How to Install Hardwood Floors on Concrete?
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Concrete floors are inarguably harder and most suitable for high-traffic areas! No surprise why it’s even used for constructing roads and walkways. Low maintenance and inexpensiveness are other pros of concrete flooring.
However, having concrete flooring in your residential or commercial property may not be the right option, considering the beauty everyone wants inside their property.
If you are wondering how to install hardwood floors on concrete and whether it’s even possible, the answer is YES! Every home or commercial property with concrete slabs can still have the incredible charm of hardwood flooring.
Hardwood floors are an amazing addition to the home, which enhances their resale value by creating a warm and welcoming environment. You get floors with a significantly strong base and natural grains in soothing hues. In other words, you have both the durability and aesthetic appeal of your floors!
If installing hardwood floors on concrete is your plan next, this blog will assist you. From guiding you on the installation process to discussing the advantages of hardwood flooring on concrete – we’ve covered everything here for you.
Before learning the ways to install hardwood floors on concrete, you may be dubious about whether it’s a good idea at all! Many say all-weather carpets, vinyl flooring, laminate, or ceramic tiles are apt for installation on concrete basements.
These work best on concrete substrates since they are moisture-resistant, scratchproof, and dent-resistant. But that does not exclude hardwood flooring as a sustainable flooring option on concrete.
It’s a good option to lay hardwood over concrete, obviously for some good reasons. However, you have to ensure a few factors before installation.
Preparing the concrete slabs is a necessity. If the concrete is ready and you have an expert installation team, hardwood flooring installation is a great idea overall. Both engineered and solid hardwoods are pretty great options for flooring on concrete.
Engineered hardwoods are sturdy durable and also humidity-resistant. They consist of several layers of natural hardwood, plywood, and HDF (High-Density Fiber), having the veneer of hardwood on its surface.
All the layers are compressed together with a bonding process using high pressure. This gives enormous stability to the final flooring and counteracts the warping and cracking of floors due to moisture and heat.
Solid hardwood floors are a viable option too, even though all of the species are not moisture-resistant. Made of whole planks of trees, they fully consist of natural wood. Installing them compulsorily needs sanding and finishing of the hardwood to eliminate roughness in the texture or impurities on the surface.
Since basement preparation is the key to installing hardwood floors on concrete, here are some tips.
When these things are taken care of, and you have hired experienced professionals who know how to install hardwood floors on concrete, you are good to go!
Hardwood floors are always the first preference of property owners, given their ingenious appearance, natural grainy texture, and soft finish. Besides being a gorgeous addition to the property, hardwood floors offer the convenience of maintenance to property owners along with many other benefits.
Let’s unravel the benefits one by one to justify why installing hardwood with concrete subfloor is the right option for you.
It is an obvious fact that concrete slabs are too pale and will give your floor a dull look. By installing hardwood floors on concrete subfloor, you can transform the entire look of your property.
Most hardwood species come in elegant shades with diverse grain patterns and matchless designs. Concrete flooring will allow you to create simple non-patterned flooring in simple variations of gray, graphite black, and white. You have limitless color options when it comes to hardwood, starting from beige, off-white, and gray to red, yellow, and black.
You can even install or glue down hardwood on concrete in impressive patterns, starting from basic horizontal patterns to diagonal strip patterns and herringbone parquet. Summing it up, hardwood flooring over a concrete subfloor will add a classic look to your place, enhancing its aesthetic appeal.
Dull concrete floors do not make your interiors warm and inviting, while hardwood floors do that. With their subtle shades and charismatic appearance, they add warmth to the space and make your place much more welcoming. They make a space look brighter while adding peppiness to a dark space.
Since hardwood species are available in myriad hues, you can choose the best color to match your walls, interior decors, or furnishings. Create a perfect contrast between your floors and interiors, leaving a top-notch impression on your guests.
Also, you can choose bright hues of wood floors like tan, cherry red, orange-toned, golden, and white to create a vibrant atmosphere in your space. Whether you want a country-style home or a classic contemporary urban house, you’ll get wood floors in a perfect warm tone.
Hardwood is an expensive flooring option, than concrete or any other flooring type because of its unmatched strength and intricate beauty. For its authentic beauty and upscale durability, hardwood flooring is the number one choice for commercial properties that experience high traffic daily.
Having hardwood over concrete floor installation adds beauty to your space while giving the property owner peace of mind. Wood floors withstand pressure, stains, weight, and temperature conditions as they come with a protective finish. They will retain the same shine and color for decades, which means you never have to worry about replacing your flooring.
This factor inevitably makes wood flooring on concrete a worthwhile investment for your property. The value of a property with hardwood floors increases for many factors, like extended durability, ageless beauty, reduced maintenance expenses, and health benefits. So you can have a great resale price for your property!
Cleaning and maintaining hardwood floors on concrete can never be easier than this! Regular sweeping and mopping occasionally with a hardwood-safe cleaner is enough to make it refreshing and new all the time!
Some typical shades of hardwood floors are good at hiding dust and pet dander, especially of lighter hues. So, you can skip cleaning the floors on some days if it is not a high-traffic area.
Most hardwood floors come with a finish that protects them from dirt and accumulation of grime at the joints. The finish also prevents the fading of texture and hues of the hardwood floors. For this reason, it’s the best option for anyone who wants low-maintenance flooring.
Having your concrete slab with hardwood installation is unquestionably a great way to revamp your flooring because it adds to the durability.
From withstanding higher traffic to avoiding extremities of temperature, hardwood flooring ensures all these to make sure your floor doesn’t need frequent replacement. It is prime reason hardwood flooring is a befitting flooring option for commercial places, including offices and retail spaces.
Additionally, they can resist nail scratches of pets or sharp objects owing to their protective finish. Also, you get extended durability in concrete floor leveling for hardwood. It implies that the floors can withstand the heavy weight and pressure of the wheels of luggage bags, baby strollers, or trolleys.
Property owners blindly trust hardwood floors on cement or concrete for flooring in high-traffic areas of hotels, hospitals, and supermarkets.
Hardwood floors are also a favorable choice for many homeowners and commercial property owners for this exceptional reason.
Made from natural hardwood species, some of which are grown hundreds of years back, they do not harbor bugs or mites like any other materials. Also, they don’t trap the dirt and dust on their surfaces like carpets, tiles, concrete, etc. It’s chiefly because of their smooth and polished surfaces that do not allow dust or dirt to settle.
Besides, accidental spills or grease substances on hardwood floors are easy to clean and leave no residues after cleaning. It prevents pests or bugs from breeding over the sticky remnants of spills or greasy substances.
Needless to say, hardwood floor ensures greater indoor air quality, making it a healthy flooring option for homes and commercial places.
The decision to install wood flooring on concrete will leave you with an array of design options!
Hardwood floors are available in diverse species of different shades. Manufacturers also finish the wood planks with materials, such as wax, oil, and shellac, which give them various lusters and tints.
You can thoughtfully choose the wood color and finish according to your existing interiors. It is never an option if you are laying floors of just concrete. Given the limitations in color, there’s hardly any option for creating floors with designs.
Contrary to that, you can choose a color, grain pattern, texture, and design pattern when you opt for hardwood flooring.
Laying solid hardwood or engineered wood on a concrete subfloor is a wise decision, given the added durability and beauty it offers. But, what matters the most to make your decision truly worthy in the long run is the installation process.
Knowing how to install hardwood floors on concrete isn’t enough! Contacting an efficient team of hardwood installers with the expertise for wood flooring installations in varying situations is necessary. Using the right tools and techniques, they create perfect floors by either gluing down or floating hardwood on concrete.
We recommend gluing down since it offers extensive bonding of wood flooring with the concrete underlay. It results in a more solid constructed floor, which is more durable than floated floors.
However, before you start with the installation method, considering and checking a few things are a must. It ensures you don’t invest in flooring that will soon damage or wear out due to incorrect installation. Here are they.
The grade level or ground level refers to the position of the concrete slab. Learning where the slab sits about the ground level helps in determining the installation method. Below grade means below the ground level, above grade is when slabs are above the ground level, and on grade implies they are on the same level as the ground.
Determining the grade level before installation is vital for the given reasons.
Concrete slabs absorb moisture from the ground and transmit it to adjacent flooring, including wood flooring. This is common in areas with higher groundwater levels or poor drainage systems. Since moisture can spread and swell or shrink the wood floors, it’s important to know the grade level. Later determine the best position for laying the floors to ensure less moisture transmission.
Exposure to moisture results in mold growth or mildew on wood. It damages the authentic appearance of wood and its interior structure. But, most importantly, it poses health risks and degrades the air quality.
Since different types of wood have varying tolerance limits to moisture, the grade level of wood installation matters. Depending on the grade level, you have to decide the wood type (moisture-resistant or non-moisture-resistant) is needed for your flooring construction.
Grade level is again essential to know the codes or compliance requirements that apply to your flooring installation method. Compliance with the applicable codes and industry practices ensures the longevity of flooring as well as its safety.
A successful wood floor construction comes with a great subfloor! Before you start laying wood on concrete floor installation, checking the conditions of the concrete is a necessary step. You need to check whether the concrete is perfectly dry, sounds structurally sturdy, and flat.
A cleaner and plain concrete subfloor, free of dirt or debris, will ensure the wood boards fit correctly. The concrete subfloor was a usual floor previously, which underwent heavy traffic and different uses, making sure you sweep and mop it. Empty the space completely, and then clean it to wash away forms of dirt, grime, or mold growth hiding in any corner.
For preparing the concrete subfloor for hardwood floors, ensure that the concrete is fully dry, in and out. Concrete subfloor often has more moisture content if it’s located in the property exteriors and is often exposed to rain, snow, or mist.
Also, a concrete subfloor has a higher moisture level if it is located adjacent to a bathroom, a water pipe, or a water tank. Check the moisture content using a hygrometer before preparing for installation and allow the subfloor to dry for the required time if it has moisture content. Usually, 1mm thick concrete takes one day to dry.
Depending on the total thickness of the subfloor, decide the total time to let it completely dry out.
Consider whether the concrete is newly constructed or an old one. Because you simply cannot lay hardwood on a freshly poured concrete slab. It simply means you cannot construct the wood flooring in a newly constructed property until it is completely cured.
The curing process can take 6 weeks and a maximum of up to 8 weeks during which all the moisture will evaporate.
Also, check whether the concrete subfloor is flat and leveled. Concrete construction never really results in the creation of a smooth and plain surface. Installing hardwood floors on uneven concrete will either damage the lower layers of wood or cause slanting of the surface.
Leveling the concrete to make it flat is hence, a prerequisite step. Usually grinding the high-level spots is a more appropriate method of concrete floor leveling for hardwood than filling potholes or compounds. If you are filling holes to level the concrete slab, we recommend using Portland-based compounds as they have higher comprehensive strength.
It is also important to ensure that the adhesives of wood planks make a proper bond with the concrete subfloor. For that, you need to make sure there’s no existing layer of adhesives, paint, grease, oil, floor sealers, or any curing compounds.
Considering and ticking off all these above factors will ensure the absolute readiness of concrete slab for hardwood construction. Ignoring any factors can cause improper installation, resulting in warping, buckling, or loosening out of the wood floors sooner after consistent use.
To avoid such unforeseen instances and save your precious investment in flooring, hire only a professional team to do this trickier method of installing hardwood on a concrete subfloor.
Once you have finalized the specific wood type and design to lay over your concrete subfloor, don’t move ahead recklessly. After the wood boards arrive for flooring construction, inspect them manually to ensure that the wood boards are just what you want. Check whether the color is the same that you ordered at the store and whether it has the exact gorgeous texture and grain patterns.
After inspecting the physical appearance of the floors, it’s time to gauge the quality of the boards before finally approving. Check whether floor boards are properly milled with finished edges and surfaces. Inspect whether every board is of similar dimensions and is straight.
Doing this is compulsory to detect any defects on the boards and get them replaced so you can finally have flawless wood floors installed over concrete.
Acclimatization is a vital precondition for constructing hardwood on a concrete subfloor! Acclimatization is preparing and adjusting hardwood planks before lying so they feel like a perfect fit in your space.
Mostly, solid wood floor planks need to be opened and spread across the dry sections of the house to acclimatize. Make sure to remove the plastic covering of the floorboards before lying across the house. Also, the acclimatization process must take place under room temperature and normal humidity conditions. This is especially true when you are using engineered wood.
Proper acclimatization is necessary to ensure that wood boards adapt to the same room temperature and relative humidity of the subfloors i.e., the present living environment of the house. Naturally, there’s no defined time or duration for acclimatization, and it varies with wood species.
Ensure you have the right fastener and trowel for gluing or nailing down the hardwood over concrete. Using inappropriate tools will cause failures in the installation, like the development of cracks or squeaks on the wood floor surface.
Some of the tips that we suggest are:
Depending on your budget, decide the hardwood type you want to install on the concrete subfloor. It is a vital consideration for you because not all hardwood species are quite expensive and vary with species, colors, age, and finishes.
Typically, installation of hardwood flooring will cost anywhere between $6 and $12 per square foot. In addition to this, there are labor costs ranging from $3 to $5 per hour. Thus, determine your cost based on the total square feet of concrete over which the hardwood floor will be installed.
Solid hardwood flooring on concrete adds value and style to your space. So, you will never regret your decision to transform your concrete floor into a high-class wood floor.
If you have decided to do it, here are the tools and materials you must gather for hardwood installation on concrete.
We have already discussed what to consider while installing. The hardwood installation process itself is not everyone’s cup of tea. And when it comes to concrete slab hardwood installation, we think hiring experts like us would be wise. Experienced professionals like us can pay attention to the things one wouldn’t be able to.
It is more challenging to install on a concrete than a wooden subfloor. Nevertheless, here’s how to install hardwood floor on the concrete floor-
Before starting the removal process, professionals assess the condition of the existing flooring. They look for any signs of damage, unevenness, or moisture, and address them before installing the hardwood.
We have worked with clients who have had homes with bare concrete slabs. Other homes may have different materials for flooring on the slab. If that’s the case, we start by pulling the old flooring like laminate or carpet. For carpets, they should use a utility knife to cut and remove it. A pry bar is useful to remove laminate. If you have tiles or vinyl, a scraper or chisel is perfect for loosening and removing tiles or sheets.
It is wise to eliminate baseboards and keep them aside to use another time. Experts remove baseboards using a pry bar or a similar tool. They shouldn’t damage them during removal, as it is to be reinstalled later. Sometimes, clients have used this opportunity to spruce up the baseboard with a new coat of paint or a new stain. You can do this too, keeping in mind the factors of doing it.
Once removing the flooring, they inspect the subfloor for damage or irregularities. They repair as needed to ensure a smooth and stable surface for the hardwood installation. After this, start the next step after the removal process.
Pro tip- Properly dispose of the old flooring material following local regulations. We have used some materials to recycle, while others may need special disposal methods.
It’s now the step regarding concrete floor preparation for wood installation. Once there is a clean floor, experts examine the concrete for any existing adhesives, paint, or finish. If there are remnants from previous flooring installations, we remove them.
Sometimes, concrete may have issues. Grinding or shot blasting may be necessary in cases where the concrete surface is uneven or has a rough texture. This process helps level the surface and creates a more uniform substrate for the hardwood. If there are cracks, experts fill them with a suitable concrete patch or filler to ensure a level surface. They allow time for the filler to dry and cure.
Depending on the condition of the concrete and the manufacturer’s recommendations, specialists apply a concrete sealer. Sealing the concrete can help create a moisture barrier and enhance the bonding of adhesives.
Before putting engineered wood on concrete, skilled ones let the wood get used to your home’s conditions. It helps it adapt to the temperature and humidity, preventing potential issues like expanding or shrinking later.
Once your space is ready, they bring the hardwood and leave it in each room for later installation. They make sure the wood is completely dry before installation. The moisture difference between the wood and the subfloor should be less than 4% for narrow flooring (less than 3″ wide). The moisture level for wider planks should be less than 2%.
Specialists use a moisture meter to check this. Also, take out all the floors from boxes and remove all packing materials during this time.
Installing a moisture barrier is important when putting in hardwood floors. Moisture can be a big problem, especially if installing solid hardwood floors on concrete below ground level. In such cases, it’s better to go for engineered wood floors, as they are made by gluing layers of wood together. They are more resistant to moisture.
By taking these steps, you and your experts ensure that moisture doesn’t become a problem for your hardwood floors. It’s all about planning and creating the right conditions for a successful installation.
Choosing a hardwood floor is a big decision. Our clients usually have done their homework but remain confused. It isn’t their fault. After all, there are several parameters to consider. Let’s look into it briefly-
Choosing a hardwood floor is a big decision. Our clients usually have done their homework but remain confused. It isn’t their fault. After all, there are several parameters to consider. Let’s look into it briefly-
Decided which hardwood floor to use? Now, before starting to install hardwood floor on cement, choose the method that suits the plank flooring- ‘
Plan where to place your hardwood planks. Consider factors like room shape, natural light, and wood grain direction. It ensures a visually pleasing and balanced installation.
A few things to know about plank flooring:
Pro tip- Keep in mind that hardwood naturally expands and contracts with changes in temperature and humidity. By leaving expansion gaps and following recommended installation practices, you allow the wood to adjust without causing damage.
Installation options are many, but it isn’t a good idea to do it yourself. You must have a professional by your side. If you try the DIY hardwood floor on concrete, one small error could ruin your hardwood flooring before you even enjoy it.
Different methods are as follows-
Putting hardwood directly on concrete by gluing or nailing is a common DIY mistake. It doesn’t work well and leads to improper results. Avoid this method.
Another way is the plywood subfloor options on concrete. Lay plywood on the waterproof barrier for added insulation. Install and secure the hardwood on this subfloor for a better outcome.
The floating floor method is usually recommended. Floating hardwood on concrete “floats”, meaning it isn’t permanently attached. Instead, pieces of the floor snap together to stay in place. Floating wood floors over concrete is a practical and effective way to install hardwood on concrete.
The finishing and sealing after installing hardwood over concrete is a critical stage. Taking care of every step is important. Proficient people in this field would be able to tell how to go about it. That’s why we are here-
Professionals should start by sanding the hardwood floor to create a smooth and even surface. This step helps remove imperfections and prepares the wood for finishing. After sanding, they should clean the floor from sanding. Clean surfaces to ensure the finish is done properly.
It’s time to start with the finishing. You or experts should use a high-quality polyurethane finish to protect and enhance the wood. They should apply the finish evenly, following the manufacturer’s instructions. They should do it using a brush or roller.
Allow the finish to dry completely before walking on the floor or placing furniture. Drying times vary, so follow the recommendations on the product label.
For some finishes, sanding between coats may be necessary to achieve a smoother final result. The specialists should do it for you with professional tools. They could also apply multiple coats of finish to ensure durability. Each coat adds a protective layer to the wood.
Seal any gaps between the floorboards with wood filler. It helps prevent dust and debris from settling in the gaps and enhances the floor’s appearance.
After the final coat has dried, it is mandatory to inspect the floor for any imperfections or areas that may need touch-ups. It is an opportunity to make any necessary corrections before placing furniture or rugs.
Follow these steps to protect your hardwood floor from concrete and improve its looks. The finishing and sealing process makes your floor more resilient and easier to maintain.
We have a few maintenance guidelines if you want the floor to last longer. Go through our expert tips right here-
You can guarantee the longevity and magnificence of your hardwood floors installed on concrete if you follow these little tips. Remember, specific instructions may differ depending on the style of hardwood floor and glue you use. Hence, always refer to the guidelines for the best outcomes.
In our career, we have seen some common issues clients face while installing wood flooring on concrete. You need to be aware of them and then take the necessary steps. Here are a few issues, and their solution-
Excessive moisture can lead to warping, cupping, or buckling of hardwood. It looks hideous when caught by the eyes. Hence, resolve it immediately.
Solution– In such cases, we recommend seeing whether the concrete is fully dry before installation. Rework the floor, use a moisture barrier, and conduct moisture tests. Address high moisture levels before proceeding.
Uneven or damaged subfloors can cause the hardwood to be uneven or squeaky. It is another common problem experienced by many clients.
Solution– Experts should level the subfloor using appropriate techniques and repair imperfections. It ensures a smooth surface for hardwood installation.
Adhesive may fail to bond properly, leading to loose or creaky floorboards. It can also create accidents if boards become loose.
Solution– Follow the manufacturer’s procedures for adhesive application or call floor specialists like us to help you. We will guide you on how to use the right type and amount of adhesive and ensure proper drying or curing time.
Insufficient expansion gaps can result in buckling as hardwood expands.
Solution– Follow recommended expansion gap guidelines and rework on the floor if already done. Ensure gaps are consistent and allow for natural wood movement.
Hardwood planks may crack or split, especially in dry conditions. It doesn’t appear well.
Solution– Maintain proper humidity levels and acclimate hardwood before installation. Try choosing wood species suitable for the local climate.
Boards rubbing against each other or the subfloor can cause creaking noises. And let’s be honest, such noise, no matter how soft or loud, does create unpleasant auditory attention.
Solution– When installing, provide a tight fit during installation. Add screws or nails where needed. We use a lubricant in joints for such issues. Find a suitable lubricant and get rid of such noise.
Stains or discoloration may occur due to spills or reactions with subfloor materials. It may create an ugly patch.
Solution– Clean spills promptly. Use appropriate sealers or finishes. Test for potential chemical reactions between the subfloor and hardwood.
Inconsistent heights can occur between hardwood and other flooring materials. It can lead to breakage or other accidents later.
Solution– Using transition strips between different flooring types would be good. Ensure a smooth transition to avoid tripping hazards.
Improper acclimation or installation can lead to warping or bowing of hardwood.
Solution– Acclimate the hardwood to the environment before installation. Follow proper installation techniques, including using the correct fasteners and spacing.
Even though your property has concrete slabs, you still can enjoy the charm and robustness of hardwood flooring! Constructing wood floors on concrete is possible with the right team and expertise.
The concrete subfloor is preconditioned to survive in the particular environment, in terms of humidity level and temperature. So, you need to prepare the wood boards with appropriate techniques to prepare the concrete and acclimatize the wood before installing.
While we discussed the process of installing hardwood floors on concrete in-depth, you might now be thinking of transforming your old concrete basement into an appealing beauty.
If that is a yes, get in touch with European Flooring to ensure the installation process is done right! We have a team of trained hardwood floor installers who know what it takes to dexterously install hardwood floors over concrete.
Equipped with the right tools and industry expertise, they do successful installation of any hardwood over concrete subfloors and ensure they last for years.