Q: We have just finished remodeling our basement. We are looking at flooring options. I would love to do bamboo in my new office but I realize being below grade most would not recommend doing a wood. We have taken the steps with the remodel with Icynene insulation in the walls along with adding an air exchanger and having an de-humidifier to make sure we control this but I don’t want waste material if being below grade would damage the bamboo.
I realize we would put down sub-floor first but I just want to know your thoughts on if bamboo was a big “no no” in a basement application? This floor would also have a in floor heat installed.
Also the uncoupling membrane (Schluter-DITRA Product) I have seen mention in other responses in the “ask a floor expert” section looks very interesting and looks to be a great waterproof and vapor management. Can that only be used for a Tile application?
Thanks for your time,
Chris
A: Bamboo can be installed in a basement unlike traditional solid hardwood floors. What you will have to keep in mind is that in order to be installed in a basement the floor must be either glued down or installed as a floating floor (for the few bamboo floors which can be floated).
As long as your subfloor is well prepared and sealed so excessive moisture will not be coming up through the slab, then you should be fine to install over it. For a glue down application, the adhesive will act as your moisture barrier, but with a floating floor you will need to get a moisture barrier along with your underlayment.
Schluter-DITRA is a great product, but it is specifically designed to be installed with tile set into the thinset mortar. In this case you will only really need to use a 6mil thick polyethylene moisture barrier (think of it like saran wrap for your floor). You will lay down the moisture barrier over your subfloor, then ensure to tape up all of the seams. Then install your underlayment and your floating bamboo floor.
Typically the no-no when it comes to basement installations is only the case of 3/4″ solid traditional hardwood and a few other small exceptions, but bamboo is able to be installed in a basement. The key to success here is to be careful with your installation and give the bamboo plenty of time to acclimate before installing.
