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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 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.
How do I prepare a concrete floor for laminate?
To get the most out of your laminate flooring, it needs to be dry, level and clean. To ensure your floor from letting in moisture, you must let the concrete cure for 30 days. It needs an excessive amount of time to fend off moisture.
What underlay should I use for 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.
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 you install laminate flooring on uneven concrete?
Laminate can be installed on an uneven floor; however this can degrade the quality of your new laminate. The finished product may become warped as a result, causing the floor to shift and become damaged when walked on. For this reason, it is best to level the subfloor prior to installing laminate.
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 put anything under laminate flooring?
Yes. Underlayment for laminate flooring provides proper support, stability, noise reduction and helps the click lock system to provide a structurally sound floor.
What should I put between laminate and concrete?
Begin installation by laying a plastic vapour barrier (minimum 6 mm thick) or any other manufacturer-recommended barrier on the concrete subfloor to prevent moisture from reaching the laminate flooring. Use vinyl tape to secure the barrier and keep it from coming out.
Can you glue laminate to concrete?
Yes, You Can! 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.
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.
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.
What is the best thickness of laminate flooring?
Laminate flooring should be between 6-12mm thick. If you find thicker than 12mm, it’s an inaccurate measurement–possibly including attached padding. If you want the highest-quality, hardwood feel, you’ll want 10 or 12mm. If cost is a concern and you have a smooth subfloor, you can get by with 7 or 8mm.
What flooring does not require underlayment?
However, you’ll want to use one in every other application including covering existing hardwood floors, vinyl flooring that isn’t cushioned, and concrete floors. You also do not need an underlayment if your vinyl plank flooring has underlayment installed, however, you may need a vapor barrier.
How do you prepare an uneven concrete floor for laminate?
In places where the floor dips too low, use a filling agent to create a level surface. Lowes Creative Ideas recommends using a cementitious leveling compound. Each brand differs slightly, so follow the manufacturer’s directions as you apply the product and allow it to dry completely before applying laminate.
How do you lay flooring on uneven concrete?
Grind any high and inconsistent spots into the same level by moving the grinding plate back-forth and sideways. Mix your leveling compound into a thin and consistent paste. The paste seals the floor cracks. Spread the leveling primer on the surface using a soft bristle push broom and ensure the layer is smooth.
