Gluing Engineered Hardwood Floors To Concrete

Even if your home was built on a concrete slab you can still enjoy the beauty and charm of hardwood floors.

Gluing engineered hardwood floors to concrete.

Made from layers of real wood compressed together engineered hardwood floors are better able to handle changes in moisture and humidity than solid hardwood. Other products are better suited for a nail down installation where they are secured to a wood subfloor with nails or staples. A sidebar offers advice on checking the concrete slab for moisture before you start. Like any wood product engineered hardwood expands and contracts because of changes in moisture.

It s also a great option if you choose to incorporate a radiant heat system don t forget the vapor retarder in contrast gluing hardwood to concrete provides you with a very permanent solution. Floating vs glued down engineered wood flooring. Some engineered wood flooring products are designed for a glue down application when installing flooring over a concrete slab. Glued down means using a bonding agent adhesive or glue which is put directly onto the subfloor before laying any of your engineered wood flooring.

When working on a clean concrete subfloor the glue down method is often the go to choice. Experienced professionals pay close attention to managing moisture and minimizing wood floor expansion and contraction when preparing to install hardwood floors on concrete slabs. If you ve decided to install engineered hardwoods there are four possible installation methods depending on the subfloor. Installing a hardwood floor over a concrete slab.

Glue nail staple and float. A floating engineered wood flooring installation on concrete can be an excellent choice if your subfloor is below grade. As an installation method glued down is most suited for either concrete or wood subfloors. The glue down method of engineered wood flooring installation is typically the most common and creates a highly stable floor.

The installation of hardwood floors by the glue down method is used predominately on concrete slabs. Boards adhere well to the rough surface of the concrete subfloor and therefore lead to less gaps or planks lifting and buckling. Glue down hardwood floors on 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.

For any flooring installation over concrete you should anticipate potential problems with moisture levels. Some engineered wood flooring products are designed for a glue down application when installing flooring over a concrete slab.