Basements: Hardwood flooring doesn't do well in below grade installations. During heavy rain falls the water table can rise, causing moisture to seep up and rot the material from below. It is also subject to shifting from changing humidity in this space. However there are several vinyl options which can reproduce the look of hardwoods in below grade areas.
Kitchens: While water is not necessarily an ever present problems, spills and splashes do occur on occasion. You also have the constant threat of flooding due to malfunctions in appliances and fixtures. However, with vigilance, luck, and a little maintenance hardwood can work in some kitchen installations.
More about hardwood kitchen floors
Bathrooms: The bathroom is usually the most water heavy room in the house. Weather splashes from sinks or showers, or humidity rising from hot steamy suds, the use of hardwood in this space is dubious at best. However you may be able to get away with it in half baths, powder rooms, or guest bathrooms that don't get heavy usage.
More about hardwood bathroom flooring
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