Given the fact that cupping comes from the top and bottom of flooring absorbing humidity at different rates, is there any (or enough) advantage to sealing the bottom of 3/4 flooring before putting it down? My instance is white oak over fir subfloor, all over an unheated basement.

Dale C

Some makes of solid wood are coming from the mill with the back coated as you suggest. Certainly can do no harm if done carefully.

Art

I've noticed that with Chinese solids. North American too? Perhaps a way to distinguish where solid hardwoods come from these days?

Ken your so right!

If it is back coated, it sat in a container on a ship.
If it is wrapped in plastic, it sat in a container on a ship.

I did a witex engineered made in China that was back coated.

To answer your question,Dale; Yes. It can't hurt. Dipping the ends would do even more.