Can You Install Hardwood Floors Over Concrete?
Hardwood floors and concrete can play nice
With the right preparation and materials, hardwood floors can be installed over concrete.
Following the manufacturer’s recommendations and instructions is essential to successfully completing this project.
Hardwood floors can cost between $2,500 and $7,100 to install, and proper installation can help protect your investment.
Increasingly, homes are built on concrete slab foundations rather than traditional foundations with plywood subfloors. This makes it a little trickier to install hardwood floors, but it’s not impossible. Moisture mitigation, such as the right underlayment or glue, can prevent mold from growing and swelling in the wood. You’ll have to take specific precautions and plan your installation carefully.
Is It Possible to Install Hardwood Floors Over Concrete?
The short answer is yes, you can install hardwood floors over concrete, with a few caveats. The main issue is that moisture in the concrete can seep into the hardwood floor, leading to expansion, contraction, mold, and stains.
If you want to install a hardwood floor over concrete, you’ll first have to install a vapor barrier or use glue formulated for concrete that includes vapor barrier elements. Check the manufacturer’s instructions to determine the best vapor barrier or glue to use. Consulting with a wood floor installer near you can also help you make the best decision for your home.
Hardwood flooring costs between $2,500 and $7,100 to install, and making the right choices up front can help make your investment worthwhile. You can use the floating floor installation method or the glue-down method. Floating floors are locked together with a tongue-and-groove system and aren’t attached to the subfloor. Glue-down floors are glued directly to the slab with an adhesive for concrete floor installation.
What Are the Alternatives to Installing a Hardwood Floor Over Concrete?
Engineered hardwood floors are a good alternative to solid hardwood floors when you’re installing the flooring over concrete. Engineered hardwood includes a plywood substrate made of perpendicular layers that are glued together. This method of manufacturing flooring creates a strong substrate that’s topped with a wear layer of natural wood. Engineered wood planks can be glued directly to concrete to create the appearance of a hardwood floor without the pitfalls of solid wood flooring.
How Can I Make Hardwood Floor Installation Easier?
Hardwood floor installation can be time-consuming and tricky, but these tips for installing hardwood floors can make it easier:
Choose the proper hardwood flooring for the space, such as solid hardwood or engineered hardwood.
Familiarize yourself with the installation method you choose and have all of your tools and supplies ready. You’ll most likely need a compound miter saw or circular saw, adhesive (if using the glue-down method), measuring tape, speed square, rubber mallet, and pencil.
Decide whether you’ll do a DIY installation or find out who installs hardwood floors in your area.
Carefully read the manufacturer’s directions before starting.
Prepare the room properly, including cleaning the area.
Inspect the subfloor and make sure it is dry and flat.
Acclimate the wood floor by letting it sit in the room where it will be installed to adjust to the temperature and humidity.
Spend extra time on the first row to make sure it’s straight.
In some cases, solid hardwood flooring can be installed on concrete, but you need to make sure you use a vapor barrier or glue to prevent moisture from the concrete from seeping into the hardwood. You can also install engineered hardwood flooring on concrete. The layers of plywood that form the majority of the plank will help prevent moisture issues that can occur with solid wood flooring.
Underlayment is the barrier between the concrete floor and the hardwood flooring. Adding this barrier is a vital step when installing hardwood over concrete, and it’s essential for protecting the wood from moisture coming from the concrete. Some adhesives are also manufactured to contain a moisture barrier that can protect hardwood from moisture, even if it’s glued directly to the concrete.
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