Wood flooring is a quality finish material
that is fine for applying over concrete
slabs. In contrast to tile materials,
which can feel hard and cold, or carpet,
which can act as a reservoir for dirt and
mildew, wood flooring provides warmth,
comfort, and natural beauty. But
installing wood floors over concrete
slabs requires careful attention to the
different characteristics of the two materials.
In this article, I'll review the choices
in wood flooring over concrete,
discuss the risks and appropriate precautions
involved, and explain how best to
apply my favorite system: wood strip
flooring with a plywood subfloor.
Reviewing the Options
A number of different types of wood
flooring are used over concrete:
• glue-down laminated strip and