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Can hardwood floors be installed over 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.
How do you install solid wood flooring on concrete?
You can also install a solid wood floor over a concrete subfloor by floating it on an adhesive backed underlay such as Fast Fit Peel & Stick Underlay. This has adhesive on one side which the solid wood floor is laid onto. Before you lay down the underlay you will need to first lay a damp proof membrane.
How much does it cost to put hardwood floor on concrete?
The introduction was updated with new costs and an average national cost range. Added a section on hardwood flooring cost per square foot.Hardwood Flooring Prices. Hardwood Installation Costs National average cost $4,017 Average range $2,800-$6,400 Minimum cost $2,203 Maximum cost $8,496.
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.
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 is the best underlay for wood flooring on concrete?
Super Gold is the thickest underlay you can put under laminate or wood flooring. The main benefit of a thicker product is the warmth properties it has. It has a built in damp proof membrane so works great when laying on concrete floors for example kitchens and other downstairs rooms.
Do you 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.
How do you install hardwood floors on a concrete basement?
How To: Install Engineered Hardwood Flooring on Concrete Test the Humidity of the Concrete. Prepare the Floor and Let Planks Acclimate. Spread the Adhesive with a Notched Trowel. Laying Down the Flooring Planks. Apply Pressure to the Flooring. Wait and Finish (If Needed).
Do you need to seal a concrete floor before laying laminate?
You don’t need to seal a concrete floor before installing laminate; however, to prevent moisture from the concrete floor from affecting your laminate, install a vapor barrier of polyethylene film. Install this barrier even if the concrete subfloor is covered by vinyl, linoleum, terrazzo or ceramic tile.
How much does it cost to install 1500 square feet of hardwood floors?
Expect to pay between $4,500 and $30,000 for 1,500 square feet of solid wood flooring. The species of wood you choose for your home can be a big determinant of the installation costs.
How much does it cost to install 1000 square feet of hardwood floors?
On average, wood flooring costs between $3 and $7 per square foot for materials and $3 to $5 per square foot for labor. An estimate for installation of 1000 square feet of hardwood flooring runs between $6,000 and $12,000.
Can I install hardwood floors myself?
Because of these types of advancements, it is easier than ever to install a hardwood floor yourself. Obviously, hiring a professional to install your floors will take a lot less time than doing it on your own. When installing your own floors, you only have to pay the cost of materials and tools or tool rental.
Do you glue down hardwood flooring?
Solid hardwood floors must be fixed into position by either gluing or nailing down to the subfloor. If you have a concrete subfloor, then you should glue your hardwood down, if you have a wooden subfloor then you can choose either method of installation.
What do you 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 under wood on concrete?
Lay 6-mil polyethylene sheeting over the concrete to minimize moisture migration from the concrete up into the wood flooring. Then fasten 3/4-in. treated plywood to the concrete with concrete screws spaced every 16 in. Alternatively, screw rows of treated 1x4s to the concrete 16 in.
Can you put a floating floor over 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.
Does wood floor need underlay?
Because wood flooring is naturally much more substantial than a carpet or other flooring alternatives, it doesn’t actually need underlay. That said, we would normally recommend underlay when fitting a boarded floor to a wooden subfloor simply because it provides better insulation.
Can you use carpet underlay for wood flooring?
While carpet underlay works well for carpet, it isn’t as suitable for wood floors. It’s not a good idea to install wood floors, including hardwood planks and engineered wood flooring, over carpet underlay! It’s too thick for the hardwood planks, which won’t fit well under doors, baseboards, and cabinets.
How do you damp proof a floor?
When faced with damp in concrete floors, there are two options available: Dig up the old concrete floor, install a new damp proof membrane and lap up edges before replacing the concrete slab. Fully isolate the dampness in the floor using a surface Damp Proof Membrane (DPM).
