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While a subfloor is not necessary to add structural strength when you’ll be laying finish flooring on top of a concrete slab (as in a basement remodel), subflooring over concrete offers two other advantages: A subfloor will help insulate against a concrete floor that becomes overly cold in winter.
Can you put flooring directly 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.
Do I need to put a subfloor in my basement?
Subfloors are not always necessary but they are beneficial wherever they can be installed. They only come into play when you want to expand downward and make your basement a warm, livable space. If you don’t plan to use the space, there is no need for a subfloor or floor covering.
What should I put between concrete and flooring?
A plastic sheet should be placed between the cement floor and the cork prior to installation. Engineered panels of cork are now available for installation directly on top of concrete without nailing. Cork comes in a variety of colors and is resistant to mold and mildew and is flame retardant.
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.
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).
What goes under laminate flooring 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.
Can you lay vinyl tile directly on concrete?
Vinyl tile can be installed over concrete if the concrete is clean, smooth and dry. Repair any holes or cracks. You can sometimes lower high spots using a coarse-grit abrasive on a belt or disc sander.
Will a subfloor dry?
completely. Drying out is necessary to prevent mold and rot. Exposing the subflooring is the best way to dry it, but if this is impractical (maybe your kitchen sink drain has leaked and you don’t want to remove the base cabinet, understandably), perhaps you can access the subfloor from below.
Why put a subfloor in a basement?
A subfloor is a sort of floor cover for your basement, which elevates the floor itself and creates a strong and sturdy shield to prevent water from seeping through. Think of it as an impenetrable barrier that keeps your basement floor dry.
How much does it cost to finish a 1000 sq ft basement?
How much does it cost to finish a 1,000 square foot basement? Expect to pay $7,000 to $23,000, or $15,000 on average, to finish a 1,000 square foot basement. Add around $6,500 if you want to hire an interior designer and another $2,650 for furniture.
How can I cover my concrete floor cheap?
Cheap Basement Flooring Ideas Epoxy and Concrete Paint. Paint is generally your cheapest basement floor option. Concrete Stain and Sealer. Concrete stain is another inexpensive option. Linoleum or Vinyl. Ceramic Tile Flooring. Rubber and Foam Mats. Traditional Carpet Flooring. Laminate or Engineered Hardwood.
How can I make my concrete floor more comfortable?
Tips to cozy up your concrete floors Radiant heat floors. One way to combat cold toes is by installing radiant heat flooring. Add a rug. If you have existing concrete floors, you can cozy them up for the winter with a simple area rug. Throw blankets. Add natural light. Decorative lights.
Can you install LifeProof flooring over concrete?
LifeProof vinyl flooring can be installed over existing wood floor, a concrete subfloor or existing vinyl flooring planks.
How do you attach plywood to concrete floor?
Fasten the plywood to the concrete using powder-actuated fasteners or concrete nails. Standard 2-inch powercleats or pneumatic staples will contact the concrete surface beneath the plywood unless the machines are tilted forward by placing a 5/16-inch-thick spacer at the back edge of the nailer’s faceplate.
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 seal a concrete floor?
To seal your concrete floor, pour a small amount of concrete sealer into a painting tray and apply the sealer evenly to your floors using a paint roller. Use a paintbrush to seal around the edges of the room. Always work from the furthest area of the room toward the exit so that you don’t box yourself in!Sep 16, 2018.
Why are concrete screws blue?
The blue, corrosion-resistant coating enables them to withstand the harshest conditions. And their unmatched performance in concrete, block and brick applications make them an excellent alternative to expansion anchors, plugs and lag shields.
What is underneath a subfloor?
A subfloor is the solid material beneath your floor covering. It is attached to your home’s floor joists and acts as a base for your finished flooring, such as carpet, hardwood, laminate, tile, etc. Typically, a subfloor is made of plywood or oriented strand board (OSB) panels.
Can you glue subfloor to concrete?
When direct gluing a wood subfloor over concrete, follow the adhesive manufacturer’s recommendation for moisture requirements and limitations, type of adhesive, application method, trowel notch type, and spread rates. When the adhesive requires, add a moisture control system before applying the adhesive.
