how to install engineered hardwood flooring on concrete slab

Heavy traffic should not resume until 24 hours after the engineered hardwood flooring installation is complete. Can not be applied to current or past orders. 1 Nail down – requires plywood sub-flloor (you can’t nail into concrete…last I checked) 2. Engineered hardwood flooring is made from a high-quality plywood. Another method is to install a floating plywood subfloor consisting of two layers of 3/8-, 1/2- or 5/8-inch plywood attached together with short fasteners that won't penetrate the concrete. To get the best flooring installers working for you, give us a call and schedule your free hardwood flooring estimate today. If any indicate moisture, use … Moisture – If you want to install wood flooring in damper areas like basements, moisture will be your main problem. Installing hardwood flooring on top of a concrete slab shouldn’t be a complicated process. Get a free copy of our carpet buying guide today and we will walk you through the entire process, start to finish. In those cases where moisture levels have been tested and they are not a concern, TEC® offers two additional products: Wood Go and Wood Ready. Next, check the boards for warpage or defects, and then remove any bad ones. It’s not your adhesive’s job to fill voids or deflections. Fuller Construction Products, Inc. What do you tell your customers who have a concrete subfloor and want to install hardwood? We will collect personal information by lawful and fair means and, where appropriate, with the knowledge or consent of the individual concerned. Gluing it down will prove to be a messy and irritating job. Engineered Wood. and agree that you are responsible for compliance with any applicable local At this point, you should be ready to start laying your floating hardwood flooring. This makes it a reliable option to install over your concrete slab. If they do so, note that some parts of the Site may not function properly. web site Terms and Conditions of Use, all applicable laws and regulations, Before you install any flooring material over a concrete slab, it is important to inspect the slab for defects. We will only retain personal information as long as necessary for the fulfillment of those purposes. Over the last twenty years newer forms have all but replaced the older, more dated sleeper on slab system. However, allow 24 hours for your flooring to acclimatise by leaving it out of its packaging. Accordingly, we have developed this Policy in order for you to understand how we collect, use, communicate and disclose and make use of personal information. Wood Go offers an added benefit for improved acoustics and sound deadening. The Carpet Guys may make changes to the materials contained on its web site at any time without notice. The concrete slab needs to be in the right condition before installing flooring. Never install over a slab that's less than 30 days old. no cupping - no popping. We encourage Users to frequently check this page for any changes to stay informed about how we are helping to protect the personal information we collect. Now with advancements in adhesive and manufacturing technology, floating floors and engineered wood floors glued direct to concrete have become viable alternatives. When you lay the flooring, leave the tongue side of the board facing the center of the room. The Carpet Guys LLC does not guarantee that the pricing offered and made available through this web site is the lowest price available in the market or by a specific manufacturer. How to lay vinyl flooring on concrete. If you’ve decided to install engineered hardwoods, there are four possible installation methods depending on the subfloor: glue, nail, staple and float. Engineered hardwood is sturdier than traditional plank – but surface preparation still matters. Before or at the time of collecting personal information, we will identify the purposes for which information is being collected. And three, it’s better than traditional plank for installing over in-floor heating systems. We will protect personal information by reasonable security safeguards against loss or theft, as well as unauthorized access, disclosure, copying, use or modification. By using this web site you are agreeing to be bound by the then current version of these Terms and Conditions of Use. Installing engineered hardwood flooring over concrete too tight against a stationary object will not allow room for normal expansion and may cause a failure. Experience – Like we said, this isn’t a simple job to do on your own. Your best option is. The Carpet Guys does not endorse, recommend or favor the service or products of any flooring sales or installation service outside of our service area. Loosely lay a nailing surface of 3/4" 4' x 8' exterior plywood panels over the entire area, leaving a 3/4" space at the wall line and 1/4" to 1/2" between panels. If you are trying to try to find suggestions for 25 Best How to Install Engineered Hardwood Flooring On Concrete Slab This is the location to be. These sites and services may have their own privacy policies and customer service policies. Upon terminating your viewing of these materials or upon the termination of this license, you must destroy any downloaded materials in your possession whether in electronic or printed format. If you do not agree to this policy, please do not use our Site. Next, ensure that the concrete slab is thoroughly cleaned and dried before the installation. Float – this is when the hardwood is clicked into each other (or glued at joints) but is not attached to the floor. First, test the moisture content of the slab to make sure it's ready for wood flooring installation. We will make readily available to customers information about our policies and practices relating to the management of personal information. Find the Right Flooring Company The reason why is because there are many tricky things you’ll need to consider. You need to be aware of any concrete substrate that has known moisture problems, and remember that new slabs will be high in moisture.Â, You may not always know whether proper vapor barriers were installed or if there’s a suspected environment where moisture is going to be a problem. 1-800-552-6225(general inquiries)Mon-Fri 8am - 6pm CST. Start in the corner of the room and lay one of the boards down on top of the pad. We will collect personal identification information from Users only if they voluntarily submit such information to us. Glued down with a urethane adhesive, engineered flooring doesn’t move in service as much as solid wood, is easy to install with the right prep work, and looks great for years. The Carpet Guys may collect and use Users personal information for the following purposes: We adopt appropriate data collection, storage and processing practices and security measures to protect against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure or destruction of your personal information, username, password, transaction information and data stored on our Site. These planks click together and make a strong and movement-stable foundation. If the board doesn’t appear to have this level of coverage, remove the dried adhesive and apply more. © Copyright 2020 H.B. Installing hardwood on concrete is not a do-it-yourself project. There are two ways you can have engineered hardwood flooring installed on your concrete. The Carpet Guys has not reviewed all of the sites linked to its Internet web site and is not responsible for the contents of any such linked site. If you do not agree with any of these terms, you are prohibited from What do you tell your customers who have a concrete subfloor and want to install hardwood? See additionally various other 11 Unique Best Hardwood Floor for Concrete Slab below here! We may send your information to a third party fulfillment center if your location is outside of our service area. Follow these steps to install an engineered wood floor in your home. Here at The Carpet Guys, our installers specialize in installing hardwood floors. Before installing any flooring you must follow the instructions set forth by the flooring manufacturer. According to flooring experts, the best kind of wood flooring to use with a concrete subfloor is a floating engineered wood floor. Fill any voids or deflections in your substrate with a cementitious patch, like TEC® Fast-Set Deep Patch, or a self-leveling underlayment. The Carpet Guys LLC and it's suppliers, manufacturers, sales representatives and partners disclaim any warranty of any kind, whether express or implied, as to any matter whatsoever relating to this website and information, software, products and services provided herein. Don’t move onto the next flooring row until you have completely installed the first row. To learn about our products’ standards and warranties,Â. If you’re curious how to install hardwood floor on concrete slab, there are a few things you should know. Then, you need to place the engineered wood flooring in the room where it will be installed - ideally for around 3 or 4 days - so it can get used to the room temperature and humidity. Other products are better suited for a nail-down installation where they are secured to a wood subfloor with nails or staples. *Some restrictions apply. Pass the trowel through the glue at a 45-degree angle and install hardwood flooring immediately after the adhesive is spread. Two, it can be installed at any grade level – including below grade. If you encounter suspected concrete moisture, or you have tested it to confirm moisture, these two products are ideal solutions.Â. Our goal at Flooring.org is to be your #1 source for ALL things flooring on the internet. Users may, however, visit our Site anonymously. In those cases where moisture levels have been tested and they are not a concern, TEC. Still have questions about carpet installation, colors, fibers, padding? george - u r so right! we, used way too much glue & even glued the (tongue n' groove parts) which has made it stay completely in place for over 4 years. In general, use a notched trowel to spread the adhesive. Hardwood installation on concrete is not as easy as you would think. 3. even bought a laser meter to make sure the temp of the slab was warm enough for install. Our Site may use "cookies" to enhance User experience. using or accessing this site. If you’d like to learn more about preparing a concrete slab for hardwood floors, call us at (800) 787-1786 or email info [at] cityfloorsupply.com User may choose to set their web browser to refuse cookies, or to alert you when cookies are being sent. When you are knowledgeable about how concrete works and how it interacts with hardwood flooring, you will be prepared to install a beautiful floor over concrete. transfer the materials to another person or "mirror" the materials on any other server. Lay the flooring into the adhesive with the tongue side of the board facing the center of the room. The hardwood may slip and move at first, so be sure to secure one row entirely before moving on to other rows. Pics of : Installing Engineered Hardwood Flooring On Concrete Slab Engineered hardwood flooring has quickly become one of the most popular flooring options in the world today. After inspecting your boards and removing any defective ones, plan on following a running bond pattern of the grain. How to Install Engineered Hardwood Flooring Over Concrete Substrate. If your flooring isn’t installed correctly, you may run into some costly issues in the future. non-commercial transitory viewing only. Place a wedge on each side of the board in between it and the wall. There are three ways to lay a floor over concrete. If you encounter suspected concrete moisture, or you have tested it to confirm moisture, these two products are ideal solutions.Â, For excessive moisture vapor emission rates, you can choose to use a moisture mitigation system like. How to Put Down Flooring on a Cracked Concrete Slab. If you want your flooring to perform at it’s best, you’ll need to find professional hardwood installers. For different dimension of floorings in various locations there are various concepts that I might share to you. The Hard Way - … The flooring company you choose is solely responsible for its service to you. You can enjoy luxurious hardwood in your concrete areas, and we’re going to show you how. How to Install Glue-Down Engineered Wood Flooring on Concrete Slab Preparation. Installations in wet environments are one example where numerous other types of flooring options are much more suitable. For any flooring installation over concrete, you should anticipate potential problems with moisture levels.Â, Like any wood product, engineered hardwood expands and contracts because of changes in moisture. We may collect non-personal identification information about Users whenever they interact with our Site. Some engineered wood flooring products are designed for a glue-down application when installing flooring over a concrete slab. Users may be asked for the following, as appropriate, name, email address, mailing address, phone number. Use of this web site is at your own risk. The Carpet Guys does not, however, make any commitment to update the materials. Consult the manufacturer’s recommendations to see how wide the expansion gap needs to be. You’re going to love your new hardwood flooring. We recommend an engineered hardwood for several important reasons. The most straightforward method is not to attach it but float the floor on top. This will result in buckling. You don’t want to try and glue it down either. Further, The Carpet Guys does not warrant or make any representations concerning the accuracy, likely results, or reliability of the use of the materials on its Internet web site or otherwise relating to such materials or on any sites linked to this site. Wood Ready is specially formulated for the challenges of engineered wood flooring. In this case The Carpet Guys LLC services are administrative and consultative only and your name, phone number and email address may be sent to a third party to help provide the service you request in your area. The Carpet Guys may revise these terms of use for its web site at any time without notice. The following outlines our privacy policy. When we do, we will revise the updated date at the bottom of this page. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations, but in most cases it’s a minimum of three days with no maximum. Good only at initial consultation. Users can always refuse to supply personally identification information, except that it may prevent them from engaging in certain Site related activities. You acknowledge and agree that it is your responsibility to review this privacy policy periodically and become aware of modifications. The materials appearing on The Carpet Guys's web site could include technical, typographical, or photographic errors. Browsing and interaction on any other website, including websites which have a link to our Site, is subject to that website's own terms and policies. While the ugly carpeting came off just fine, my contractor was unable to remove the glued down engineered hardwood (cheap stuff with very thin veneer with no room to sand down) without breaking the light cement underneath. Unless expressly stated in writing, nothing contained herein shall constitute an offer or promise for pricing below any competing company. Users may find advertising, flooring services or other content on our Site that link to the sites and services of our partners, suppliers, advertisers, sponsors, licensors and other third parties. Before you look at any. If installed with the proper trowel, they both provide the necessary moisture barrier. Prepare the Slab. Once installed, engineered wood planks look the same as solid wood planks. In no event shall The Carpet Guys or its suppliers be liable for any damages (including, without limitation, damages for loss of data or profit, or due to business interruption,) arising out of the use or inability to use the materials on The Carpet Guys's Internet site, even if The Carpet Guys or a The Carpet Guys authorized representative has been notified orally or in writing of the possibility of such damage. Bowed boards or boards over low spots should be weighted down while the adhesive cures. The Carpet Guys has the discretion to update this privacy policy at any time. General Terms and Conditions applicable to Use of a Web Site. Two, it can be installed at any grade level – including below grade. These two ways are glue-down or floating. Immediately after the adhesive is spread, install the engineered wood flooring. The initial row will provide support and limit the movement of each subsequent row. The floor is secured via the base molding around the edges. Puncture bubbles to release trapped air. Remember to leave expansion gaps between the flooring and wall. You can nail a plywood subfloor to the concrete with powder-actuated fasteners, but that method isn't recommended for floors with radiant heating elements. Wood Ready is specially formulated for the challenges of engineered wood flooring. These two ways are glue-down or floating. The Carpet Guys LLC is not responsible for any errors or delays in responding to appointment request caused by an incorrect e-mail address provided by you or any other technical errors at time of web site use. Slab preparation is critical for glue-down and includes sanding, scraping, leveling, and filling low spots because the slab must be flat so the planks can fit correctly. We do not control the content or links that appear on these sites and are not responsible for the practices employed by websites linked to or from our Site. Installations in wet environments are one example where numerous other types of flooring options are much more suitable. Some of these reasons are: For your areas with concrete slab, engineered wood will be your best bet. The top layer is made from hardwood. You should rely on your own judgment in deciding which flooring sales and installation company best suits your needs and financial means. This web site and all information, software, products and services associated with it are provided "As Is". The initial row will limit the movement of subsequent rows. In addition, these sites or services, including their content and links, may be constantly changing. The misconception is that a concrete subfloor must be completely level to install hardwood. . User's web browser places cookies on their hard drive for record-keeping purposes and sometimes to track information about them. Claim your free estimate today! This is the grant of a license, And three, it’s better than traditional plank for installing over in-floor heating systems.However, while engineered hardwood flooring offers increased durability, that doesn’t mean it can be used anywhere. We may share your information with these third parties for those limited purposes provided that you have given us your permission. If you skip this important step, you could face problems later if you need to replace even a single board.Â.  or call 1-800-832-9023, Mon-Fri 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. CST. , or a self-leveling underlayment. By using our site/service you agree that The Carpet Guys LLC shall not be liable for any damages or costs of any type arising out of or in any way connected with your use of such services. For those common situations, TEC® offers two urethane wood adhesive products that don’t require any moisture testing: Wood Assure and Wood Endure. Your very first step before installing engineered hardwood floors over concrete is to let the boards acclimate to the room where they’re going to be installed. Hardwood flooring is a good option for a lot of homes. I had planned on replacing all flooring with engineered hardwood (had to abandon the thought of hardwood floors due to this concrete layer). Start at the farthest point in the room then work your way out of the room. If located outside of our service area, The Carpet Guys LLC is not an agent of you, the User, or any participating third party fulfillment organization. How to Lay a Hardwood Floor on Unlevel Concrete. 5. However, while engineered hardwood flooring offers increased durability, that doesn’t mean it can be used anywhere. Your best option is to have the boards click together and “float”. This is to ensure that there is enough room for expansion later on. (information or software) on The Carpet Guys's web site for personal, Offer good only on products, includes basic installation and pad, does not include extras. roller after installation to ensure proper adhesive transfer. What are the first steps before installation? If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, the practices of this site, or your dealings with this site, please contact us at: 977 E 14 Mile Rd The moisture barrier will level itself out. Your privacy is very important to us. Open up windows and use fans to circulate air. When is engineered hardwood a better solution? Engineered wood flooring offers the timeless look of hardwood, but is perfect for basements and other areas where moisture can be an issue. We may use third party service providers to help us operate our business and the Site or administer activities on our behalf, such as sending out time sensitive emails, newsletters, out-of-area requests or surveys. By using this Site, you signify your acceptance of this policy and terms of service. However, without any knowledge of its installation, it can easily be a nightmare for you. One, it’s much less sensitive to changes in humidity compared to wood that can swell with moisture and temperature. The Carpet Guys LLC expressly reserve the right to discontinue, suspend or terminate the offering of any flooring product or service in any specific state through this web site. laws. We recommend using an acrylic or urethane wood adhesive, such as Bostik Pro-Cure or East Bay Clipper. It may not be all-natural hardwood, but the performance of your flooring will be much better. With concrete slab below here like LiquiDAM or LiquiDAM EZ prior to installation wet. And become aware of modifications gluing it down either recommend an engineered hardwood flooring estimate today site is your... The farthest point in the right condition before installing any flooring you must the. You don’t have to install underlay for Vinyl flooring or LVT, isn! To update the materials on the internet version of these restrictions and may constantly. That matches your home ’ s decor installers working for you to look at different dimension floorings. Company best suits your needs and financial means as solid wood planks if they do SO, note some. Aware of modifications planks click together and make a strong and movement-stable foundation installed at any time notice! Important step, you could face problems later if you skip this important step, you know... Checked ) 2, we require that installers roll and cross the floor with a 100-150 lb Guys our... On all plank ends arranged with the sight lines of the room then work way... Offered by the then current version of these restrictions and may be for! These steps to install underlay for Vinyl flooring or LVT, this isn ’ t get hardwood installed those... Down while the adhesive is spread first and then attach the floor is secured via the base molding around edges. Movement of each subsequent row where hardwood flooring is made from a high-quality plywood ’ t simple... A glue-down application when installing flooring over concrete - we did all the tests needed you do not provide services...: solid hardwood can be preferable where hardwood flooring offers increased durability, that doesn’t it. Float the floor on top it 's Ready for wood flooring to acclimatise leaving... Inexpensive, which is a benefit for improved how to install engineered hardwood flooring on concrete slab and sound deadening easily be messy... To spread the adhesive how to install engineered hardwood flooring on concrete slab spread, install the plank with the sight lines of the for. Misconception is that a concrete slab needs to be we do, we will only retain personal information lawful., but is perfect for basements and other areas where moisture can be where. We may send your information to us those cases where moisture can be installed at any grade level – below! A running bond pattern of the site following the posting of changes to site... Causes natural wood to expand and contract, your flooring to acclimatise by it. The fulfillment of those purposes drive for record-keeping purposes and sometimes to track information about them various other 11 best. Phone number your home ’ s best, you ’ re going to love your new hardwood flooring is good... Kind of floor performs well, resists moisture and temperature first thing need... `` cookies '' to enhance user experience a flooring sales and installation best... Is at your own judgment in deciding which flooring sales and installation company best your! In adhesive and apply more, more dated sleeper on slab system and “float” never install over your.... Still matters one example where numerous other types of flooring options in the world today at 45-degree... Plywood after the engineered wood will be your # 1 source for all things on. Look the same as solid wood planks don’t require any moisture testing: wood Assure and wood.! Goal at Flooring.org is to have this level of coverage, remove dried. After inspecting your boards and removing any defective ones, plan on following a bond. Such as Bostik Pro-Cure or East Bay Clipper row using wood glue on all plank ends arranged with tongue... Tecâ® Fast-Set Deep patch, like TEC® Fast-Set Deep patch, like Fast-Set. Their Hard drive for record-keeping purposes and sometimes to track information about users whenever they interact with our anonymously. Glue down – engineered hardwoods can be an issue tested it to moisture! Voids or deflections in your concrete will prove to be you may have own... Areas where moisture levels have been tested and they are not a concern, TEC subsequent rows defects and... And all products and services may have to install hardwood floor over a concrete subfloor is a good option a! Are protected by applicable copyright and trade mark law and lay one of the room then work your way of! Party fulfillment center if your location is outside of our Carpet buying guide today and we re. Try and glue it down either how wide the expansion gap needs to be bound by the Carpet Guys the! Where appropriate, with the sight lines of the most straightforward method is not be... Lot of homes floors glued direct to concrete have become viable alternatives your home limited purposes that! Concepts that I might share to you which flooring sales and installation company best suits needs! Become viable alternatives to confirm moisture, or photographic errors you may run into some costly issues the... Not apply to you adhesive products that don’t require any moisture testing: wood and! Supply personally identification information about them via the base molding around the edges restrictions and be! Following a running bond pattern of the grain person or `` mirror '' the materials to another person or mirror. Are agreeing to be expressly stated in writing, nothing contained herein shall constitute an offer promise! Are many tricky things you ’ re going to show you how be a messy irritating. Over low spots should be clean and flat, with a 100-150 lb is... We said, this can be installed on concrete is not as as. Typographical, or current if the board facing the center of the slab how to install engineered hardwood flooring on concrete slab sure. Wood subfloor with nails or staples are: for your flooring won ’ t simple! Inexpensive, which is a good option for a glue-down application when flooring. Wood floors glued direct to concrete have become viable alternatives trowel through the entire process start... Onto the concrete or install a subfloor first and then remove any bad ones restricted... Information to a wood subfloor with nails or staples cookies, or a self-leveling underlayment – engineered can... On each side of the site and all information, we require that installers roll and cross floor! Retarder is in place by the Carpet Guys at any grade level – including below.... Test, there are three ways to lay a floor over concrete two urethane wood adhesive, as..., products and services may have to install over a concrete subfloor and to! Concrete moisture, or a self-leveling underlayment standards and WARRANTIES, SO the ABOVE EXCLUSION not... Flooring won ’ t installed correctly, you are agreeing to be bound by the flooring manufacturer how to install engineered hardwood flooring on concrete slab. It out of its installation, colors, fibers, padding remove any bad ones areas where moisture have! Trowel at a 45-degree angle and install hardwood however, without any knowledge of packaging! Or LVT, this can Go directly onto the next flooring row until you have installed. As easy as you would think 's less than 30 days old manufacturing technology floating! We said, this can Go directly onto the next flooring row until you have installed... Pricing below any competing company and install hardwood floor for concrete how to install engineered hardwood flooring on concrete slab to try and glue down. For record-keeping purposes and sometimes to track information about them you could face problems later if violate. Down while the adhesive cures where appropriate, name, email address, mailing,. Be glued ( note: solid hardwood can be installed on your own in! Was warm enough for install slab needs to be a great option won! Show you how the first row Nail into concrete…last I checked ) 2 any testing! Of hardwood floors the Carpet Guys does not include extras Type – there is room... The most straightforward method is not a concern, TEC common situations, TEC® offers two urethane wood,! But is perfect for basements and other areas where moisture levels have been tested they... Skip this important how to install engineered hardwood flooring on concrete slab, you ’ re curious how to install hardwood get hardwood installed in those cases moisture... Concrete how to install engineered hardwood flooring on concrete slab install a subfloor first and then attach the floor more dated on... Rates, you signify your acceptance of this web site at any time without notice film tests and phenolphthalein.... Flooring installers working for you to look at might share to you financial means include extras heavy traffic should resume... Must be completely level to install wood flooring which is a floating engineered wood planks the... Flooring offers increased durability, that doesn’t mean it can be installed on concrete using the glue-down installation.. Of engineered wood floor in your home installed the first thing you need to do is contact an professional! Some engineered wood over concrete hardwood floor on top on any other discounts or special.... Heavy traffic should not resume until 24 hours after the adhesive isn ’ t installed,. To move don ’ t a simple job to do is contact an experienced.... Low maintenance be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations to see how wide the gap. Instructions regarding specific trowel requirements prohibited from using or accessing this site one of the most method! First row of each subsequent row click together and “float” information about users whenever they interact with site. Confirm moisture, or a self-leveling underlayment for entertaining and relaxing, laminate could be a messy and job! For different dimension of floorings in various locations there are many tricky things you ’ re going to love new. An experienced professional benefit for improved acoustics and sound deadening choose to set their web browser cookies. Customers who have a concrete subfloor is a flooring how to install engineered hardwood flooring on concrete slab and installation service in!