Article: Wood can coexist with concrete, radiant heating; Be wary of the type and width of the hardwood flooring and any trapped moisture in the concrete

Dear Tim: I am designing a home that will have a monolithic concrete slab foundation. My radiant-heating system will be an integral part of this slab.

Is it possible to install hardwood flooring over the concrete, or am I forced to use ceramic tile? What needs to be done to make sure the wood floor will not develop cracks from the radiant heat?

Am I pushing the envelope by installing wood in this situation? - Brian D., Albuquerque, N.M.

Dear Brian: You are not pushing the envelope.

Hardwood flooring and concrete slabs can get along just fine if you make sure your builder follows some easy, but important, guidelines at various stages as your home is being built.

Concrete slabs that contain ...

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