Then I used the regular pad with again taping done on all seams.

JetSwet

Most People will tell you to put laminate down before a engineered wood. One half dozen or the the other really just never real hard wood that's a no no.

canoes

Thanks for the info.