"Wood" floor suitable for damp concrete

[Ben Micklem]

I'm thinking of flooring our new house with a click or glue together "wood" covering.

I thought the best compromise between cost and appearance were the engineered wood types- i.e. a 3 to 4mm real wood veneer that can be re-sanded a couple of times.

However, looking at the screwfix website, I see they don't recommend engineered wood for damp locations. Our concrete floors were laid a decade or so ago, and are the biggest drawback of our 1930's semi. They didn't hack off enough plaster from the walls when putting in the plastic membrane under the concrete, so the plaster is bridging the DPC in a couple of very localised spots- and the skirting has rotted here. I plan to rectify this, but I am not 100% sure the floor will be as dry as required by this type of flooring. It is going to be used for a kitchen diner and hallway.

I didn't want to put a waterproof membrane under the wood floor, as I like the idea of the floor being able to breathe if there is any damp around. What is the best type of flooring for this application, and what is the best under-floor preparation for this type?

Thanks,

Ben

[Merryterry]

Not all waterproof membranes stop a concrete floor breathing. Modern types such as PU membranes allow the concrete to breathe whilst stopping water. It all comes down to molecule size. Air molecules are far smaller then water molecules. The PU coating is slightly porous and will allow the passage of air molecules. Traditional bitumen membranes are fully waterproof and airproof.

[nrh]

In news:C004E062.98E8% [e-mail], Ben Micklem scribed:

8<

I had to put down a thin layer of 'insulation'-type plastic sheeting*, so that the wood floor could creep as it expanded/contracted (among other reasons), so with all that in place, I still don't think you will achieve the desired outcome WRT the damp problem.

*Sorry, but can't recall the proper name now. It comes in rolls and is about a couple of mm thick and spongey to the touch. :-)

hth Nigel