Readers ask: Engineered Hardwood Over Concrete?

Can you put engineered hardwood over concrete?

Engineered hardwood can be installed on concrete using the glue-down installation method. We recommend using an acrylic or urethane wood adhesive, such as Bostik Pro-Cure or East Bay Clipper. Before installing any flooring you must follow the instructions set forth by the flooring manufacturer.

How do you prepare a concrete floor for engineered hardwood?

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.

Is it better to glue or float an engineered wood floor?

As an installation method, glued down is most suited for either concrete or wood subfloors. If you are trying to decide between the two, then for engineered wood flooring floating is usually the best option as you can install it quickly and don’t have to worry about which glue to use and how long to wait for it to dry.

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.

Do you need a moisture barrier under engineered hardwood?

Installation. If you ‘re planning to nail down your hardwood floors, a moisture barrier is recommended. If you are installing an floating engineered hardwood flooring, you can use Aquabar underlayment to help control moisture.

What is the best method to install engineered hardwood flooring?

3/4″ thick, engineered planks should be nailed or stapled using a 3/4″ solid wood flooring nailer or stapler of any brand. You must use the recommended size staple or cleat for 3/4″ solid wood installations; you must also use the recommended nailing schedule, which is 1″ to 3″ from the ends, and 8″ to 10″ in the field.

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.

Do I need a subfloor over concrete?

While a subfloor is not necessary to add structural strength when you’ll be laying finish flooring on top of a concrete slab (as in a basement remodel), subflooring over concrete offers two other advantages: A subfloor will help insulate against a concrete floor that becomes overly cold in winter.

Do I need underlay under engineered flooring?

Standard wood underlay should only be used with engineered flooring. It is always best to ensure your sub floor is dry by using a floor moisture meter before laying the underlay as the moisture will lay underneath the underlay and could move sideways into your walls.

Does engineered hardwood add value to your home?

YES! Engineered hardwood is the “real deal,” just like solid. There aren’t many differences between the ROI of these two products. This product increases a home’s value in a few ways: You’ll recoup 70% to 80% of your investment as seen in your property values.

Why do Engineered wood floors squeak?

Some of the most common causes of a squeaky floor originating from the subfloor system include poorly nailed subfloor sheathing, missing joist hangers, missing nails or nails that just miss the joist, improperly installed subfloor sheathing, improper application of subfloor adhesive, and excessive shrinkage of subfloor

What saw to use to cut engineered flooring?

A table saw is particularly useful for cutting the length of either solid wood or engineered floorboards accurately. In the trade, the term for this is rip cutting. A jig saw. A jig saw will enable you to cut custom shapes into your wood flooring planks.

Can you put flooring over concrete?

Laminate flooring can be installed over concrete, wood or carpet subfloor or other surfaces. Installation of good quality underlayment is highly recommended. Installing underlayment is easy but it has to be done precise to avoid any tears.

Can mold grow under vinyl plank flooring?

Although vinyl floors are resistant to moisture, mold and mildew can grow if there is standing water around the edges, grooves or under the floor.

Can you put timber flooring over concrete?

Solid strip timber flooring can be fixed direct to joists, to sheet subfloors of particleboard or plywood over joists, plywood or battens over concrete slabs and in some locations, direct fixing to the concrete slab is common. Prefinished solid timber floors are usually installed as an overlay floor.