Installing Engineered Hardwood On Concrete Floating

Installing a hardwood floor over a concrete slab.

Installing engineered hardwood on concrete floating.

Boards adhere well to the rough surface of the concrete subfloor and therefore lead to less gaps or planks lifting and buckling. Some engineered wood flooring products are designed for a glue down application when installing flooring over a concrete slab. A floating engineered wood flooring installation on concrete can be an excellent choice if your subfloor is below grade. Follow these steps to install an engineered wood floor in your home.

When working on a clean concrete subfloor the glue down method is often the go to choice. The glue down method of engineered wood flooring installation is typically the most common and creates a highly stable floor. Even if your home was built on a concrete slab you can still enjoy the beauty and charm of hardwood floors. It s also a great option if you choose to incorporate a radiant heat system don t forget the vapor retarder.

Some engineered wood flooring products are designed for a glue down application when installing flooring over a concrete slab. Installing engineered wood flooring is a great project for the diyer who desires the look of a professional wood floor with the strength and longevity offered by its sturdy design. Other products are better suited for a nail down installation where they are secured to a wood subfloor with nails or staples. Installing engineered hardwood flooring over concrete too tight against a stationary object will not allow room for normal expansion and may cause a failure.

Engineered wood flooring offers the timeless look of hardwood but is perfect for basements and other areas where moisture can be an issue. Glue nail staple and float. You need to leave a 5 16 inch gap between the flooring and the baseboard or wall around the perimeter of the room to allow the floor enough space to expand. The planks glue together to create a floor that floats moves freely as a unit.

Made from layers of real wood compressed together engineered hardwood floors are better able to handle changes in moisture and humidity than solid hardwood. Watch as jack explains what s involved in floating installation of engineered hardwood flooring. You ll learn what tools you. Experienced professionals pay close attention to managing moisture and minimizing wood floor expansion and contraction when preparing to install hardwood floors on concrete slabs.

If you ve decided to install engineered hardwoods there are four possible installation methods depending on the subfloor.