oak floors

[goldtaps]

What is the best way to lay an T&G oak floor over a bare concrete base?

[Clanad]

Problem is, with such an installation, the flooring must be secured with nails through the tongue side to firm foundation. This can be done, although with difficulty, by using a special concrete nail with a nail gun. Even that is problematic since most concrete floors aren't perfectly flat, and laying wood, even with a moisture barrier on concrete is considered risky in the long run. Usually, such an installation requires laying a 2 X 4 subfloor framework covered with a 5/8 inch layer of plywood (particle board is not recommended for subflooring due to possible moisture problems). The T&G is then layed as usual. You'll lose about 5 inches of headspace measured from the floor to the ceiling and any doors into or out of the room will have to be trimmed to fit as well....

[clever trev]

I've just been working in a house, and they have glued a solid oak to the floor, don't know weather this is good or bad.??

[buildersmate]

I take it you are talking about the proper stuff - not laminate.
Three choices, glue the tongues (i.e. floor floats on the substrate), glue it to the floor or nail it.
This organisation knows a lot about such things.
http://www.wood-you-like-diy.co.uk/tips.htm#So lid%20T&G%20Floorboards

[PAUL55]

I agree with buildersmate, glueing the boards is the best method, but not to the concrete. You should first put down a vapour barrier/underlay, then glue your boards together tongue to groove all the way. You must also remember to leave an expansion gap all around the edge of the floor as timber will constantly expand and contract due to moisture in the air.