Solid Hardwood, Engineered and Laminate Flooring - hardwood flooring over concrete
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mrhaney
06-29-05, 04:09 PM
where can i get some good instructions on installing oak flooring over concrete slab.
twelvepole
06-29-05, 06:09 PM
Go to the National Oak Flooring Manufacturers' Association website at www.nofma.org
Bmoneta
07-14-05, 08:43 AM
This is a pretty good place to start . Actually, most people will tell you to put down plywood and nail your floors into that, or use engineered hardwoods (that lock) and float the floor. I liked red oak and found a great 2nd hand store.
After a moisure test (taping plastic to the slab) mine came out with 0. So I used polyeurethane glue (yellow tube from home depot) and attached the oak directly to the slab. Whenever I made a mistake, I pulled up the wood and part of the concrete came with it. After 3 years, it never creaked more popped up (except for one part that I missed while gluing).
While this is not recommended for everyone, I did it and it worked great. We're in Texas, so it gets hot but there's not a ton of moisture. It did take a while because the boards weren't all straight and it's tough to keep the board in place while the glue dries. I recommend cinderblocks.
Engineered is the better way but I had to do it on the cheap at the time. That glue was amazing.
Good luck.
After a moisure test (taping plastic to the slab) mine came out with 0. So I used polyeurethane glue (yellow tube from home depot) and attached the oak directly to the slab. Whenever I made a mistake, I pulled up the wood and part of the concrete came with it. After 3 years, it never creaked more popped up (except for one part that I missed while gluing).
While this is not recommended for everyone, I did it and it worked great. We're in Texas, so it gets hot but there's not a ton of moisture. It did take a while because the boards weren't all straight and it's tough to keep the board in place while the glue dries. I recommend cinderblocks.
Engineered is the better way but I had to do it on the cheap at the time. That glue was amazing.
Good luck.
twelvepole
07-16-05, 08:48 AM
Glue down of solid hardwood flooring to concrete is not recommended.
brenteverett
07-19-05, 10:20 AM
I'm just learning the business, but wood soaks up water.....concrete absorbs water and if the wood is directly on the concrete you will more likely HAVE problems rather than not as the other people...who are the exception....... concrete slab houses, as we have in CA, are supposed to have a moisture layer between the dirt and the slab, but contractors skimp and don't always do it. Do the mositure test. There are a couple of products that have a "floating" floor, like Junckers system, so that whole problem is bypassed. Otherwise you will need a subfloor of wood or vinyl laid down first and then the wood.....get an installer out to bid the installation and do a brain-drain on him.......he will know all about it.
twelvepole
07-20-05, 09:17 PM
Vapor retarder is required whether installing engineered or solid wood over concrete. Moisture test is highly recommended. Manufacturer's recommended instructions should be followed. There are glue-down engineered wood products available that can be installed over concrete. The National Oak Flooring Manufacturer's Association warns against gluing solid hardwood to concrete. www.nofma.org