05-13-2013, 08:38 AM
Steve,
We heard all of the stories when looking for 'what to do with our floor' & do know of one new house in which the beautiful laminate got all wavy & cupped....
When we were looking, it seemed that proper prep. was absolutely essential to place laminate on concrete, which included a very good moisture barrier (absolutely a must) & some recommended shimming up the whole floor....the costs & work seemed to go up with each recommendation.
We decided to go with porcelain tile (see the 'project done' thread for some of the fun we have had) after also looking at concrete staining (our preferred was staining, but when we decided to start this LOOONG project the stains were all acid stains & our frame is metal....so that did not bode well for either the house frame or the floor color...)
There are also solid vinyl tiles & strips...I would be more hesitant on the roll flooring, unless also well vapor barrier-ed.... that was in our house & there was mold on the backing, esp near perimeter walls...& do not think that carpet would ever "air out" unless dehumidifiers were running...
We heard all of the stories when looking for 'what to do with our floor' & do know of one new house in which the beautiful laminate got all wavy & cupped....
When we were looking, it seemed that proper prep. was absolutely essential to place laminate on concrete, which included a very good moisture barrier (absolutely a must) & some recommended shimming up the whole floor....the costs & work seemed to go up with each recommendation.
We decided to go with porcelain tile (see the 'project done' thread for some of the fun we have had) after also looking at concrete staining (our preferred was staining, but when we decided to start this LOOONG project the stains were all acid stains & our frame is metal....so that did not bode well for either the house frame or the floor color...)
There are also solid vinyl tiles & strips...I would be more hesitant on the roll flooring, unless also well vapor barrier-ed.... that was in our house & there was mold on the backing, esp near perimeter walls...& do not think that carpet would ever "air out" unless dehumidifiers were running...