Why can't you install hardwood floors in a basement?

Hardwood flooring can add warmth to any interior, so why wouldn't you want hardwoods to grace your basement too? 

The reasons aren't too complicated, but the resulting problems from installing hardwood in your basement can be. In short, the main cause of hardwood troubles in basements is moisture and humidity. These can cause wood flooring to expand, which results in buckling and warped floorboards. 

A less common, but equally troublesome problem is basement flooding. While some homeowners are more at risk to this than others, the damage can be devastating, and most hardwoods are irreparable after extensive water damage.

So where is the best room to install hardwood floors? That depends on whether the room is above grade, on grade, or below grade.

• Above Grade - Rooms that are located above ground floor level.
• On Grade - Rooms that are at ground level.
• Below Grade - Rooms that are below ground level, or underground.

So what do you do if you still want the look of hardwood floors without the trouble of maintaining them in such a risky space? 

We suggest using Luxury Vinyl Plank or Wood Plastic Composite. Both are made with inorganic materials which makes them stable enough to use in spaces that have fluctuating temperature and humidity levels. TheseFloors carries over 25 different options in various color ways, which you can browse below. 

Have any questions or a suggestion for a new blog post? Just leave us a comment below. We're here to help!

Why Humidity Regulation Is Important For Hardwood Floors

Wood flooring has the ability to absorb and retain moisture, which is why regulating humidity levels is so important when installing a new wood floor.

High Humidity 

Floors expand when humidity rises (past 55%) which can result in moisture accumulating inside the wood. This in turn can cause a buckled floor. Even after restabilizing humidity levels, the edges of buckled floor planks may be damaged because of overcrowding.

Low Humidity 

On the flip side, low humidity levels (below 35%) can cause wood to dry out and turn brittle- to the point where the wood can weaken so much that it splits along the grain.

Our Solution

To avoid this, we recommend allowing your wood floor to adjust to your home's humidity levels for 24 hours before installation.

After installation, make sure that the temperature and humidity levels stay within a certain range to avoid potential gaps between planks (due to wood shrinkage) or buckling (a result of expansion). Consult with your contractor or installation specialist for recommended levels, as it can vary by species, and by the climate that you live in.

Buy a humidistat or hydrometer so that you can easily monitor the humidity levels of your home. If the levels are too high, use a dehumidifier or turn up the air conditioning. If humidity must be raised, use a humidifier to add moisture in your home.   

Required temperature ranges vary from 60-80 degrees, and the relative humidity ranges from 35 to 55 percent. 

Follow these guidelines and you should be able to enjoy your wood floors for years to come. 

Have any questions or a suggestion for a new blog post? Just leave us a comment below. We're here to help!

Caring For Your Wood Floor

Caring for your wood floor doesn't have to be difficult- all it takes is a little patience and a regular routine. Follow these guidelines so that you can enjoy your investment for years to come. 

Daily

Sweeping your wood floor, or using a microfiber mop helps prevent a build up of dirt and residue on the surface. While a broom will do a good job of cleaning a floor without causing damage, we recommend a microfiber mop or cleaning pad instead. 

Microfiber mops use static electricity to attract dirt and particles into the mop's fibers, effectively lifting them off of the floor instead of pushing them around.   

Weekly

Vacuum wood floors on a weekly basis to remove the dirt and debris that microfiber mops can't reach. An upright or canister model vacuum should get the job done, however- don't use a vacuum with a beater bar because it can damage your wood floor. 

Beater bars are rotating brushes at the bottom of some vacuum models. These bars rotate at a high frequency with each pass, and they can wear down the surface finishes of your wood flooring over time.

Monthly

Polish and condition your wood floor with a wood flooring cleaner recommended by your contractor or installer. Different floors have different finishes, and it's important to choose a polish that will bring out the best in your hardwood floors. 

We also recommend using a microfiber pad when polishing your floors. 

Every 3 - 5 Years

Reseal your hardwood floors every few years to protect the integrity of your investment. Finishes begin to erode over time, especially in high-traffic areas within your household. Adding a new seal to your hardwood floors will help keep your floors in tip-top shape and potentially prevent costly repairs.

Consult with your installer, contractor, or local professional for finding out the appropriate resealing services that your hardwood floors need.

Every Few Decades

Sand and refinish your wood floors every few decades in order to protect the hardwood underneath. Sanding can help remove a few decade's worth of scratches and nicks, and refinishing will protect your newly repaired floor so that you can keep enjoying your hardwood for years to come.

Have any questions or a suggestion for a new blog post? Just leave us a comment below. We're here to help!

Welcome to the TheseFloors Blog!

Whether you're looking for some advice, need a quick how-to guide, or just need a bit of inspiration, the TheseFloors Blog is here for you!

Join us for our weekly posts (every Monday!) and discover the latest on hardwood flooring and interior design trends. 

Check back for new articles, and we hope to see you soon.

-The TheseFloors Team

Have any questions or a suggestion for a new blog post? Just leave us a comment below. We're here to help!