Concrete is a porous material and can retain moisture and emit moisture vapor which could end up in the wood floor above unless the proper precautions are taken.
One engineered wood floor for e house subfloor and concrete.
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.
If there is any deflection in the wood plank subfloor when walked on it would be advisable to add an additional layer of 3 8 or 1 2 thick plywood.
Some engineered wood flooring products are designed for a glue down application when installing flooring over a concrete slab.
Some engineered wood flooring products are designed for a glue down application when installing flooring over a concrete slab.
The surface can t be slick heavily troweled or burnished.
9 16 or thicker floating engineered wood floors can simply be installed directly on plank subfloor the hardwood flooring must be installed crossing the subfloor boards at a 90 degree angle.
Once installed engineered wood planks look the same as solid wood planks.
When installing engineered hardwood floors over radiant heated subfloors turn the heat off for 24 hours before during and after installation.
For more on concrete subfloors see how to get a concrete subfloor ready for wood floors in the february march 2003 issue in new construction the slab should be given at least.
As a general rule wood floor maintains dimensional stability best within a temperature range of 60 80 fahrenheit and a humidity range of 35 55.
With dry concrete and the right subfloors and vapor retarders solid hardwood floors can be installed on slabs that are either on grade at ground level or above grade above ground level.
Handling the engineered hardwood.
This is a good question because one of the major selling points of engineered hardwood flooring is its versatility with many kinds of subfloors the secret behind this versatility is its dimensional stability which comes from its composition.
It s critical to unpack and acclimate the engineered hardwood flooring under monitored conditions.
Most engineered hardwood flooring is three ply or five ply.
Other products are better suited for a nail down installation where they are secured to a wood subfloor with nails or staples.
As needed use a concrete grinder you may want to rent one to remove any coating and to slightly roughen the concrete surface so the adhesive will stick.
With hardwood that is narrower than 3 the difference between the moisture content of the hardwood and the subfloor should be no more than 4.
If a wood subfloor is in place measure the moisture content percentage mc of the wood subfloor and the engineered wood flooring to confirm all the engineered hardwood is acclimated and suitable for installation.