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Pick a concrete subfloor or plywood for my basement reno? I went plywood and here is what happened.
I was trying to decide between putting down concrete board or plywood under the laminate in my basement in Edmonton. The concrete guys said board was better for moisture down here. But the lumber yard guy said plywood would be easier to level and cheaper too. I went with plywood because it was $400 less for my 900 square foot space. After 3 weeks the floor started to feel spongy in one corner. Turns out there was a slow leak from the water heater and the plywood soaked it right up. Now I have to rip it all out and start over with concrete board. Has anyone else had this happen with plywood in a basement here?
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murphy.blair1mo ago
Buddy of mine did the same thing in Calgary. Had to tear out the whole floor after a washing machine hose burst.
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simon_coleman28d ago
Plywood is just bad news for basements, period. The lumber yard guy was dead wrong about it being fine. Concrete board is the only way to go down here because of the ground moisture seeping through the slab. Even without a leak, that humidity in Edmonton basements will get to the plywood over time. @adam_thompson53 is right that hidden leaks are the worst, but the real problem is plywood wicks moisture like a sponge from below too. The concrete guys had it right from the start. You're gonna save money in the long run with the concrete board, even if it stings now.
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