FAQ: How To Lay Laminate Wood Flooring 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.

Can wood floors be laid on 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. Successful installation also requires conducting a concrete slab moisture test before parquet installation.

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.

Can you glue laminate flooring to concrete?

Yes, You Can!

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 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 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 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 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.

What is the best underlay for wood flooring on concrete?

Super Gold is the thickest underlay you can put under laminate or wood flooring. The main benefit of a thicker product is the warmth properties it has. It has a built in damp proof membrane so works great when laying on concrete floors for example kitchens and other downstairs rooms.

Do I need moisture barrier under laminate?

All laminate flooring requires an underlayment to allow the floor to float and give the locking system its strength. You will need a moisture barrier underlayment when installing: On a cement subfloor. On any subfloor that has a chance of moisture coming up and soaking into the flooring.

How do you lay a moisture barrier on laminate 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 do you fill concrete cracks with before laminate?

To prevent this, fill low spots with a patch or self-leveling concrete. Any gaps larger than a quarter-inch wide, gouges, and large chips should be filled with a patch. Dips and cracks on the concrete slab should be corrected with self-leveling concrete.

Can you glue down laminate flooring?

Laminate flooring is not recommended to be glued down. Since it is a floating floor, it is meant to support itself via locking systems and have no connection to the subfloor.

How do you lay moisture barrier on concrete?

1. Roll the moisture barrier onto the floor lengthwise.
2. Overlap the next row by 3 to 8 inches, depending on the manufacturer’s instructions.
3. Seal the seams with a moisture-resistant tape all the way down the length of the row.
4. Repeat these steps until the whole floor is covered.