Subfloor For Hardwood On Concrete

How to install a glued subfloor over concrete.

Subfloor for hardwood on concrete.

Inspect the moisture level check the moisture level of the subflooring using a moisture meter. Laminate planks snap together and float above a subfloor which means tiny subfloor imperfections are okay although again a level subfloor will help prevent damage. Concrete is a porous material and can retain moisture and emit moisture vapor which could end up in the wood floor above unless the proper precautions are taken. 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.

For nail down wood subfloors installed on grade and below grade add a moisture control system below the subfloor material. Fasteners may be powder driven pins pneumatic driven nails screws deformed pins or other fasteners suitable for concrete application. This is a popular subflooring option in the southern states and in areas where homes do not have basements. As with a floated subfloor nwfa recommends a vapor retarder for glue down subfloors when installing wood flooring over concrete.

For more on concrete subfloors see how to get a concrete subfloor ready for wood floors in the february march 2003 issue in new construction the slab should be given at least. If you have a subfloor that consists of wood on top of concrete you ll need to test both floors. Use a 6 staple pattern at the perimeter of the subfloor. Get a comprehensive breakdown on which materials to use what to take into consideration and what steps to take for four subfloor systems.

Check for cracks and crumbling. Floated subfloor alternate subfloor glue down sub floor and the nail down subfloor system. To level a subfloor for installing laminate follow the directions above to remove high and low spots. Check your flooring manufacturer s recommendations to ensure you re using a proper subfloor.

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. Use a minimum 3 4 23 32 18 3 mm 4 x 8 subfloor panels. Learn how to install beautiful hardwood floors over a concrete slab. The concrete subfloor must be sufficiently strong to safely support the flooring furniture and people in the room.