Subfloor For Engineered Hardwood Over Concrete

In this case the subfloor is the concrete slab.

Subfloor for engineered hardwood over concrete.

How to install engineered wood over concrete engineered wood flooring offers the timeless look of hardwood but is perfect for basements and other areas where moisture can be an issue. Although you can attach hardwood directly to concrete with glue or nails it s not advisable. Nail down subfloor system get 3 4 inch minimum cd exposure 1 plywood subfloor panels 4 foot by 8 foot sheets. The subfloor is the foundation beneath finish flooring materials.

Make sure the concrete slab is flat to the wood flooring manufacturer s specification. Consult the product data sheet for instructions regarding specific trowel requirements. If the slab is out of specification consider grinding floating or both. A moisture control membrane is recommended any time a wood subfloor is installed over concrete.

After installing a vapor retarder if necessary cut your plywood panels into 2 x8 or 4 x4 sections. Wood needs to move as the humidity increases and decreases throughout the year. In general use a notched trowel to spread the adhesive. If necessary add vapor retarder before applying underlayment especially recommended if 3 4 inch wood flooring is installed over concrete.

The combination of the underlayment and flooring raises the height of the floor 1 1 2 in so be sure the extra height doesn t create problems around cabinets in doorways or at transitions to other types of flooring. Typically manufacturers will specify a flatness tolerance of 1 8 in a 6 foot radius and or 3 16 in a 10 foot radius. Wood floor over concrete than over a wood subfloor. If you have a subfloor that consists of wood on top of concrete you ll need to test both floors.

Check for cracks and crumbling. In basements and in homes with slab on grade foundations the subfloor may simply be a concrete slab. The nwfa recommends plywood with a minimal thickness of. As with a floated subfloor nwfa recommends a vapor retarder for glue down subfloors when installing wood flooring over concrete.

If the wood can t expand sideways it will twist warp or cup as it absorbs moisture. Subfloor must be flat. But it s considerably more difficult to install a 3 4 in. The concrete subfloor must be sufficiently strong to safely support the flooring furniture and people in the room.

Installing engineered hardwood flooring over concrete too tight against a stationary object will not allow room for normal expansion and may cause a failure. Follow these steps to install an engineered wood floor in your home.