The best way to put flooring on a concrete floor often involves gluing it down using a solid wood adhesive. However, the specific method depends on the type of flooring you're installing. Here's a breakdown of common methods and considerations:
Preparing the Concrete Subfloor
Before installing any flooring, preparing the concrete subfloor is crucial. This involves:
- Cleaning: Thoroughly sweep and vacuum the concrete to remove all dirt, dust, debris, and old adhesive residue.
- Repairing: Fill any cracks or holes with a concrete patch filler and allow it to dry completely.
- Leveling: Concrete floors are rarely perfectly level. Use a self-leveling compound to create a smooth, even surface. This is vital for a professional-looking and long-lasting flooring installation.
- Moisture Testing: Concrete is porous and can wick moisture. Conduct a moisture test (calcium chloride test is common) to ensure the concrete is dry enough to receive the flooring. High moisture levels can lead to mold, mildew, and adhesive failure. A moisture barrier might be necessary.
Flooring Installation Methods
The specific installation process varies based on the type of flooring:
Glue-Down Method
- Best for: Solid hardwood, engineered wood, vinyl tiles/planks, some carpets.
- Process:
- Apply a suitable adhesive (check the flooring manufacturer's recommendations) to the concrete subfloor using a notched trowel.
- Spread the adhesive evenly.
- Press the flooring firmly into the adhesive.
- Wipe away any excess adhesive immediately.
- Use a heavy roller to ensure proper bonding.
Floating Method
- Best for: Laminate, engineered wood, some vinyl planks.
- Process:
- Install an underlayment specifically designed for floating floors. This provides cushioning, sound insulation, and a moisture barrier.
- Click the flooring planks or tiles together, following the manufacturer's instructions. No adhesive is needed to secure the flooring to the concrete. The floor "floats" above the subfloor.
- Leave an expansion gap around the perimeter of the room to allow for expansion and contraction due to temperature and humidity changes.
Direct Fastening (Rare)
- Best for: Furring strips as a base for other floorings.
- Process: This involves mechanically fastening wood furring strips to the concrete. It is uncommon due to the labor and the potential for moisture problems. This may be needed if you need to run electrical or plumbing underneath the finished flooring.
Choosing the Right Flooring
- Solid Hardwood: Requires a very dry subfloor and is best glued down. Consider engineered wood as a more moisture-tolerant alternative.
- Engineered Wood: More dimensionally stable than solid hardwood and can be glued down or floated.
- Laminate: Typically installed as a floating floor over an underlayment.
- Vinyl (Luxury Vinyl Plank/Tile - LVP/LVT): Can be glued down or floated depending on the product. Some products have a "peel and stick" backing.
- Carpet: Can be glued down (direct glue) or installed over a carpet pad using tack strips (stretch-in method).
Always consult the flooring manufacturer's installation guidelines for specific instructions and recommendations for your chosen product.
