Solid Hardwood, Engineered and Laminate Flooring - Planning for the Future Life of a New Fir Floor

Hi all,

I'm starting my first wood flooring project and thought that I'd get some advice on it before I start, thanks in advance for any help!

I've got raw 1x3 Douglas Fir that has been kiln dried to 12%, and has been in our shop for a couple of months. Beautiful salvaged wood that comes from trees that were harvested underwater.

I plan to have this wood milled on all four sides by a local mill. Tongue and grooves. After having the wood in the house for a couple of weeks I plan to install it in two small areas (one room is 100sqft, the other is a 50sqft hallway). The one room has a 3/4" plywood subfloor sitting on 2x4s that rests on the concrete foundation of the house. The hallway is actually a stairway landing that is raised ~3 feet off the ground, and has concrete poured onto a raised surface (perhaps done with the intention of tiling by the previous owner?).

Questions:
I've read postings about moisture content, but am still looking for the best way to attack the question. The shop where the wood has been is just a bit colder (a couple of degrees) than the areas that I plan to floor. Do I acclimate it for X weeks? Test for moisture content somehow (rent a meter?)?

I haven't yet gone to look at what kind of moisture barriers are available locally, but what should I look for?

Considering the size of the stairway landing, what is the most economical way of attaching a subfloor to the cement?

Lastly, and most importantly perhaps... There is a good chance that the house that I am installing the floors in will be demolished in the future (5-10 years). Are there ways of nailing the flooring or milling options that will make it easier to peel off and use in a summer cabin when the time comes?

Thanks a lot!

The moisture barrier needs to be under the plywood, with the 2x4 screeds set in asphalt mastic.


Acclmation is a moisture content thing, not a specific time thing, and it all depends on the temperature & humidity inside the interior. There is a MC% that goes with each rise and fall in temperature but mainly humidity.

The landing for the stairs is a tough call! It would depend on the way the flooring lays, but it may live with a moisture blocker and adhesive system, unless it is gypcrete.

Thanks. Any ideas about making the floor easier to remove without damaging it?