How To Install Wood Flooring On Concrete

There are three ways to lay a floor over concrete.

How to install wood flooring on concrete. 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. Using a v notch trowel apply the adhesive to floor in small sections. Stack flooring log cabin style or just spread it around the room but not directly on concrete. Most engineered flooring can be installed using staples full spread adhesive or a floating method over an approved subfloor.

Plywood to the concrete. Many types of flooring can be installed over a concrete sub floor. Whether you re planning on renting out your home or looking to increase its value using concrete as a base is a great idea. Wood floor over concrete details lay a plastic moisture barrier and then screw 3 4 in.

Here are the basics of how to install floating hardwood floors over concrete. However many homeowners are disappointed to discover that solid wood flooring cannot be installed on a concrete slab. Laminate flooring is a good alternative to wood flooring in basements. Only spread enough for a few rows at a time.

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. The hard way nails or screws. Wood planks to the plywood. How to install hardwood over concrete 3 methods.

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. Most people can install this type of hardwood flooring as long as they are willing to do a little bit of work. Apply adhesive and flooring always read manufacturer s instructions when applying the adhesive. Follow these steps with care to safely complete the installation yourself.

The most straightforward method is not to attach it but float the floor on top. When you install hardwood floors concrete is one of the best bases to work from there are only a few steps to take. 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. You can attach it directly to the concrete or install a subfloor first and then attach the floor to that.

Most 3 4 inch solid hardwood flooring can be installed using nails or staples over an approved subfloor.