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Can you put laminate flooring directly on concrete?
Laminate flooring can be used immediately after installation. 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.
Do you need underlay for laminate flooring on concrete?
Regardless of your subfloor, you always need to use a thin underlay with laminate flooring. But with concrete, it also needs to have a moisture barrier. This is because concrete subfloors release moisture which can be very damaging if absorbed by the laminate planks.
Can you glue down laminate flooring to concrete?
Yes, You Can! You are in luck! You can glue laminate flooring to a concrete wall, but you will need a special adhesive to make sure that your planks do not come falling down off of your walls due to the concrete wall having more moisture in it than regular drywall.
What do you put on concrete floor before laminate?
With a concrete subfloor, you will need an underlayment that acts as a vapor barrier in order to prevent moisture from penetrating through to your laminate installation. The normal choice is a thin foam pad material made of polyethylene or polypropylene, which rolls out in sheets.
What happens if you don’t put underlayment under laminate flooring?
If the subfloor in your home or property is uneven, then your laminate floor could move and shift if it doesn’t have an underlayment for support. As a result, the floor will be more prone to wear-and-tear and could even warp. The more stability, the less likely you’ll have to pay out of pocket for costly repairs.
Can u use carpet underlay for laminate flooring?
Although re-using your underlay may be appealing, using a carpet underlay with laminate flooring will cause problems in the long run. If you install laminate on top of a carpet underlay, the floor will be too bouncy and spongy, which can damage the locking system and provide an uncomfortable feel.
Do you have to put a moisture barrier under laminate flooring?
All laminate flooring requires an underlayment to allow the floor to float and give the locking system its strength. You will need a moisture barrier underlayment when installing: On a cement subfloor. On any subfloor that has a chance of moisture coming up and soaking into the flooring.
How level does a concrete floor need to be for laminate?
Typically, the floor must be level and uniform within 3/16 inch every 10 feet. Check your wood flooring manufacturer’s recommendations and sand any high spots with a concrete grinder. Fill any low spots with a cementitious leveling compound following the manufacturer’s directions and allow it to dry before proceeding.
How smooth does concrete need to be for laminate?
Most manufacturers recommend that the floor be flat to within 3/16” in a 10 ft. radius. These measurements are consistent with most other types of floor coverings. On floating floors, vertical movement needs to be kept to a minimum.
How hard is it to put laminate flooring down?
Installing laminate flooring is easy, and after you’ve done it once, you will wonder why anyone ever pays professional installers to do it. Unlike ceramic tile, laminate flooring is a dry installation—no grout, no mortar, no adhesives that set up while you’re working.
How do you fasten subfloor to concrete?
To nail down the subfloor, always use a mechanical system such as a powder load or pneumatic pressure nail gun. Beginning at the center to prevent bowing, fasten the subfloor using a 12” x 12” grid on the interior and every 6-8” along the perimeter (2” from the panel edge).
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 you glue underlayment to concrete?
No, you should not glue down your underlayment. Underlayment is is a floating material, the same as your laminate flooring. In most cases, you should not glue or nail your underlayment down. You should always check with the installation instructions of the underlayment for proper installation instructions first.
What should I 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 is a good underlayment for laminate?
While there are a number of good options in the market, cork and foam are the usual favorites for a laminate floor underlay. Depending on your lifestyle, you may appreciate cork for its thickness and sound absorption; foam, on the other hand, is an excellent, cost-efficient material that works as a moisture barrier.
Can you put vinyl flooring directly on concrete?
Generally speaking, you can install vinyl tile directly over concrete, provided there are not any serious problems with the concrete floor. Any concrete floor used as a subfloor for vinyl tile must be clean, dry, and smooth. If there are any cracks or holes, they must be repaired first.
Can you put a floating wood floor over concrete?
To float solid wood flooring over concrete, the floor must be at or above grade. Some manufactures will void the warranty if the floor is installed over concrete.
What type of flooring is best over concrete?
Best Flooring for Concrete Slab Foundation Engineered Wood. Natural hardwood flooring offers undeniable beauty and durability. Vinyl. As a longstanding choice for kitchens and bathrooms, vinyl has a reputation for extreme water resistance. Laminate. Carpet. Tile.
