Installing hardwood on concrete usually requires a buffer between the two materials to prevent moisture seepage.
Many home owners choose to install hardwood flooring in their home because it adds a classic, elegant look to any room. For home owners who wish to install hardwood over concrete, however, it can be a challenging process. Special care is required when installing hardwood on concrete to ensure the wood does not become warped or rot over time. Before choosing to install a hardwood floor over a concrete surface, home owners should make themselves aware of possible complications and special considerations that must be taken.
Can Wood Floor Be Installed on Below-Grade Concrete Slabs?
Installing hardwood floors on below-grade concrete slabs is not recommended. Most successful installations occur on above-grade or on-grade slabs. Below-grade concrete slabs present a problem because the concrete slab is often in direct contact with the ground. In that case, the moisture from the dirt can seep through so the wood rots or becomes warped. The only type of floor that can successfully be installed on below-grade concrete slab is engineered hardwood because it is less vulnerable to moisture damage.
How Do You Prepare To Install Wood Floor On Concrete?
Before installing wood flooring on concrete, you must check the concrete's dryness. You can test the concrete's moisture level by placing a rubber mat over the concrete and weighing it down to secure it against the surface. After 24 hours, check the mat. If there are dark, wet marks, the concrete is too damp for wood floor installation. The concrete must be completely dry because any moisture that reaches the flooring may warp or damage the wood. Prior to wood floor installation, close all outside windows and doors to the house to help decrease humidity. Any excess moisture in the house must evaporate before installation. Do not unload wood floor lumber in snow, rain or other moist weather conditions. The lumber should be separated into small piles and kept in the room where the floor will be installed. It is usually a good idea to let the wood sit for a week in the environment where it will be installed so it becomes acclimated to the conditions.
What Types of Subflooring Should Be Used to Install Hardwood Flooring on Concrete?
There are two basic methods to install wood flooring on concrete: plywood on slab and sleeper on slab. The plywood on slab method requires attaching a plywood subfloor to the concrete before installing the wood floor. This is the most common method for installing solid three-quarter-inch hardwood floors. Some type of vapor barrier is typically placed between the concrete and the plywood subfloor, such as polyethylene film, asphalt felt or building paper. The plywood is usually attached to the concrete with concrete nails or power-actuated fasteners. The second technique for installing wood floor on concrete is known as the sleeper on slab method. Two-by-fours are laid on their side and attached to the concrete to serve as a nailing base. The sleepers are usually embedded in asphalt mastic and covered with a polyethylene film to prevent moisture from leeching through to the wood flooring.
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