Installing Wood Floors over Concrete

Installing wide-plank wood flooring over concrete sub-floor doesn't have to cause problems.

By using high quality wood products and the correct installation techniques, the movement and moisture issues that wood faces when exposed to moisture can be minimized.

Before installing wood-plank flooring over concrete, it should be properly selected and prepared.

1. Select wood from the supplier which has been properly dried. It should have stress reliefs. (These are ridges which help reduce movement and aid in gluing).
2. Store the wood in the home or building in which it will be installed for ay least a week at a humidity of about 45 percent..

There are 2 installation options for wide-plank wood flooring. The best option will be determined by the height allowance between the slab and exterior door or the transition
to other flooring surfaces in the house. This is measured from the top of the slab to the bottom of the exterior door or adjacent flooring surfaces.

Depending on your height allowance, there are several options you can follow.

Height Allowance- 1/2 to 3/4 inch

You can glue planks directly to concrete using either a Sika or Bostiks adhesive product, by spreading 1 layer of glue onto the concrete and placing your 1/2 to 3/4 inch planks, directly on the adhesive. Allow at least twelve hours drying time before finishing your floor.

Height Allowance- 1/2 to 3/4 inch (with plywood subfloor)

First add a moisture barrier by putting down a layer of 6 mm polyethylene onto the concrete. Then use a Hilti Direct fastening tool to attach the 1/2 inch subfloor directly- with concrete nails. Install 1/2 in. milled Wide Plank Floors, by nailing and gluing.

Height Allowance- 1 1/2 inches or over (with plywood subfloor)

First add a moisture barrier by putting down a layer of 6 mm polyethylene onto the concrete. Then attach a 3/4 inch subfloor directly with a Hilti Direct fastening tool using concrete nails to attach through the plywood into the concrete. Install 1/2 in. milled Wide Plank Floors, by nailing and gluing.

By using high quality wood flooring, choosing the correct adhesives and tools for the job, and carefully following manufacturers directions... installing a wood floor over
concrete is definitely a doable project for the do-it-yourselfer.