Checking concrete floor for moisture

Q: I just purchased a small 2 bedroom home that has carpeting over a concrete floor. We are at ground level and want to lay hardwood flooring. What actions do we need to take prior to the installation to steer clear of moisture damage? Do we just lay some sort of moisture barrier or do we have to lay plywood?

A: I would tape some plastic sheeting in various parts of the concrete and leave it for several days to see if you get any condensation on it. If this is going to be a nail down solid floor you will certainly need to lay plywood. If it is engineered or a click joint type floor, you won’t. Engineered can be glued with any moisture proof adhesive such as Bostik’s Best or TKO to name just 2.