Wood floor over concrete
#1
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Wood floor over concrete
Hello,
I would like to install a hardwood floor over a concrete slab on the first floor. I am thinking of gluing the floor to the concrete with some gap around the edges for expansion. Some have said I have to install a plywood sub-floor first as well as some type of moisture barrier. Others advise me to go with some type of floating floor. I prefer hardwood. Any advice for the proper approach?
Thanks
I would like to install a hardwood floor over a concrete slab on the first floor. I am thinking of gluing the floor to the concrete with some gap around the edges for expansion. Some have said I have to install a plywood sub-floor first as well as some type of moisture barrier. Others advise me to go with some type of floating floor. I prefer hardwood. Any advice for the proper approach?
Thanks
#2
I would opt for 5/8" engineered click lock over proper underlayment, rather than hardwood. You can't glue directly to the concrete and expect it to expand and contract properly. All this AFTER you have determined there are no moisture issues in the concrete.
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Thanks. The concrete has no moisture issues I am aware of - it is about 6" above grade and is was poured in 1960. Is the underlayment a 1/2" to 3/4" plywood?
On a hardwood flooring website I saw a recommendation for 3/4" plywood nailed to concrete over 6 mil poly with 1/4" to 3/4" gaps between the boards, then hardwood nailed to that. Is that an approach you are familiar with?
On a hardwood flooring website I saw a recommendation for 3/4" plywood nailed to concrete over 6 mil poly with 1/4" to 3/4" gaps between the boards, then hardwood nailed to that. Is that an approach you are familiar with?
#4
No, the underlayment is a plastic pad that is installed to allow air to move between the concrete and the wood flooring. It gives minimal cushion, but also gives enough to keep the wear factor to a minimum, as opposed to scrubbing on the concrete, since it is a floating floor. I would not put plywood down on concrete. The click lock engineered flooring is very stable, easier to install than the nail/staple down 3/4" and comes with a huge wear thru warranty.
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As far as fastening plywood. That was a very common procedure, but nowadays the preference is actually a floating sub floor. For any DIY'er, Larry has the best answer with a click floating floor. However some of the lower priced products (big box stores) can leave you with sound issues you may not enjoy. IE: clicking, snapping, cracking.