Subfloor For Engineered Hardwood Over Concrete

In general use a notched trowel to spread the adhesive.

Subfloor for engineered hardwood over concrete.

If necessary add vapor retarder before applying underlayment especially recommended if 3 4 inch wood flooring is installed over concrete. If the slab is out of specification consider grinding floating or both. 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. In basements and in homes with slab on grade foundations the subfloor may simply be a concrete slab.

The concrete subfloor must be sufficiently strong to safely support the flooring furniture and people in the room. You ll first have to install 3 4 in. Although you can attach hardwood directly to concrete with glue or nails it s not advisable. A moisture control membrane is recommended any time a wood subfloor is installed over concrete.

Subfloor must be flat. Follow these steps to install an engineered wood floor in your home. Make sure the concrete slab is flat to the wood flooring manufacturer s specification. In on grade and below grade installations moisture control systems are always recommended and required when calcium chloride readings are greater than three pounds or when relative humidity readings are greater than 75 percent.

As with a floated subfloor nwfa recommends a vapor retarder for glue down subfloors when installing wood flooring over concrete. But it s considerably more difficult to install a 3 4 in. Wood floor over concrete than over a wood subfloor. After installing a vapor retarder if necessary cut your plywood panels into 2 x8 or 4 x4 sections.

If the wood can t expand sideways it will twist warp or cup as it absorbs moisture. On wood frame floors the subflooring provides a continuous structural surface over the floor joists. The nwfa recommends plywood with a minimal thickness of. Wood needs to move as the humidity increases and decreases throughout the year.

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. In this case the subfloor is the concrete slab. Consult the product data sheet for instructions regarding specific trowel requirements. Check for cracks and crumbling.

Typically manufacturers will specify a flatness tolerance of 1 8 in a 6 foot radius and or 3 16 in a 10 foot radius. Nail down subfloor system get 3 4 inch minimum cd exposure 1 plywood subfloor panels 4 foot by 8 foot sheets.