Wood Floors Over Concrete Slab Install

One of the most common questions we receive from both homeowners and professionals alike is if wood flooring can be installed over concrete.

Wood floors over concrete slab install.

Moisture can pose problems for solid hardwood floors below ground level so engineered wood floors made of layers of wood glued together are the best choice there. Hardwood type there is no way to install standard 3 4 hardwood on concrete. Plywood to the concrete. Like other flooring materials that work well over concrete slabs laminate uses layers to fight moisture.

Wood planks to the plywood. With dry concrete and the right subfloors and vapor retarders solid hardwood floors can be installed on slabs that are either on grade at ground level or above grade above ground level. Stagger sections on the adhesive with 1 8 inch spacing between sheets and a minimum of 3 4 of an inch of expansion space at walls and all vertical obstructions. Installing hardwood flooring over concrete step 1.

It will extend up the wall for about 2 to 3 inches creating a bowl where your wood floor stays dry and protected. If you love solid wood floors and your home rests on a concrete slab you re not out of luck. This makes it a reliable option to install over your concrete slab. Your best option is engineered hardwood flooring.

Wood floor over concrete details lay a plastic moisture barrier and then screw 3 4 in. If the concrete has been painted you will need to remove it to guarantee adhesive will stick. I must say you are lucky to lack a basement it has just been a depository for junk in my case. Watch this video to see how easy it is.

In fact many homes are built on a concrete slab rather than a crawl space. Typically it is sheets of plastic laid on the slab and taped at the seams with waterproof tape. We should note too that if your basement is prone to flooding laminate is on the list of poor flooring choices that includes carpeting solid hardwood and engineered hardwood and we don t recommend that you attempt to install it over concrete. Since humidity causes natural wood to expand and contract your flooring won t be able to move.

So if you want wood floors and are dealing with concrete don t worry. Before installing any wood floor over concrete you ll need a moisture barrier. You can rent a. If necessary add vapor retarder before applying underlayment especially recommended if 3 4 inch wood flooring is installed over concrete.

This will result in buckling. To save money try to reuse your baseboards a fresh coat can give them a new look. You don t want to try and glue it down either. Carefully score the top of.

If you plan to transform your basement into a high traffic area for entertaining and relaxing laminate could be a great option.