Install hardwood floor in concrete slab?
Sep 30th, 2008 by admin
I'd like to glue down 3/4" deep x 2 1/4" wide solid oak stipe on first floor concrete slab (above grade) in my 30 year old town house. Is it possible? If so, what's the best way to do it? Should I use Moisture Vapor Barrier like Bostik MVP4? I am in PA.
You should use a VERY GOOD grade of moisture/vapor barrier & if you are smart, put some padding down. It doesn't have to be a lot, or very thick, but the home stores will tell you why….
This is way beyond your expertise. Don't try to do things beyond your ability.
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You should use a VERY GOOD grade of moisture/vapor barrier & if you are smart, put some padding down. It doesn't have to be a lot, or very thick, but the home stores will tell you why….
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Go to home depot or lowe's, and get their advise on how to install the flooring. They even have classes sometimes. Don't listen to that other guy about it being beyond your expertise. Just make sure you have clear instructions on how to do it, then have at it. I am assuming by your screen name that you're female. More gals ought to try to do this kind of stuff. It will make you feel less dependent on someone else. Have fun. I'm a chick that loves home remodeling, but I do get help when needed.
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Have you checked out the laminates? They look like wood, and are easy to install. As far as putting it on your own floor, people have been doing it for years. Go ahead! Good luck and God bless ya!
Hardwood Floor Installation Over Concrete
Finish on Site. Installing a hardwood floor over a concrete slab … and contraction when preparing to install hardwood floors on concrete slabs. …www.hardwoodinfo.com/display_article.asp?ID=300
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In order to install real solid oak flooring you need to either install sleepers or plywood over the entire floor. So why not nail it down the correct way. If you are going to glue the floor to the concrete and install a vapor barrier there is a real strong chance that the adhesive will eat through the vapor barrier.
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Custom Home Builder 25+ yrs
Please, Please, Please do not glue a 3/4" solid floor directly to concrete. I appreciate that people will tell you to put down a moisture barrier, and use polyurethane adhesive….but then you are still taking your chances for problems later on down the road. The thing solid hardwood wants to do most in this world is absorb moisture, so you must be diligent in keeping the moisture from wicking up. I have had so many clients who tried to glue a solid to the slab, because someone told them they could, then called me to come fix it….and there's really no way to fix it except to remove and start over.
The best way, and the way we do installs of 3/4" on slabs is to :
a: Install a layer of 6mm visqueen(plastic) on the slab
b: Shoot 1/2 plywood to slab
c: Install felt paper on top of plywood
d: Nail 3/4" wood to plywood
This will keep any moisture from wicking up through the concrete to your wood.
Also, if using an unfinished wood, make sure to allow it to acclimate in the house for at least a week before beginning to install.
If you have any further questions, feel free to drop me an email.
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Flooring manager, retail store - 10 years
Not an easy task - be a dummy & ask some questions first
1. Is your first floor the ground floor ? ie is it directly in contact with ground where moisture can raise up. If yes, you need a water barrier or an air-gap to ventilate this space.
2. Have you check all your levels? What was the previous finish thickness? Are they the same? What do you do when the raised floor meets the doors (cut the door bottom?), steps(odd 1st riser), toilets?, etc
3. Ask & invite a builder or architect friend for dinner & ask him/her?
4. Ask for advise first & buy later or you will regret much later.
Rgds
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I am architect
Based on the dimensions you've given, and the fact that this floor is solid, I would not recommend gluing it down directly onto concrete. Since you are installing above grade, a moisture barrier is optional, but not required. What you do need is a 1/2" plywood subfloor. Lay this on your concrete slab then you can proceed to gluing down your solid oak strips onto the plywood.
There are installation manuals and quite a bit of useful info on cleaning and maintaining your flooring at simpleFLOORS.com. i hope this is helpful.
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http://www.simplefloors.com/how_to/installation/hardwood.aspx