Hardwood Floor on Concrete

Placing a hardwood floor on concrete is not as complicated as you might first think. There are some basic guidelines that you need to follow for this type of project. When you are done, the room will look more spacious and beautiful.

The first step that many people overlook is to make sure that the concrete is cleaned. Sweep the concrete and then vacuum it to remove all loose dirt and grime. Spray the concrete down with a pressure hose and concrete cleaning chemicals. Allow to dry for 72 hours. It is important to clean the area well before placing hardwood floor on concrete.

Another step that some people skip to save money and time is the concrete cover. Place a thin layer of polyurethane covering over the concrete, especially if the concrete is resting over a crawl space or dirt. Water vapor can collect between the concrete and the hardwood floor if you skip this step which will cause mold and mildew problems later in the home.

Once the moisture barrier is attached to the concrete a thin subfloor needs to be applied to the concrete. After you have laid the subfloor you will then be able to actually attach the hardwood flooring. It is important to use small sections when applying hardwood floor on concrete to securely attach to the subflooring and have the least amount of contraction and expansion of the flooring later.