Installing Hardwood Floors Over Concrete Home Tips

Watch this video to see how easy it is.

Installing hardwood floors over concrete home tips.

Typically it is sheets of plastic laid on the slab and taped at the seams with waterproof tape. This comes in a roll that you can unroll over the floor. Tap 1 4 inch shims in between the edges of the floor and the wall to leave room for expansion image 3. When you are installing a moisture barrier you want to make sure that there are no gaps and that the entire floor is covered.

You can install either an engineered hardwood floor this is real hardwood done in layers or a laminate floor this is fake floor that looks like hardwood on top of cement. Read on for in depth details on these five key areas. Laminate will cost less. Before installing any wood floor over concrete you ll need a moisture barrier.

Use a tapping block to click pieces together image 1. 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. It will extend up the wall for about 2 to 3 inches creating a bowl where your wood floor stays dry and protected. Use 1 2 inch spacers to assist in maintaining the 1 2 inch expansion gap between the first row of flooring planks and.

Store hardwood flooring in the room so it can acclimate to the room s humidity. Before you can install over a concrete subfloor you are going to need to put in a moisture barrier. Put one 1 2 inch spacer against each wall and slide the end of the board up. Installing a hardwood floor over a concrete slab even if your home was built on a concrete slab you can still enjoy the beauty and charm of hardwood floors.

Installing solid hardwood flooring in a basement that is below grade generally voids the warranty so if you really want the look of hardwood there choose engineered over solid planks. The secret behind a successful install over concrete is to focus on five key areas. Put the first board up against the mason s line with the groove side facing away from the walls. The slab should be at least 60 days old dry flat have a trowel finish and be free of high or low spots.

If you have a concrete then you have choices to make 1. Tape seams together with painter s tape image 2. Solid wood flooring should only be installed over an above grade concrete slab. Engineered hardwood will improve the value of your home.

Stagger end joints from row to row. The following is a guide to help alleviate any concerns or worries about installing hardwood floors over concrete. Condition of slab type of concrete location of slab flatness and moisture.