Can you put wood flooring on top of concrete?

If you have a concrete slab main floor or basement, you may be wondering if it’s possible to install hardwood flooring directly on top of the concrete. The short answer is yes.

Should you tile over concrete?

You can install tile over concrete, but it’s not recommended. You would need to first take several precautions since installing tile directly over concrete can lead to the tile cracking and other potential problems. To properly install tile over concrete, you will need to start off with a sturdy flooring cover.

Do you need underlay for solid wood flooring on concrete?

It is important to mention that you do not need a wood floor underlay when you have a solid hardwood floor and that’s because it is not stable, hence it has to be installed mechanically to the concrete subfloor.

Do you have to seal concrete before tile?

Sealing a concrete floor before covering it with tile or carpet is a great idea. Sealing the concrete can prevent condensation and protect the floor. This means your carpet or tile stays dry and thus lowers the chances of mold and mildew building up.

How do you prepare a concrete floor before tiling?

Start by sweeping your concrete floor to get rid of all dust and debris. Then clean with a wet mop of plain water. Use a few tablespoons of a degreasing cleaner in warm water and scrub the concrete with a scrub brush. Finally, rinse thoroughly.

What do you seal a concrete floor with before tiling?

You should seal the floor with a suitable primer that is compatible with the adhesive you buy. i.e. buy Ardex primer for Ardex adhesive, BAL primer for BAL adhesives… Effectively it stops the draw (the sponge effect of the dry concrete) and creates a better adhesive bond.

What is the best underlay for wood flooring on concrete?

Laminate 3mm has a built in damp proof membrane so works great when laying on concrete, for example kitchens and other downstairs rooms. It also works well in upstairs rooms on wooden floor boards.

What do you put on concrete before tiling?

Level. Use floor leveling compound for large holes or flaws in your cement floor. The compound is a cement-based material that is thick enough to stay where it needs to be, but also flows well to fill in depressions to ensure your floor is flat.