Solid Hardwood, Engineered and Laminate Flooring - New house: linoleum or bare floors? (installing hardwood floors)

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piperskye
07-21-03, 02:57 PM
We're planning to install hardwood floors (5/16" solid planks) for entire downstairs of our new house. Need to determine whether we're better off having the builder install linoleum in the areas we'll be putting hardwood; or whether we're better of closing with bare floors (i.e. concrete). Apparently the builder will use a full-spread adhesive when installing the linoleum (i.e. shouldn't be floating)...wondered if if would serve as a good moisture barrier?? ...or would we be better with bare concrete. Feedback would be appreciated...need to know ASAP. Thanks!

Hardwood Guy
07-22-03, 03:36 PM
Stuart:

You may want to ask around, but over recent years failures have occurred with glueing down solid hardwoods over some underlayments that have been glued with latex adhesives. Reason being; adhesives recommended for thinner solid hardwoods are much stronger than ones used for the underlayment and is likely to pull loose.

Yes, it's a great moisture barrier but....Best to consult the hardwood manufacturer or the hardwood adhesive maker on this one.