Just found this messageboard... and had a few questions.

I'm purchasing a new condo in Michigan and they are putting in a self-leveling gypcrete subfloor (over OSB). It will be above grade.

I was thinking of removing the carpet and putting in a wood floor before I move in and just wanted to ask a few questions.

1) Since the subfloor is gypcrete, an engineered floor would be my best choice, right? (besides laminate)

2) Do you think that flatness or moisture will be a problem?

3) Since I want to DIY, I've heard that floating would be the best/easiest way. Do you think a glue-down install would be a lot better?

4) What thickness floor should I look for? I was thinking a 3/8" would probably be easiest so I could avoid messing with door heights, etc.

5) I'm on a relatively small budget and would like your recommendations on a good budget engineered floor, preferably around the $4/sqft range.

Thanks for your replies!!

Ed

Definitely a floating floor over gypecrete. Should not glue to that! I think Ken sells Kahrs starting at under $4.00 per ft.
http://www.hardwoodinstaller.com/hardwo ... floors.htm

Thanks! I noticed that those are 3-strip designs. How does a multi-strip design compare to single strips? Are the edges really apparent?

How do you think the Kahrs Builders Collection compares to the BR111 5/16" stuff?

Funny you say that because my builder offers engineered GLUE-DOWN floors!

Gypcrete and gluedown hardwoods, are not a good combination. Eventually, it will be a floating floor, anyway! LOL!

You can find a lot of engineered floors that will meet your budget. The problem is, not all engineereds can be installed as a floating floor.

A lot of the cheaper floors are not milled tight enought to be floated.

Thanks for the reply, I guess it will be floating in the end regardless of what I do! What kinds of floors do you recommend? I see some of the cheaper brands are 3-strip boards, is that bad?