Subfloor For Engineered Hardwood Over Concrete

In this case the subfloor is the concrete slab.

Subfloor for engineered hardwood over concrete.

Follow these steps to install an engineered wood floor in your home. A moisture control membrane is recommended any time a wood subfloor is installed over concrete. If you have a subfloor that consists of wood on top of concrete you ll need to test both floors. Nail down subfloor system get 3 4 inch minimum cd exposure 1 plywood subfloor panels 4 foot by 8 foot sheets.

Make sure the concrete slab is flat to the wood flooring manufacturer s specification. Wood needs to move as the humidity increases and decreases throughout the year. 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. 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.

Consult the product data sheet for instructions regarding specific trowel requirements. Wood floor over concrete than over a wood subfloor. In basements and in homes with slab on grade foundations the subfloor may simply be a concrete slab. The nwfa recommends plywood with a minimal thickness of.

In general use a notched trowel to spread the adhesive. Although you can attach hardwood directly to concrete with glue or nails it s not advisable. But it s considerably more difficult to install a 3 4 in. The concrete subfloor must be sufficiently strong to safely support the flooring furniture and people in the room.

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. Subfloor must be flat. On wood frame floors the subflooring provides a continuous structural surface over the floor joists. Check for cracks and crumbling.

You ll first have to install 3 4 in. If the wood can t expand sideways it will twist warp or cup as it absorbs moisture. After installing a vapor retarder if necessary cut your plywood panels into 2 x8 or 4 x4 sections. Typically manufacturers will specify a flatness tolerance of 1 8 in a 6 foot radius and or 3 16 in a 10 foot radius.

The subfloor is the foundation beneath finish flooring materials. Installing engineered hardwood flooring over concrete too tight against a stationary object will not allow room for normal expansion and may cause a failure.