simeon

I will have to install hardwood floors in a new construction of a single storey residence in tropical climate. Construction to start in April. Which subfloor is recommended / more cost effective - concrete or wood?

Paramount Contr

I would recommend a concrete wood mixture you get the best of both worlds

Snobnd

Say What???????? I think you mean to leave the concrete or cover it with plywood base for the wood flooring?

Mike Costello

He is pointing out that your question makes no sense

Cdat

If you don't know, you're in the wrong forum. Have a good day...

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simeon

The subfloor has not yet been laid and we are trying to decide whether to use a concrete subfloor or a wood subfloor i.e. joists, to install the hardwood floors throughout the house.

No decision has been made yet on what material the foundation will be made of. And of course hardwood floors can be installed on either subfloor. We are in a position to influence that decision and I wanted some advice on which would be recommended / more cost effective.

More information: the house will have concrete/brick walls throughout.

Thanks for the comments.

bwalley

What do the plans show?

the big 12 inch

Concrete is good for parkin cars on and patios-sidewalks.I can't imagine livin on the ****!!!

bwalley

Most houses in Florida are slab on grade, it is what I am used to, so it isn't bad, when we do a hardwood floor install on a slab on grade, we will use a glue down engineered wood, or nail down 3/4" plywood and then do a nail down.

I have Marble in my house but prefer wood.

Marble is definately impressive looking, but I like the feel and look of wood better.

simeon

The plans currently show a concrete foundation but that reflected the client's first choice of porcelain tiles. Now they have changed their minds and want real hardwood floors (not engineered wood), so the question is whether to change the subfloor system to a wood one or stick with the concrete foundation.

the big 12 inch

We have many houses here with concrete subfloors too.Mostly lower end stuff.But iv'e seen multi million $ houses on a slab with cheap prefinished wood floors...go figure!!.Most builders pour a slab just to save $$$.

bwalley

In Florida slab on grade works better for more reasons than money, most house are built of block, although some are frame.

bwalley

Where is the house being built?

If you want to go with a solid wood nail down, I recommend using MVP, then a layer of 30lb felt with all seam overlapped 12", then nail down 3/4" T&G plywood, then nail down the hardwood, sand and finish onsite.

The foundation has nothing to do with the flooring.

Your trade says New construction, are you a contractor, or a owner/builder?

the big 12 inch

Are you affraid of the big bad wolf?...lol..

bwalley

Hurricanes are 1 thing, Termites and water damage are another.

I like termites though, they put steak on my family's dinner plate.

RUSH CAMARATA

Well that depends on how much money you wont to spend.If i had the money plywood,but if i had very little money concrete.Think about moisture and what type of flooring that you want.

floorinstall

If the customer wants to use solid 3/4 inch hardwood use the plywood sub floor. It will give a broader choice of finish flooring. You can install just about any type of hardwood over plywood as long as it is on or above grade.

cmejio

I would go with concrete and an engineer hardwood since it looks like it is in an area with high humidity.