Instructions for Installing Engineered Hardwood Flooring on Concrete Subfloors

Installing engineereed hardwood flooring on concrete can be a great way to get a hardwood look for a fraction of the cost. This new and improved hardwood is the perfect flooring for homes, offices, and commercial spaces. It is a great option for DIYers as the process to install engineered hardwood onto concrete is relatively straightforward. Here are a few steps on how to install engineereed hardwood flooring on concrete.

The first step is to assess the condition of the concrete floor. It is important to ensure that the floor is level, free of high moisture content, and properly prepared before installation can begin. To check the moisture content of the floors, a moisture meter should be used. If the floor is not level, use self-leveling or floor patch compound to even it up. Once the floor is ready, baseboards and quarter round should be removed, leaving an expansion gap around the perimeter of the room.

Next, using an adhesive trowel recommended by the manufacturer, spread the adhesive over a 3-foot area of the floor. After the adhesive is spread, begin installing the flooring from a corner of the room. Place the boards with the light side up for the best look. Make sure to press them down firmly and to lock the boards together. Continue installing the boards and cutting them to fit the walls following this same process.

At this time, it is important to put some heavy weight on the boards, such as with a few buckets of water, and also to roll out the boards with a 100-pound roller to ensure that all of the glue adheres to the wood. Once all of the boards are laid, clean up any dust or residue before proceeding.

Finally, take a look at the expansion gap and make sure it is still visible – at least 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch or however wide the manufacturer’s instructions state. The expansion gap may need to be adjusted during the installation process if the boards shrink during expansion or contraction in the future.

It may sound complicated, but it is doable and a great way to get the desirable look of a hardwood floor. As long as you have patience and pay attention to the instructions, you will end up with a beautiful hardwood floor that will last for many years to come.