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