Q: Should I use plastic sheeting as a moisture barrier before installing solid wood floors on the first floor of my home?
A: You should definitely use a waterproof barrier over the subfloor, but plastic sheeting is not recommended for solid wood floors because the nails or staples will penetrate it during installation. Use a paint roller to apply a coat of liquid waterproof membrane over the subfloor or slab, allowing it to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions. When working on a concrete slab, use construction adhesive to glue down 3/4-in. marine-grade plywood over the waterproofing before installing the floorboards.
