Below Grade Flooring

There is on grade above grade and below grade definitions.

Below grade flooring.

Because solid wood changes dimensions with fluctuations in temperature and humidity the chances of warping and cracking were too great. Until the advent of engineered hardwood flooring few builders or remodelers would recommend or risk installing a hardwood floor over a below grade concrete surface. Hardwood flooring installers break down any home into three separate sections that determine which types of hardwood flooring in specific locations. Is it below on or above grade.

This section applies to all levels of a home which are at ground level. Basements are susceptible to ground moisture so your flooring choice may be different for a bedroom on the second or third floor. Engineered wood flooring gives you the warmth and beauty of real wood with the stability and moisture resistance of laminate construction. Below grade flooring basics.

Commonly used by contractors and builders the word grade is another term for ground level. Everything above grade is safe from water vapor migration. The challenge with rooms that are below grade underground is that they are subject to environmental concerns like moisture and humidity that can damage certain floors. Click together tiles and planks are diy friendly and easy to install as a floating floor system.

You can ensure that a particular laminate is good for basement use by carefully reading the stipulations in the material. Although cheap it s not the best option because it s. Above grade flooring is safe too from most normal instances of flooding. Get free shipping on qualified below grade concrete subfloor engineered hardwood or buy online pick up in store today in the flooring department.

However new manufacturing techniques now can produce lines of laminate that are rated to deal with moist subterranean locations. Since flooring experts generally recommend against installing traditional strip or plank hardwoods below grade the six best options for basement flooring over concrete are. Check to make sure the type you choose is rated for below grade basements. Laminate flooring is practical flooring option for damp areas with one caveat.

Below grade flooring does not refer to cheap sub standard flooring. Buying the wrong type leads to problems. Traditionally laminates have not been recommended for below grade basement installations due to issues with rising groundwater and flooding. Always buy types specifically manufactured to withstand the moisture found below grade.

Likewise kitchens and bathrooms are prone to water damage and humid conditions which should be a heavy factor in your decision making process.