Wooden basement?

[Rita]

Has anyone tried the wooden basement? What are the advantages?

[Jerry]

Wooden basements are a lot warmer than block or cement basements. They are made with pressure treated wood that is supposed to last for many many years. If you have worked with pressure treated wood, you will observe that some of it is not completely saturated with solution, even if it has been rated for ground contact. If I was going to live in a home for more than 10 or 20 years, I would go with block or cement. But they build a lot of wood basements these days. Just my 2 cents.

[Pendragon]

Not living in an area where basements are common, I couldn't say anything except, why would anyone build a basement out of wood when concrete was available?

Treated wood WILL rot, it just takes longer than untreated wood, you can bet replacing it later once in place will be more expensive than using concrete now.

[trmimo]

Many installers will not install a manufactured home over a wood basement.
A wood basement derives much of it's strength from being structurally connected to the floor system.
That means that while they are installing the home it is not as strong as it could be.
Also wood basements are designed to be backfilled after the floor is built. Manufactured home installation usually requires most backfill be done before the home is set.
You might want to consider one of the styrofoam / concrete combinations that are available. I did my own home that way and have been delighted with the results. It does cost a little more, but is warm and easy to wire and finish.

[Rita]

Thanks, everyone.

Is there a website address available for info on the styrofoam/concrete combo, or did you find that in your local area?

[Brian]

Just do a search for Insulated Concrete Forms,or ICF's. My basement is done with this system and I love it.