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Can you install hardwood floors 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.
What kind of wood floor is best on concrete?
According to flooring experts, the best kind of wood flooring to use with a concrete subfloor is a floating engineered wood floor. This kind of floor performs well, resists moisture and is easy to install.
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.
What underlayment should I use on concrete?
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.
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.
Do you have to glue engineered hardwood to concrete?
Engineered hardwood can be installed on concrete using the glue-down installation method. We recommend using an acrylic or urethane wood adhesive, such as Bostik Pro-Cure or East Bay Clipper. Before installing any flooring you must follow the instructions set forth by the flooring manufacturer.
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.
Do you need to glue hardwood flooring?
There is no need to glue the planks together as they are fully bonded to the subfloor. Flooring straps can also be used to hold the boards into place to ensure they do not move around while the glue is drying.
Can you put a floating floor on 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.
Can I float engineered wood over concrete?
Installing a floating engineered hardwood floor works well at any grade level and over most types of subfloor surfaces. A floating engineered wood flooring installation on concrete can be an excellent choice if your subfloor is below grade. It’s also a great option if you choose to incorporate a radiant heat system.
What kind of flooring can you put on concrete?
For the money, The best flooring types for concrete slabs are luxury vinyl tile (LVT) or planks (LVP) and ceramic or stone tile. These products are durable and work well in any room.
How can I cover my concrete floor cheap?
Below are cheap options you can use to cover or modify your concrete floors: Concrete paint. Concrete stain. Carpet or area rugs. Tiles. Linoleum. Bamboo flooring. Cork flooring. Concrete overlays.
Is hardwood floor good for basement?
Hardwood floors are a beautiful addition to a finished basement, but they can also allow for moisture retention and water damage.
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 do you put down under hardwood flooring?
Simply put, underlayment is a layer of material between your subfloor and your floor. While some flooring comes with the underlayment attached, others will require you to install a separate underlayment. Most of the time, underlayment consists of rubber, cork, foam, or felt.
What is the difference between subfloor and underlayment?
Basically, subfloors are a structural part of your home that provide strength and rigidity to your home’s flooring. Underlays, on the other hand, protect your floor covering from moisture, help soundproof your floor, and offer cushioning and comfort underfoot. You can think of your floor like a sandwich cookie.
Is underlayment necessary?
Underlayment is not optional. If your laminate planks don’t have it already attached, we recommend that you buy rolls of underlayment on which to install your laminate floor.
What is a sleeper floor?
Subfloor sleeper are used in basements to protect certain types of flooring such as laminate, hardwood, and carpet. The sleeper is designed to prevent warping and mold growth, which ultimately extends the life of your floor.
What is the warmest flooring for a basement?
A cork floating floor is an excellent insulating product for cold basements. It is the best flooring for basement. Add in a cost effective 6mm cork underlayment and you will have built an “insulated” floor.
