Depends on the floor manufacturer.

Most floor manufacturers will not warrant any type floor installed below grade...so it matters not what type of wood floor you install in a basement....It will be void of warranty...so don't do it.

It depends on whether you want a functional, low-maintenance, utilitarian floor or a nice floor that is comfortable and adds to the warmth of the room.

Floating the floor on the concrete will make it hard like concrete: uncomfortable and unforgiving. However, it will run fewer risks of rotting out, breaking, slumping, or what have you. On the other hand, building a subfloor makes the room more comfortable, subtly absorbing sound, vibration and footsteps. However, that comfort also comes with the price of adding installation costs and the potential of slumping, rotting, and the like, especially if it floods.

That said, I would install a subfloor if you plan to use the room at all.

Have you heard of www.dricore.com , www.subflor.com , or www.deltams.com/deltafl/ ? I just managed to get my local Home Depot to order in Dricore from Canada. We're picking it up today. It's costing us about $5.30 per panel (2'x2'). We need one skid (120 panels). We don't have water in our basement either, but when the basement had carpet in it before, it always felt damp underfoot. It was because concrete is porous and there will always be groundwater beneath the foundation (Seattle area). We thought this product would suit our needs best and last the longest. We can install carpet, laminate, hardwood, or vinyl over it, so we're pretty excited. Good luck!

[This message has been edited by TchrMommy (edited December 13, 2003).]

Wow!! Thanks!! I think you have solved my problem here. I'm curious about the costs though. And now that I you have it - are you pleased?