How to Install an Engineered Hardwood Floor on Concrete
One advantage of engineered hardwood flooring over solid wood flooring is that engineered flooring can be manufactured into thinner, straighter boards that lock together more reliably. This makes glue-down application go more smoothly. If you have a concrete slab and you want hardwood over it, see your floor dealer for an engineered floor rated for glue-down installation. Start with a clean, dry slab. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Floor adhesive
- Adhesive trowel (notched)
- Plastic shims (3/8-inch)
- Miter saw
- Table saw
Instructions
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1
Spread adhesive over the length of the floor along the starting wall (usually the wall opposite the doorway). Make the strip of adhesive come 2 to 3 feet out from the wall.
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2
Set the starting course of engineered planks in the adhesive, fitting them tightly end to end. Set them so the grooved side faces the wall. Put 3/8-inch plastic spacers between the boards and the wall to create an "expansion gap" that will allow for wood movement over time.
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3
Cut the last board in the course on your miter saw, so it fits against the side wall while leaving a 3/8-inch space there.
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Set the subsequent courses in place by fitting the boards tightly along their long sides. Arrange the boards so the ends of them are staggered between courses. Cut the final piece in each course as needed.
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5
Work your way across the floor course by course. Don't walk on the boards you've already laid or otherwise disturb them. Continue flooring by courses until you are getting close to the opposite wall and no long have space to work. Let the partly laid floor set overnight.
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Lay the flooring for the remaining section of flooring. Cut the boards of the last course lengthwise with a table saw to fit against the ending wall with a 3/8-inch space there. Floor trim will cover the space.
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References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
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Comments
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How level does the concrete slab have to be for this project? I was told that it had to be within 3/16". I am prepping a 12' X 12' floor to install engineered wood. I have all the products that are mentioned in your article. Presently I;m in the process of cleaning the slab of residue left by the builder since the floor was carpeted. am I on the right track? I take pride in doing a job well and would like this project to reflect that effort. Since the only "dumb" question is the one that doesn't get asked, I would like to be sure that I am on the right trsck! Also this person who advised me, suggested using a sheet of 18" X 18" sheet of plastic and tape it to the concrete for 24 hours and observe the moisture accumulation, in lieu of having any of the instruments mentioned above in your instructions. My results, My sheet had negligible (actually none) moisture accumulation. So I guess I'm on the right track?
