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. Some may ask why not just order up a truck of cement? In most cases, though, a floating floor shouldn't have a problem sustaining normal amounts of weight. A good rule of thumb is to buy 5 percent more than the square footage the packaging for the wood dictated. If you have one, a dead-blow hammer will remove the need for a kick tool or wood block to serve as padding. Divide the total area of the room by the area the box or roll covers. home improvement and repair website. Reminds me of a garage floor from a house I once owned. Once it has nowhere to expand further, the individual board joints (lengthwise) will pop up in one or several locations, creating a raised v lengthwise along those two boards. They allow the vinyl plank flooring to adjust to temperature changes and will allow some leeway for the contraction and expansion of the house. After a few days, the slab was dry and hard.Note, this "Floating" concrete slab is now 5 yrs old and has withstood -35 deg F below zero and heaving in the spring thaw with zero cracks! But in fact, water is always an essential ingredient in the concrete mixture, and all concrete slabs, whether freshly poured or even . Wish I'd found it before I started! Floating floors cannot be sanded and refurbished like solid floors. The remaining layer(s) will serve as insulation. You can use the Black plastic mixing tub or use a mixer. So happy its been of use to SOOOO many folks out . Acoustic floating floors are perfect for insulating your property to prevent the transmission of unwanted sound. Additives are added now. Company Name. Dont worry about it. "Helpful, thanks. Learn more A floating floor is simply a floor that does not need to be nailed or glued to the floor underneath it. If you're having trouble fitting the end piece into the floor because of the wall, you might need to remove the second-to-last piece and lay down the final piece of flooring. Alternatively, screw rows of treated 1x4s to the concrete 16 in. A wet coarse broom is lightly dragged over the partially set up cement. Perhaps switching photos may be more enticing for folks. Check the floor for cracks, excess moisture, or sudden dips. These floors are all installed in sheets or pieces which makes installation easy for most DIYers. Did you make this project? According to flooring experts, the best kind of wood flooring to use with a concrete subfloor is a floating engineered wood floor. Place a wedge on each side of the board in between it and the wall. To do this, remove it from any packaging and allow it to stand in the room where you will install it for at least 24 hours prior. Use a mop to wipe off the mixture residue and clean the floor. Use a level at various spots on the floor to make sure it's even. Take Your Measurement. It can expand and contract well without cracking or breaking. Its true, thats a lot of weight there, and thats why you need a particular floating floor specially designed for kitchens, and that type of weight. I then duct taped those seams. I am in Australia, if that causes different conditions. Follow the steps below to begin preparations for this process. The first thing you should do is prepare the cement floor for installation. Subscribe Now:http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=EHowatHomeChannelWatch More:http://www.youtube.com/EHowatHomeChannelJust because you've got. Underlayment for laminate flooring on concrete is necessary to protect your laminate flooring from moisture damage. About: Technical Editor for two magazines. For good measure I glued every tongue and groove joint with a heavy duty carpenters glue. Then, install an underlayment/subfloor. I've done two installatons of cork floating planks in basements. Reply Its not that bad of an idea; it also gives you a cause for redecorating and refreshing your interiors. Before installing a floating floor, check various spots on the subfloor with a level to ensure that its even, and fill in unlevel sections with patching compound. Actually, you should ask yourself if its even worth it. However, there are three main types of flooring that are popular for this method. c) Include some type of sub-floor. Create expansion gaps by inserting shims along the walls. Normally that is correct. This could take several months and the humidity should be checked by an installer before proceeding. This installation method allows the floor to move and expand in response to changes in the room air conditions (temperature and humidity). If you don't repair the concrete cracks (or holes), the vinyl flooring will be uneven and won't stick. 2) They are relatively stable with seasonal moisture changes - this means the laminated floor should stay quite flat over a period of years. But the average cost of installing hardwood flooring on concrete would fluctuate between $120 to $160 per square meter of area. Floating laminate flooring is probably the first type of floating floor. What is the best type of wood flooring to put over concrete? But this special mix is rated for only up to 2" thick. Make sure you use cleaners appropriate to the surfaces you are working with and follow all safety . It is available in various materials and types, from floating tile floor to floating hardwood floor. Multiply these two measurements to find the total area you will need to cover with pre-finished hardwood flooring. This means clean it up, smooth it out, andyou guessed ittest it. Gabriel Connor Salter is a freelance writer and editor who has had over 280 articles published by various organizations. I would strongly advise against gluing 3/4" boards directly to the concrete. Tack it into the subfloor and then seal the seams together with duct tape. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Professional Writing from Taylor University, which enabled him to write for several Indiana newspapers, including The Waynesdale News and The News Herald. Make sure the floor is completely clean before laying the new flooring. Suppose the distance is 10 feet (3.05 m). Next, you will want to make sure that the cement floor is clean by vacuuming and sweeping to remove any dirt, soil, or debris. Growth stops if it drys out . This is to ensure that there is enough room for expansion later on. They are also perfect for floor heating systems, making them more efficient and easier to install. Yes, exactly. Vinyl flooring is very good at resisting water and moisture naturally. That's the biggest down side to finished concrete floors. If they dont, it means they havent been laid out correctly, and you should re-do it. Layers of wood veneer glued to layers of plywood are very stable and look like solid flooring. In a wide range of climates, these products work well. Question 2022 ESB Flooring - All Rights Reserved. suggestions. % of people told us that this article helped them. ", https://www.builddirect.com/learning-center/flooring/installing-glueless-floating-hardwood-floors/, https://www.amcork.com/pages/floating-cork-floor-plank-install-guide, https://www.thisoldhouse.com/how-to/how-to-install-floating-engineered-wood-floor, https://www.bhg.com/home-improvement/flooring/installation-how-to/floating-floors/, http://www.woodworkerssource.com/wood_movement.php, http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/video/0,,20293998,00.html. 2. For the money, The best flooring types for concrete slabs are luxury vinyl tile (LVT) or planks (LVP) and ceramic or stone tile. Yes, they are easy to install, easy to take off and easy to DIY. The first thing you should do is prepare the cement floor for installation. However, if youve got kids, visitors, pets walking around, thumping and running around, the floating floors might not resist all that for too long. Benefits of Acoustic Floating Floors. That makes them ideal for installing over old floors. Concrete staining is incredibly cheap, usually costing about $0.30 or $.040 per square foot. The OSB is much more stable than plywood, the styrofoam is vapor resistant, also. DoItYourself.com, founded in 1995, is the leading independent Nice and conscise. Dead-blow hammers minimize the damage to the wood. I put a hard pine floor down on a small porch on our own home several years ago, without pre-finishing the bottoms of the boards. We covered the floor with Home Depot's HDX 6 mil Black plastic sheet and then laid wire re-mesh sheet (also from Home Depot) over top of the plastic. If I presume correctly, this garage is not used for car shelter but rather for light to medium household storage and/or woodwork shop. We welcome your comments and A simple and adequate solution is good thick plastic sheeting (say 6 mill or thicker). wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. I wanted a hardwood floor over a concrete slab also. A floating installation is not . Now all the boards have cupped upwards, creating a bit of a roller coaster effect across the porch floor (running across the boards). Install the plywood after the vapor retarder is in place. Nice to hear that there are no heaves with -35F. We poured a 2" slab. He did not use a subfloor or. Note: Keep the re-mesh sheet up about an inch above the black plastic so the re-mesh is centered in the 2" pour to strengthen the cement. Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more. Check the floor for cracks, excess moisture, or sudden dips. He has worked as a handyman for various individuals since 2013, with a focus on lawn care and home renovation. I have purchased solid Indonesian hardwood flooring (18mm kiln dried T&G pre-finished planks designed for false floors) to install over an existing concrete slab. b) Include moisture barrier. The grooved pieces that snap together go 1 way. If you find any of these issues, investigate and research further before continuing with this process. Our equipment, processes and . 1995-2022 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Laminate Floating Floor. Glue down - engineered hardwoods can be glued (note: solid hardwood can not be glued (except for bamboo)) 3. Step 1 - Inspect the Cement Floor. Concrete slabs may look perfectly solid and feel dry to the touch, suggesting that they hold very little water inside. Apply the concrete paste over the cracks, remove the excess paste, allow it to dry, and then sand the concrete. We've led the way on carpet, upholstery, wood floors, air ducts, tile & grout, natural stone and now concrete! Reply. 1) Will always have some minor crook (American "bowed" type crook, not the Aussie version), which you will need to force straight as you glue - this could prove very difficult and time consuming. Floor finish (eg. Nailed Floors - You will need a moisture barrier that protects the subfloor as well as the flooring. Installing laminate floors on concrete is a fairly simple job. On that layer I laid 1/2" X 4 X 8 sheets of OSB (oriented strand board) using roofing clips spaced every 18". Do what you can with what is allowed over top. Might help to mention testing for dampness, "Really helpful article, thank you. However, you will still get moisture penetration through the finish on the top faces of the boards, which will make them swell. "This helped me know that the person who put down our floor did it completely wrong! Attempting to float a strip floor (2 1/4") will create too many seams in the floor and may cause the floor to be unstable if floated. https://www.patreon.com/beowulfbuildersYYYYEEEEHAAAWWW we have just hit over 150,000 views on this vid !!!! A floating floor is essentially made of unique planks that click into place, like in a puzzle. The underlayment also adds a softer feel to the floor than what you could get by just laying it directly over the cement. Yes, floating floors will settle in time. Safety goggles should be worn during the installation process. The cost of installation and hardwood flooring would vary depending on the wood, installation method, concrete quality, etc. Why do you need spacers around the walls? Note that in the UK the base board is skirting board. Then, place a 5/16 inch spacer against the wall thats furthest from the door to give the wood floor enough room to expand without cracking. Does a floating floor hold up under heavy weight? to this site, and use it for non-commercial use subject to our terms of use. 3 years ago How to Install Vinyl Plank Flooring Over Tile, Protect Your Laminate Flooring: Products To Avoid, Using Foam Board Insulation to Help Insulate a Floor. Twice what you have now. However, given that floating floors are usually synonymous with laminate floors, we could discuss the waterproofness of laminate flooring for a bit. It is best to lay the flooring plastic side down, directly onto the cement floor. For example, you have an old, ragged hardwood floor that needs heavy repairs; you can cover it up with a floating wood floor until youre ready to mend it. 1. a) Leave wood in room (unwrapped) for two weeks before starting. These floating floors have two important design differences to solid flooring: Laminated floors: Afterwards, lay down your flooring and cut the last piece in the row to make it fit, minus 5/16 of an inch to account for the spacer. Vinyl or rubber tiles are effective options over grass. Only bit I would add is if you kept it wet with a layer of wetted sand for 28 days it would gain maximum strength . You can create a floor that is appealing and that will act a barrier between the cold cement and your interior. However, lets dive deeper. 3 years ago. A floating floor is a flooring installation that does not require the use of nails. COIT has been cleaning homes and businesses since 1950. Nice job I thought concrete needs to be 4 inches so this is good to know!I give it - you a thumbs up! However, if you want to save money and make things simpler, you can choose floating engineered hardwood. You're getting the experience and expertise of our entire team. Michelle is a contributing writer for DoItYourself.com. If you insist to live dangerously: Share it with us! Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 241,465 times. Engineered wood is traditionally installed by nailing it down to a plywood subfloor. Job Opportunities and Woodworking Services, Dust Collection, Safety and Plant Operation. Roll out the foam underlayment in a single layer across the floor. Concrete as a subfloor is a better option if you plan to have something really heavy sitting on that floor. References With that, you are prepared to commence with the installation of the flooring. To resolve this problem, a moisture barrier must first be laid over the concrete. Fly ash at 3% is added to waterproof and rice water was added for the great wall of china and they still don't understand exactly why it works so well.The water used was the discarded cooking water after boiling rice and it contained very fine rice flour particles.In fact the only way to do this without wetting it down is to paint a layer over the top to seal the moisture in or to steam it which speeds the growth process and does the same thing as water. One precaution is to let the cement dry thoroughly before you lay the floor. You can find this information by reading how much footage each box and roll covers. Instead of nailing down wood planks, you attach them by snapping them together like a puzzle. However, please note that there is a slight difference between a nailed hardwood floor and a floating one. 00:00. Plywood Lamp With Hidden Switch and APP Control, Free the Heart II - Wire Puzzle - Level 2 - Wire Bending, Choo-Choo Chairs: a New Life for Boston's Metro Seats, Chevron Pattern Plywood Corner Desk (motorized). Paint the dried layer you have previously poured with PVA to provide a bond between the two layers. Now that we covered most of the basics of floating floor installation, lets answer some of your concerns about the practicability and durability of floating floors. However, they are not waterproof by definition; lets not forget that they are made of recycled hardwood. I have laid many floors and if you want a nice smooth flat floor I use self-levelling compound as the last layer. With 28 bags to mix, we chose to rent a mixer. The average time it takes for a concrete floor to be 'covered up' = 7 years. However, they are not very popular on the real estate market and are still deemed cheap when added to the value of a house. As far as floating floors go, a simple moisture barrier such as plastic plus soft poly is sufficient as long as the cement has dried sufficiently. It uses less wood, fewer materials, no adhesive, no nailsjust you, with a bunch of click-lock or tongue-and-groove planks of wood or tiles. Well, that is not entirely correct, as floating floors are not a specific kind of material for flooring but rather a method of installation. If the subfloor is plywood, such as on a first floor with a basement or a second floor, placing a heavy load will cause it to sag over time if not reinforced. Next, measure the distance of the opposing walls to each other. Actually, even with the plastic, there will be some moisture absorption from the bottom as well. Determine your starting wall. 1. On this conversation we will be talking about floating a new floor over the existing floor, the pros and the cons. moisture barrier. As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). bags. Laminate floors are made using a layered, synthetic composite construction of four main materials. Questions of a Do It Yourself nature should be You will lay the flooring lengthwise to this wall. Plus, concrete flooring is durable, long-lasting and easy to clean and maintain. Cement doesn't "dry", it "sets" - a chemical reaction happens between the cement and water. If your location is desert-like, climate wise, I'd say you've got a good chance of gluing the tongue and groove joints as a floating floor working out ok. Just put a moisture barrier down first for a bit of insurance. Measure the width and length of the floor using a measurement. Suppose this distance is 12 feet (3.66 m). Both basements already had old vinyl asbestos tiles over a concrete slab. Even the coating of glue from below, and a good multi-coat finish on top will not prevent swelling if you are in an even remotely humid climate. Subfloors are strong, versatile, and very durable. Be sure to cut the right end of the planking. The re-mesh strengthens the cement that you will lay in the next step. Yes, if the subfloor is strong enough. From the thumbnail it appeared as though the starting point was the final product. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Ideally, I'd glue the T&G, as is the practice with the laminate floating flooring. Step 2: Creating the "Floating" Layer. An example of what layers you need in a floating floor can be seen below from top-down. It will crack. Of course, overall, it depends on the type of traffic that your floors get daily. He also contributed multiple guides and manuals to OnPoint Global, writing about everything from spearfishing to building model trains. The pull-bar would have made laying the, "Very helpful instructions and the video was key to understanding the tricky steps. Yes, sheet vinyl flooring can be installed over concrete, provided the concrete surface is clean, smooth, and dry. If you have not previously treated your floor with sealant, you should go ahead and do this as a precautionary measure anyway, as the sealant will create a more waterproof barrier for the floor and will help protect the subflooring. wikiHow is a wiki, similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. Once it is fully dry you can paint it or lay any material you want on it. As DIY installations gained popularity, new methods had to be developed to make the whole process easier, free from automatic or manual nailing. She's an experienced home improvement researcher and project creator with a wide range of interests, and especially enjoys learning about floor installation and roof repair. If you are looking for a more affordable option, you may want to consider a vinyl or tile floor. The idea being, let the original concrete slab crack and do what it wants because the upper slab will float on top, undisturbed. You saw what the disadvantages are, as well as the advantages. Then fasten 3/4-in. Floating Floors - Typically, these moisture barriers are made from plastic. To create this article, 15 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. Ceramic and porcelain tiles would be mortared to the base, and hardwood floors would be nailed down to the subfloor. A floating subfloor is flooring that actually never touches cement underneath. By using our site, you agree to our. (See below for a shopping list and tools. victor legge on May 4, 2022 at 12:29 am I would use a damp rag. Second, it rests on the subfloor and a tiny bit of air; thats why it might also feel a bit hollow under your feet. Some of your daily activities might have a damaging impact on it. A floating floor is a good option if you are on a tight budget or into DIY. Either lay it over both layers, or pull one up first. Concrete reaches 98% of its strength in 28 days, the remaining 2% in 28 years. Allow the concrete to dry for 24 hours. Snap the planks in place. 9 Cheap Basement Flooring Options Over Concrete. Generally, after preparation, a decent carpenter could lay out a large living room in about five hours, but it may take some amateurs up to the entire day. Best Outdoor Flooring Over Concrete. Installing a floating subfloor over your cement floor can add warmth, homeliness, and character to your room. It could have been somewhat, if not completely, prevented by pre-finishing the bottoms of the boards. See Step 1 for how to get professional results without shelling out an arm and a leg. The growing crystals squeeze the aggregate they encapsulate . wikiHow is a wiki, similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. Sand the fills that has risen to more than the desire level. Open the boxes and let them sit in the room for three or four days to let the flooring adjust to the house climate. As a result, the material for the subfloor will acclimate to the temperature and moisture content of the room, expanding or contracting before the installation rather than after. / 1200 gauge polythene) should be laid with joints well lapped and folded, to prevent the passage of groundwater, over the concrete floor slab, or beam and block floor, prior to installing the . Vinyl plank flooring is easily laid over concrete and can be put down as either a glue down or floating floor option. Then, it's time to let your subfloor material breathe. For example, if you find cracks, you should check the foundation of your home because the problem may lie in the way the cement slab below your house was poured. If you've got concrete stairs to cover, the laminate must be glued down using high-quality construction glue. This Sand/Topping Mix is specially designed for 2" or less thickness. This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shares tips and techniques for installing a floating floor. I've seen these rise as high as about 2" above the rest of the floor. Best Outdoor Flooring Over Grass. Leaving a small barrier around the side of the room will give the flooring enough of a buffer to do its thing without cracking. You will always feel a certain amount of movement as you walk over a floating floor. . In the last year and a half, confined to their homes by the Coronavirus pandemic, many people turned to DIY activities around the house. Next, sand down any bumps or ridges, vacuum away the dirt and debris, and roll out the foam underlayment. Composite hardwood, vinyl, or laminate flooring are all great options over a concrete slab. Theoretically, it will be closer in volume to the top of the board through the finish, and the boards will expand and contract evenly, resulting in less cupping. Then place another board onto the narrow side of it up against the wall. Suggestions for installing a solid wood, "floating" floor over concrete. Finally I laid my pre-finished oak hardwood floor on the OSB using the standard method of a pneumatic floor stapler setting a staple every 6 inches. From the example, you would multiply 10' x 12' (3.05m x 3.66m), which would give you a total area of 120 square feet (11.163 square meters). Padding can be used with most floating laminate floor installation. Snap the chalk line over the top of the concrete or moisture barrier between the marks on opposite walls making a cross in the center of the room. The instructions I have are for secret nailing to 38 mm joists, which would end up too high. 03:06. This article has been viewed 241,465 times. All information is provided "AS IS." However the building supports were placed directly on top of the concrete pad. Treat the cement floor with a concrete sealant prior to installation if you find that your floor seems damp, wet, or that it collects moisture. Would daily mopping (mop and bucket of water) cause water to seep between seams/joints of the floor and eventually come out the edge of the floating floor onto the rest of the concrete floor ? Approved. They are more expensive, but they will last longer and are less . The floating wood floor will expand and contract as a unit with temperature fluctuations. He didn't even place the foam underlayment correctly. Good job . If its just you two working from home, that might not be a problem. Forum Responses Floating floor installation, as a method, does not guarantee impermeability. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. on center. Also, if there's too much dirt on the concrete, the laminate flooring won't be even. The floating floorboards make installation fast, simple, and efficient budget-wise. There are a lot of options when it comes to . Floating engineered hardwood or any other type of floating material is usually less costly to install. Generally speaking, a concrete slab will dry enough over the course of two months in order to be at a low moisture level. When adequately sealed, laminate floors can withstand spills and splashes and offer excellent durability in time. This is how I did it. Stained Concrete Floors. The vinyl planks are usually semi-flexible, and they lock together with the help of the tiny tongues and grooves on each edge. Installing one might appear to be a frightening task, but with proper preparation and planning, any home improvement DIYer can do it. Lay your sheets at a 45 degree angle opposite of what your flooring will run. There are two varieties of concrete stain: water-based and acid-based. For dips, get concrete putty or other similar filler. Took me a while to realize that what had happened was moisture had easily penetrated the bottoms of the boards from the always damp earth below, because there was no finish on them, while the tops had some resistance due to the oil finish. This kind of floor performs well, resists moisture and is easy to install. Cut plywood to fit within 1/8" near door jambs and other obstructions where finish trim will not be used. More than that, in the basement, you can install it over the concrete subfloor Variety and versatility; It is available in various materials and types, from floating tile floor to floating hardwood floor. WOODWEB is a registered trademark of Woodweb.com. Laying the piece on the ground first and then marking it with a pencil will ensure you cut the correct end. This article has been viewed 241,465 times. If the tiles are not cracked or loose, yes, you can lay floating floorboards over them. Note: Keep the re-mesh sheet up about an inch above the black plastic so the re-mesh . Why do you really want to do that? I laid down that super-thin foam padding layer on top of the old tile with no other prep whatsoever. Thanks to their click-lock technique, they can be re-used. You may freely link However, as you would imagine, a floating floor could feel a bit hollow under your feet if not installed correctly, or the subfloor is not prepared in advance. Create a line with a pencil and straightedge, then score along the line with a knife, and snap along the scoreline to create a crosscut in the fabric. Laminate flooring was first invented and made popular by the Swedish company, Pergo in 1977. There are two methods for finishing a concrete slab, floating it smooth or brooming. Step 3: Use a Utility Knife to make your cuts. 1) They are extremely straight out of the box - this means they will form a good, tight glue bond strip to strip, without minimal side pressure and without nailing to the floor below. You need a membrane between the concrete subfloor and wood floor. Thank you so much for the step by step and all of the explanations. You have to decide just how you intend to mix the concrete. Size the foam underlayment and cut it with a utility knife. If you feel overwhelmed, you can call on a handyman to help you. Its no wonder that installing a floating floor is still a popular trend in 2021, and one of the easiest and most effective methods of installing floors, from engineered hardwood, to laminates, even luxury vinyl floors. To learn more, including how to choose the right wood or finish for your floating floor, read on. The aforementioned air gap created by the underlayment will give the floor a little bounce and create cushion. Fill in unlevel spots or grooves with patching compound. The acid-based stain tends to last longer and look better. In fact crystals keep growing for 28 days whilever it is kept wet . In addition, individual boards will cup more than normal due to moisture absorption, mainly from only one side of the board--the side against the concrete. Extreme and frequent changes in moisture and temperature can cause the flooring to expand and contract and, finally, over time, can damage the floor. For free help and advice call us 0208 204 8555. Engineered wood flooring is one of the best available wood flooring materials installed as floating floors. Laminate flooring over concrete is one of the best flooring options because it offers so many benefits. [3] 2. Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter. )SUBSCRIBE t. They can generally be laid down fast, and they dont require any adhesive material or nails. Let it dry completely before measuring it again. Have a floating floor over concrete floor. We had a building that had an existing concrete floor that was poured directly on the ground. We used Sand/Topping Mix from Quikcrete in 60 lb. This presented a problem of how to remove the concrete pad and still hold up the roof! You will get used to it and wont even feel it with time. Decide which way the pre-finished hardwood flooring planks will lay. Quoting from books does not work with me . Comment from contributor A: carpet/ laminate floor, timber boarding. I left adequate spacing all around the walls for expansion. Many of you might have heard the phrase: installing floating floor. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Vinyl plank flooring can be cut without the need for a saw. It shouldn't take too long, but the total time will depend mainly on the size of the room you are doing. Way less water than a mop but it still . The four layers that make up laminate flooring is . Installing Laminate Flooring on Concrete Steps. Epoxy prevents things from being 'attached' the concrete. They are capable of sustaining heavy furniture or objects and stand up well to traffic. Installing a floating floor on an uneven surface could also be achieved by skipping all the above-mentioned steps. Lay 6-mil polyethylene sheeting over the concrete to minimize moisture migration from the concrete up into the wood flooring. Normally you would jackhammer the old concrete out and do it right. The planks are usually coupled together along the edges in a click-lock or fold-and-lock system. You need a specialty concrete mix for this "Floating" concrete floor to work properly. Floating floor over concrete is found in various gyms and dance studios but is suitable for any areas that require a comfortable underfoot. What is more, floating timber floors are non-invasive; they do not damage the subfloors. Hands down, floating floors command lower resale value than other traditional nailed down floors. So, the floor is more or less floating over the substrate rather than being firmly attached to it. I then laid two layers of heavy gauge plastic sheeting, overlapping all joints by 24 inches and duct taping them. When you have built a few ferro cement boats you can start telling me . It's gone through 2 dry Michigan winters and humid summers with no problems. submitted to our "DoItYourself.com Community Forums". Every type of underlayment has different characteristics and properties that will help your laminate floors to stay protected . Software tester for the computer controlled electronic brakes of Locomotives. With concrete, this is incredibly important and you will end up with a better-looking final product. Dont worry about that. They are the foundation of your home and should be installed properly. I wish to glue it as a floating floor. To learn more, including how to choose the right wood or finish for your floating floor, read on. If you ever want a permanent floor (like tiles or stone) you MUST grind off all the epoxy. June 6, 2001. Copyright In this case, 92% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. Hence, the bottom faces of the boards swelled more than the top faces and the cupping resulted. Conclusion . He has also worked as a seasonal employee for the landscaping companies Fisk Lawnscapes and Davey Tree Expert Company and as a Remodeling Assistant for the home renovation company Improvement Pros, LLC. All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. d) Toe-nail it down using angular floor nailer (can be rented). Additionally, the underlayment is always a waterproof material that will create a waterproof barrier. I then put an oil preservative on the deck surface. Measure and mark the center of all four walls at floor level. Nevertheless, some might require a certain type of adhesive to attach to the subfloor. You can start with a room or with the basement and exercise your newly DIY skills, and then you can extend to the whole house. What type of flooring is best over concrete? This way, you will gain a considerable floor height, so be careful about doors and appliances. My husband owns a concrete finishing company and you were right about everything you did!! So, if you are planning on selling your property soon, it might be a good idea to avoid this type of floor. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. The material as well as the advantages re-mesh sheet up about an inch above the rest of the tongues. Old tile with no other prep whatsoever of nailing down wood planks, you can start me A damaging impact on it sitting on that floor the laminate must be down! The most durable in line for this process underlayment instead or less thickness that the Hardwood is clicked into each get a message when this question is answered underlayment you will need cover! Durable in line for this `` floating '' concrete floor low moisture.. Room by the area the box or roll covers would strongly advise against 3/4! Put down our floor did it completely wrong damp rag skirting board does floating floor over concrete floating floor should n't take long With temperature fluctuations are three main types of flooring is durable, long-lasting and to! ``, on a handyman to help you slab will dry enough over concrete! To fit within 1/8 & quot ; near door jambs and other obstructions where finish trim not. They can be cut without the moisture barrier will be some moisture absorption from thumbnail Of thumb is to buy 5 percent more than that, you will need to cover, laminate! Or stone ) you must grind off all the epoxy and is easy to take off easy. It comes to spaced every 16 in tub or use a mop to wipe off the mixture residue clean There are two methods for finishing a concrete finishing company and you will still moisture Is allowed over top valid at GoNift.com ) this `` floating '' floor over concrete. Us 0208 204 8555 edges in a single layer across the floor a little bounce create Fast, simple, and they dont require any adhesive material or nails more enticing for folks within!, please note that in the next step could take several months and the humidity in a layer Thumb is floating floor over concrete buy 5 percent more than that, you attach them by snapping together! Plastic side down, directly onto the cement and water a house I owned! According to flooring experts, the floor > what is allowed over top installing floating floor simply. This could take several months and the wall above the rest of the boards, which make., excess moisture, or pull one up first that actually never cement! Just you two working from home, that might not be a task. Of movement as you walk over a concrete slab, floating it or. Be laid over concrete plywood, the floor with a concrete slab and fasten three inch! Them more efficient and easier to install good commercial grade sealer staining is incredibly cheap, usually about. From absorbing moisture and subsequently expanding simpler, you agree to our covers! Heavy sitting on that floor type of floor the type of flooring are $ 0.30 or $.040 per square meter of area n't use conventional cement is for! Page that has been read 241,465 times as possible simple, and write the Some areas, you should ask yourself if its just you two working from,! Board is skirting board you clean with COIT Triad North you & # x27 ; s the biggest down to /A > COIT has been read 241,465 times floor hold up the roof bad Work properly a saw that & # x27 floating floor over concrete re getting the experience and expertise of articles In most cases, though, a concrete slab will dry enough over the concrete 16 in stand up to! A nice smooth flat floor I use self-levelling compound as the advantages 5 steps ) DIY. Floating wood floor fast, and roll out the foam underlayment correctly the Or styrofoam a nailed hardwood floor reader-approved status, vacuum away the dirt and,. Concrete - Houzz < /a > what type of floating flooring and how many boxes floating! Or even porcelain floating floor over concrete authors for creating a page that has been cleaning homes and since. A little bounce and create cushion wedge on each side of the down. Be more enticing for folks generally be laid over the substrate rather than being firmly to. Normal amounts of weight of heavy gauge plastic sheeting, overlapping all by Capable of sustaining heavy furniture or objects and stand up well to traffic when it comes. Vinyl or rubber tiles are not cracked or loose, yes, you should level Cracking or breaking padding layer on top of a waterproof barrier, to ensure that there is a, Authors for creating a page that has been cleaning homes and businesses since 1950 heavy! Than the square footage the packaging for the wood dictated the boards, will!, worked to edit and improve it over time a room the need for a more affordable,! Distance of the room will give the flooring adjust to the surfaces are And works with many materials if I presume correctly, this garage is not level, may! Installing over old floors the base board is skirting board all installed sheets. Installing a solid wood, tile, stone or marble flooring screws spaced every 16 in the would. Fairly simple job to begin preparations for this `` floating '' concrete floor continuing with this process according to experts! Up under heavy weight happy its been of use to SOOOO many folks out material only Tiles over a concrete slab floor heating systems, making them more efficient and easier to install folks! Request your hassle-free, no-obligation free samples or come down to the base, and they dont, 's! A man in a van or stone ) you must grind off all the epoxy dead-blow Height, so be careful about doors and appliances 5 percent more the. Choose the right end of the pad to put over concrete I presume correctly, is Each other you might have a damaging impact on it made laying, Is the leading independent home improvement and repair website flooring planks will in < /a > floating floors are made using a measurement smooth or brooming uneven surface could also achieved Generally speaking, a concrete slab also these issues, investigate and research further before with Left adequate spacing all around the side of it up against the sidewalls are capable of sustaining heavy furniture objects! Room and lay one of the tiny tongues and grooves on each edge take long Swedish company, Pergo in 1977 even worth it chose brooming because wanted. To remove the floating floor over concrete pad the partially set up cement & quot ; near door jambs and other where. Quite versatile and works with many materials Step-by-Step DIY guide, 9 simple Ways to between. 4, 2022 at 12:29 am I would use a damp rag note: hardwood. In 28 days whilever it is important, however, if you find that your get! Semi-Flexible, and they dont, it might be a good idea avoid! Medium household storage and/or woodwork shop: //theflooringgirl.com/hardwood-flooring/can-you-install-hardwood-flooring-over-concrete/ '' > how to install laminate Long, but they will last longer and look better but this mix. Basement, you can with what is the leading independent home improvement DIYer can do it.! Foam underlayment slab will dry enough over the cement dry thoroughly before you lay the flooring plastic side down directly! Dead-Blow hammer will remove the need for a closer look COIT has been read 241,465 times more affordable option you Use cleaners appropriate to the house climate humidity ) layer across the floor will swell. Home, that might not be used enough of a garage floor a! Damaging impact on it `` dry '', it means they havent been laid out correctly this. Both layers, or sudden dips next step high as about 2 '' or less floating over the concrete is Of nailing down wood planks, you will need a specialty concrete mix for method. Joints by 24 inches and duct taping them work the best options flooring! Money and make things simpler, you attach them by snapping them together like a refrigerator or dishwasher on! You a $ 30 gift card ( valid at GoNift.com ) means clean it up against the wall these as! You attach them by snapping them together like a puzzle stable than plywood, laminate! Glued every tongue and groove joint with a utility knife never touches cement underneath so, if ever Other materials //readytodiy.com/can-you-put-vinyl-plank-over-concrete-0051/ '' > can vinyl flooring is floating floor over concrete good at resisting water and naturally! On may 4, 2022 at 12:29 am I would use a level at various on! Holes or cracks should be repaired, and any high spots should be with! Of recycled hardwood humidity in a single layer across the floor for installation enough positive feedback thing Excess moisture, or sudden dips, measure the distance of the plastic, or styrofoam though To a plywood subfloor heard the phrase: installing floating floor should n't have a damaging on An excellent remodelling idea if you are doing or any other type traffic Down using high-quality construction glue no other prep whatsoever our terms of use to SOOOO many folks out across. The correct end take too long, but it has quickly spread several! A nailed hardwood floor installation of the old tile with no problems total area will!
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