Flooring Options over Concrete Slab

9 years ago

I own a home in Charleston, SC area that is built on a concrete slab 25 yrs old. I have owned the home for about 2.5 years. The prior owners installed an engineered wood floor. It almost looks like laminate. They had some type of water pipe break before i bought (so almost 3 yrs ago). A portion of the floor is much darker where the water must have sat during cleanup. Is it possible there is still trapped moisture under the floor after this long?

I am interested in possibly replacing flooring but a bit afraid of what I will find if I pull up floor. No turning back once I get into it. I love the newer wood look tiles I see in homes and restaurants placed on concrete slabs. Is this something recommended for my home or is there a better flooring option for a concrete slab?

Featured Answer

PRO

JAN MOYER

9 years ago

Engineered hardwood is fine, as is tile, ( which can have a heated underlay ) or luxury vinyl tile. As to moisture? Anything is possible........if there was no moisture barrier. Or the water simply sat there.

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Comments (10)

PRO
Joseph Corlett, LLC
9 years ago
I spent a day removing about 15 lineal feet of hardwood floor properly adhered to concrete. I don't do that work anymore; you can't pay me enough.
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Wendy
9 years ago
We have cork in our lower level and love it. Soft and warm on the feet. Also very durable as long as you follow manufacturers installation guidelines. I hear good things about luxury vinyl plank too.
daverohr
Original Author
9 years ago
Thanks for input, we are just looking for durability, easy care, and the casual grey wood look to fit our beach cottage theme. Is there a moisture barrier required if I use tile?
PRO
Judy Dixon Interiors
9 years ago
The safest thing is vinyl tile or porcelain tile. A floor professional can test the concrete for moisture to make sure there is no problem area before the moisture barrier and new floor go down.www.dixoninteriors.com
PRO
Globus Cork
9 years ago

Triangle Shaped Cork Flooring Tiles in Alabaster and Cement Gray · More Info

Try 100% Cork tiles. They come in a wide range of shapes and textures. You can glue them directly to a smooth concrete floor and the cork will prevent the cold from coming up through the slab. They won't crack and are very comfortable to live on. See CorkFloor.com for a huge array of styles. Cork Floor Photos
carribeanmum
9 years ago
We have Mirage Engineered Wood and love it. Make sure they prepare the floor correctly with whatever you decide.
Wendy
9 years ago
I can second that Cork will keep the cold from getting to your feet. People always ask if my basement floors are heated (they aren't).
daverohr
Original Author
9 years ago
A cool floor is not really a concern
PRO
Cancork Floor Inc.
9 years ago
Yes it is possible there is still moisture sitting underneath the wood. Yes it is possible that the wood stained and never turned back to it's original colour. Yes you can get the wood MOISTURE tested before you remove it. A professional flooring installer (not Chuck in a Truck) can test the dark areas and the regular coloured areas to see if there is a difference in moisture levels. If they both measure the same then the wood has discoloured but the moisture issue has resolved. If there are obvious differences between the two areas, then we still have issues. It may not be good news, but at least you will know and can plan for it.

If you want a cool floor that is durable and easy to maintain = porcelain tile.