Often asked: How To Install Laminate Hardwood Floors On Concrete?

Do you need underlay for laminate flooring on concrete?

For concrete or wood subfloor use of rubber or foam underlayment is recommended. When laminate flooring is installed on concrete there are many factors that should be taken in account. First and probably most important factor is humidity of concrete surface.

How do you install laminate wood flooring on concrete?

Begin installation by laying a plastic vapour barrier (minimum 6 mm thick) or any other manufacturer-recommended barrier on the concrete subfloor to prevent moisture from reaching the laminate flooring. Use vinyl tape to secure the barrier and keep it from coming out.

What is the best underlayment for laminate flooring over concrete?

Best underlay for laminate flooring is foam or cork. Best underlay for laminate flooring is foam because it is simple to install, it is a good sound barrier, and is very cost effective. Some best foams have attached additional layer which functions as the best moisture barrier.

How level does a concrete floor need to be for laminate?

Typically, the floor must be level and uniform within 3/16 inch every 10 feet. Check your wood flooring manufacturer’s recommendations and sand any high spots with a concrete grinder. Fill any low spots with a cementitious leveling compound following the manufacturer’s directions and allow it to dry before proceeding.

What happens if you don’t put underlayment under laminate flooring?

If you don’t install the underlayment correctly, your laminate floors could be damaged or even ruined. In fact, some floors require an underlayment to be correctly installed in order for the warranty to be valid.

How do you prepare a concrete floor for laminate?

If the slab is in poor condition, use a grinder or buffer with a concrete scraper over the surface before using self-leveling concrete. For maximum comfort when walking on the finished product, you should add a layer of laminate padding on top of the moisture barrier.

What is the best flooring to put over concrete?

Best Flooring for Concrete Slab Foundation

1. Engineered Wood. Natural hardwood flooring offers undeniable beauty and durability.
2. Vinyl. As a longstanding choice for kitchens and bathrooms, vinyl has a reputation for extreme water resistance.
3. Laminate.
4. Carpet.
5. Tile.

Can I glue laminate flooring to concrete?

You are in luck! You can glue laminate flooring to a concrete wall, but you will need a special adhesive to make sure that your planks do not come falling down off of your walls due to the concrete wall having more moisture in it than regular drywall.

What should I put down under laminate flooring?

For slightly uneven floors, use a foam underlayment as the base for your laminate planks. If you determine you need to level the floor, sand the floor and apply a patching compound. Some underlayment comes with an attached vapor barrier, eliminating the need to lay two separate products.

Can you glue down hardwood flooring to concrete?

Solid parquet hardwood flooring can be glued directly to a concrete slab on grade or above grade with the use of a manufacturer recommended vapor retarder. Solid parquet should not be installed below grade.

What type of hardwood flooring is best for concrete slab?

A floating floor is the perfect companion for a concrete subfloor. According to flooring experts, the best kind of wood flooring to use with a concrete subfloor is a floating engineered wood floor. This kind of floor performs well, resists moisture and is easy to install.

Do I need a vapor barrier between concrete and wood flooring?

Do I need a vapor barrier for hardwood floors?” The answer is YES! Moisture can destroy hardwood flooring. It causes cupping, warping, and even mildew if not treated. You must install a moisture barrier to protect your flooring from water wicking up from below.