QA

Question: How To Install Wood Floors Over Concrete Slab

Lay 6-mil polyethylene sheeting over the concrete to minimize moisture migration from the concrete up into the wood flooring. Then fasten 3/4-in. treated plywood to the concrete with concrete screws spaced every 16 in. Alternatively, screw rows of treated 1x4s to the concrete 16 in.

Can you put wood flooring directly on concrete?

If you have a concrete slab main floor or basement, you may be wondering if it’s possible to install hardwood flooring directly on top of the concrete. The short answer is yes.

Do you need underlay for solid wood flooring on concrete?

It is important to mention that you do not need a wood floor underlay when you have a solid hardwood floor and that’s because it is not stable, hence it has to be installed mechanically to the concrete subfloor.

Is it better to glue or float an engineered wood floor on concrete?

As an installation method, glued down is most suited for either concrete or wood subfloors. If you are trying to decide between the two, then for engineered wood flooring floating is usually the best option as you can install it quickly and don’t have to worry about which glue to use and how long to wait for it to dry.

Do I need a vapor barrier between concrete and wood flooring?

Do I need a vapor barrier for hardwood floors?” The answer is YES! Moisture can destroy hardwood flooring. It causes cupping, warping, and even mildew if not treated. You must install a moisture barrier to protect your flooring from water wicking up from below.

How do you attach wood to concrete without drilling?

Cut Nail. Using cut nails is an easy approach for attaching wooden items to concrete without a hammer drill. The cut nail has a square, tapered shape with a tip pa. These are driven through a board into the concrete underneath, much like nailing wood to the wood floor.

Do I need a subfloor over concrete?

If you don’t plan to use the space, there is no need for a subfloor or floor covering. Concrete or tile-over-concrete are acceptable floors for uninhabited basements. But to install any kind of floor covering—engineered wood, laminate, carpeting—basement subflooring is highly required.

Can I put plywood over concrete floor?

If you’re installing plywood over an existing dry concrete floor, you shouldn’t have any problem. However, a new concrete floor contains a lot of moisture. The moisture level of the concrete should be down to 5.5% before attaching the plywood subflooring.

What is the best underlay for wood flooring on concrete?

Super Gold is the thickest underlay you can put under laminate or wood flooring. The main benefit of a thicker product is the warmth properties it has. It has a built in damp proof membrane so works great when laying on concrete floors for example kitchens and other downstairs rooms.

Do you glue down hardwood flooring?

Solid hardwood floors must be fixed into position by either gluing or nailing down to the subfloor. If you have a concrete subfloor, then you should glue your hardwood down, if you have a wooden subfloor then you can choose either method of installation.

Can you walk on engineered hardwood floors after installation?

Engineered hardwood flooring can resist warping from changes in temperature much better than solid hardwood flooring, so you only need to wait a day before walking on it.

How much does it cost to put hardwood floors in a 2000 square foot house?

Most professionals charge per square foot — so installing hardwood flooring in a small, 500-square-foot living room will cost significantly less than replacing carpeting throughout a 2,000-square-foot home.Hardwood flooring prices: Total square footage Wood flooring cost per square foot (installed) 2,000 $8,000-$20,000.

What do you put between wood and concrete?

Anyplace where wood meets the ground or concrete, the lumber must be pressure treated. For additional moisture protection, a gasket or strip of closed-cell foam can be installed between the concrete foundation and the sill plate.

What do you put under wood on concrete?

Lay 6-mil polyethylene sheeting over the concrete to minimize moisture migration from the concrete up into the wood flooring. Then fasten 3/4-in. treated plywood to the concrete with concrete screws spaced every 16 in. Alternatively, screw rows of treated 1x4s to the concrete 16 in.

Can you put a floating floor over concrete?

Laminate flooring can be installed over concrete, wood or carpet subfloor or other surfaces. Installation of good quality underlayment is highly recommended. Installing underlayment is easy but it has to be done precise to avoid any tears.

What is the best adhesive for wood to concrete?

CT1 is the ultimate construction adhesive and sealant with a phenomenal bond to almost all materials, but in particular for these. CT1 is a unique hybrid polymer with no solvents in its makeup. It will remain incredibly flexible, making it the perfect choice for Sticking Wood to Concrete.

How do you attach plywood subfloor to concrete slab?

To install a floated subfloor system, first place a layer of plywood subfloor panels with the edges parallel to the wall. Use a ¾” spacer between the plywood and the wall and a 1/8” spacer between panels. Next, lay a second layer of plywood at a 45-degree angle to the first layer.

How do you lay plywood on a concrete floor?

One way to attach plywood to a concrete surface is to screw it into place with concrete fasteners. Another way that involves less strain and hard work is to glue the plywood to the concrete. This only requires a few materials and will adhere the plywood very securely in place.

What is a sleeper floor?

Subfloor sleeper are used in basements to protect certain types of flooring such as laminate, hardwood, and carpet. Most basements have concrete floors, which have the potential to draw moisture. The sleeper is designed to prevent warping and mold growth, which ultimately extends the life of your floor.

Do I need underlayment on wood subfloor?

Why You Need Underlayment While underlayment isn’t always necessary for your hardwood floors, there are always benefits to it. It allows your flooring to lay correctly over the subfloor, preventing tripping hazards or an uneven appearance. Underlayment also provides extra sound absorption for your floor.

Can you glue solid hardwood to concrete?

When gluing a solid or engineered wood floor down to concrete, you should use a flexible flooring adhesive. This allows your flooring to expand and contract naturally without causing any damage to the planks.