However many homeowners are disappointed to discover that solid wood flooring cannot be installed on a concrete slab.
How to install wood flooring on concrete.
The hard way nails or screws.
Apply adhesive and flooring always read manufacturer s instructions when applying the adhesive.
You can attach it directly to the concrete or install a subfloor first and then attach the floor to that.
There are three ways to lay a floor over concrete.
Most engineered flooring can be installed using staples full spread adhesive or a floating method over an approved subfloor.
Floating wood flooring can provide you with a simple installation and a beautiful floor at the same time.
Whether you re planning on renting out your home or looking to increase its value using concrete as a base is a great idea.
You can nail a plywood subfloor to the concrete with powder actuated fasteners but that method isn t recommended for floors with radiant heating elements.
Moisture can pose problems for solid hardwood floors below ground level so engineered wood floors made of layers of wood glued together are the best choice there.
Follow these steps with care to safely complete the installation yourself.
With dry concrete and the right subfloors and vapor retarders solid hardwood floors can be installed on slabs that are either on grade at ground level or above grade above ground level.
Another method is to install a floating plywood subfloor consisting of two layers of 3 8 1 2 or 5 8 inch plywood attached together with short fasteners that won t penetrate the concrete.
Most people can install this type of hardwood flooring as long as they are willing to do a little bit of work.
Here are the basics of how to install floating hardwood floors over concrete.
How to install hardwood over concrete 3 methods.
Using a v notch trowel apply the adhesive to floor in small sections.
Many types of flooring can be installed over a concrete sub floor.
If you love solid wood floors and your home rests on a concrete slab you re not out of luck.
Wood planks to the plywood.
Plywood to the concrete.
Stack flooring log cabin style or just spread it around the room but not directly on concrete.
Only spread enough for a few rows at a time.
Laminate flooring is a good alternative to wood flooring in basements.
Wood floor over concrete details lay a plastic moisture barrier and then screw 3 4 in.
When you install hardwood floors concrete is one of the best bases to work from there are only a few steps to take.