Yes, you can cheer up that room by installing a wood floor over concrete, but it's vital to follow these steps to prevent mold and other damage.
I love concrete floors, but they’re not great for every space. A wood floor can be much more appealing, especially in chilly or drab areas. mdo form plywood
“Beyond the beauty, they also provide an acoustic bounce effect that concrete alone can’t achieve,” says Geoff Walker, superintendent at ASAP Restoration. “The feel of wood floors is also a huge draw since they are pleasing to the touch and not a cold shock the way concrete can be.”
It’s not hard to install wood floors over concrete. But if it’s not done correctly, it can be a disaster. Here’s how to avoid those pitfalls on your way to a new, warm wood finish.
There are several reasons to install a wood floor over concrete, including the fact that wood doesn’t transfer cold as readily, creating a warm and inviting feeling, both aesthetically and literally.
“If your home is built on a slab of concrete, installing wood floors can liven up the home and add an appealing design,” says Rotem Eylor, founder of Republic Floor. “It’s also durable and low maintenance.”
You should always install a moisture barrier between concrete and wood flooring to prevent moisture buildup, which could lead to mold, staining or warping. Depending on what type of wood floor you’re using, that may be poly plastic sheeting (aka Visqueen) or glue with a built-in moisture barrier. Flooring manufacturers usually provide recommendations to guide you in the right direction.
Floating wood flooring usually calls for a plastic barrier, says Chad Thielk, a home improvement expert with JustAnswer.com. Some flooring manufacturers also require the use of their specific brand of moisture barrier for the warranty to be valid.
If the flooring calls for glue, use the specific glue recommended by the manufacturer. “If you were to just use regular wood floor adhesive, the moisture that is naturally in the concrete will be absorbed by the wood, which can cause issues,” says Thielk.
Yes, but you’ll need to also install a moisture barrier to prevent mold or water damage. Depending on what the wood flooring manufacturer recommends, the barrier may be plastic or a special glue.
Eylor says engineered wood flooring is generally best since it is less sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity.
But “as long as you use a proper vapor barrier and subflooring material, you can choose any type of wood flooring option you like, from engineered planks to natural hardwood,” says Walker.
You’ll need to first flatten the surface by removing any debris causing high points, then use a self-leveler to fill any low points deeper than 1/4 inch. You’ll probably also need to use a self-leveling product primer first.
Yes, but you’ll need a moisture barrier. Some engineered wood floorings have a moisture barrier pre-installed on the back side. Others require a special glue or a separate plastic barrier.
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