Can you install pine flooring on concrete slab?

Yes, it can be done! For the longest time, homeowners were warned that wide plank wood floors installed over concrete would result in moisture problems. But that’s not so anymore. A concrete sub-floor is no reason to deny yourself beautiful wood floors.

Can you put real wood floors on concrete?

Though installing hardwood floors over concrete is possible, there are numerous factors to consider before doing so. Installing wood flooring over your slab foundation can be a great idea as long as the slab is properly prepared, and the floor is installed by a professional.

What is the best type of wood flooring to put over concrete?

According to flooring experts, the best kind of wood flooring to use with a concrete subfloor is a floating engineered wood floor. This kind of floor performs well, resists moisture and is easy to install. It is also inexpensive, which is a benefit for homes.

Do I need a vapor barrier between concrete and wood flooring?

Do I need a vapor barrier for hardwood floors?” The answer is YES! Moisture can destroy hardwood flooring. It causes cupping, warping, and even mildew if not treated. You must install a moisture barrier to protect your flooring from water wicking up from below.

Do you need underlay for solid wood flooring on concrete?

It is important to mention that you do not need a wood floor underlay when you have a solid hardwood floor and that’s because it is not stable, hence it has to be installed mechanically to the concrete subfloor.

Can I put plywood over concrete floor?

If you’re installing plywood over an existing dry concrete floor, you shouldn’t have any problem. However, a new concrete floor contains a lot of moisture. The moisture level of the concrete should be down to 5.5% before attaching the plywood subflooring.

Do you need a vapor barrier under a concrete slab?

Water vapor will always move from a high relative humidity environment below the building into an area of low relative humidity – even through concrete. That’s why nearly every expert in the concrete industry recommends a below-slab vapor barrier to stop the vapor drive of water upward and into your building envelope.

Do you need a moisture barrier under concrete?

Can I put a subfloor over concrete?

While a subfloor is not necessary to add structural strength when you’ll be laying finish flooring on top of a concrete slab (as in a basement remodel), subflooring over concrete offers two other advantages: — Dampness control. Install a vapor barrier of plastic sheeting before laying the subfloor.

What kind of lumber to use for concrete slab?

As an example, a 1X4 pine board is usually stiff enough to support a 4 inch (10.2 cm) concrete placement (pour), where an 8 to 12 inch (20.3 to 30.5 cm) slab thickness will require 2 inch (5.1 cm) dimension lumber of a width equal to the height. To insure ease of forming, select straight, flat lumber with minimal knots at the lumberyard. 4

What kind of pine boards to use for wood flooring?

We used regular old #2 pine boards pictured above. They are the same pine boards that Mr. and Mrs Crafty Pants make shelves and craft items from. The #2 means they come with a few knot holes which is perfect if you want a rustic looking floor.

Where to place form board on concrete slab?

Place the form board starting at one corner alongside the string line, staking it down about 1⁄8 inch (0.3 cm) from the line with sharpened wood stakes. The thickness of the slab will determine the spacing of the stakes, as well as the nominal dimension of the forming lumber.

How do you attach wood to concrete block?

They are installed by drilling a hole into the block until a void inside the block is reached. Then the two side wings on the bolt are squeezed together and pushed into the hole. When they enter the block void, the wings spread out again and can’t be pulled from the hole.