Subfloor For Engineered Hardwood Over Concrete

If necessary add vapor retarder before applying underlayment especially recommended if 3 4 inch wood flooring is installed over concrete.

Subfloor for engineered hardwood over concrete.

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. Make sure the concrete slab is flat to the wood flooring manufacturer s specification. In this case the subfloor is the concrete slab. But it s considerably more difficult to install a 3 4 in.

On wood frame floors the subflooring provides a continuous structural surface over the floor joists. Wood floor over concrete than over a wood subfloor. A moisture control membrane is recommended any time a wood subfloor is installed over concrete. Nail down subfloor system get 3 4 inch minimum cd exposure 1 plywood subfloor panels 4 foot by 8 foot sheets.

In basements and in homes with slab on grade foundations the subfloor may simply be a concrete slab. Installing engineered hardwood flooring over concrete too tight against a stationary object will not allow room for normal expansion and may cause a failure. Follow these steps to install an engineered wood floor in your home. If the wood can t expand sideways it will twist warp or cup as it absorbs moisture.

Wood needs to move as the humidity increases and decreases throughout the year. After installing a vapor retarder if necessary cut your plywood panels into 2 x8 or 4 x4 sections. 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. You ll first have to install 3 4 in.

The subfloor is the foundation beneath finish flooring materials. In general use a notched trowel to spread the adhesive. Typically manufacturers will specify a flatness tolerance of 1 8 in a 6 foot radius and or 3 16 in a 10 foot radius. Consult the product data sheet for instructions regarding specific trowel requirements.

If the slab is out of specification consider grinding floating or both. The nwfa recommends plywood with a minimal thickness of. Check for cracks and crumbling. As with a floated subfloor nwfa recommends a vapor retarder for glue down subfloors when installing wood flooring over concrete.

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.