Laying Hardwood On Concrete Slab

You don t want be trapped in a corner and have to walk on the newly installed floors.

Laying hardwood on concrete slab.

Engineered hardwood flooring is made from a high quality plywood. Lay 4 to 6 mil polyethylene film over the slab overlapping the edges 4 to 6. Typically it is sheets of plastic laid on the slab and taped at the seams with waterproof tape. Lay the floor parallel to longest wall in the room.

The problem with this however is that you are running the big risk of your flooring warping or popping up from moisture. Fasteners may be powder driven pins pneumatic driven nails screws deformed pins or other fasteners suitable for concrete applications. These planks click together and make a strong and movement stable foundation. You will need a professional service to test for dryness.

How to install an engineered hardwood floor. Always have an exit plan when laying out the floor. The top layer is made from hardwood. You usually determine this with a meter that compares the relative humidity of the slab with the ambient humidity.

New slabs usually need at least two months to dry before they are suitable for hardwood installations. Before installing any wood floor over concrete you ll need a moisture barrier. Installing hardwood flooring over concrete. It will extend up the wall for about 2 to 3 inches creating a bowl where your wood floor stays dry and protected.

Also use a vapor retarder before applying underlayment. Install the plywood after the vapor retarder is in place. Nail a minimum of 32 shots per 4 foot by 8 foot panel. It should be clean and flat with a trowel finish and no sign of any stains grease or dust.

Before you prepare the concrete for hardwood flooring it must be dry. Cut pieces as you go. A former method used was to glue or nail hardwood directly to the moisture barrier laid on top of the concrete slab. Areas with higher humidity may require additional fasteners.

Hardwood floors are durable low maintenance and easy to clean. It is in wood s nature that it will expand and contract according to moisture conditions. Watch this video to see how easy it is. Read manufacturer s directions before installation to maintain warranty coverage.

If the slab is new don t even begin moisture testing until 30 days after pouring it it probably won t be ready to be covered until 60 days after. For your areas with concrete slab engineered wood will be your best bet.