The reason for this is that solid wood flooring is much more susceptible to movement than engineered flooring due to fluctuating moisture and humidity levels.
Can you float a hardwood floor over concrete.
Here are the basics of how to install floating hardwood floors over concrete.
In new england a 3 4 hardwood floor installed directly over concrete will absorb moisture from the concrete slab and the boards will swell and cup.
You can choose any type of flooring solid or engineered and any type of method but i would suggest nailing since it s the most secure.
Before you start installing you are going to want to prepare the room.
The whole nature of solid hardwood flooring means that it is in a constant state of change due to the effects of rising and falling temperatures.
When we talk about a floating floor it means that the hardwood floor is not permanently attached to the subfloor.
You ll want to install an underlayment on concrete floor in basement.
Both laminate and engineered hardwood floors can be floated.
It rests or floats on top held in place by the weight of the floor itself.
Moisture can pose problems for solid hardwood floors below ground level so engineered wood floors made of layers of wood glued together are the best choice there.
Floating wood flooring can provide you with a simple installation and a beautiful floor at the same time.
If you have a concrete then you have choices to make.
With dry concrete and the right subfloors and vapor retarders solid hardwood floors can be installed on slabs that are either on grade at ground level or above grade above ground level.
Although it is not impossible to float a solid wood floor successfully generally speaking floating a hardwood floor is not a great idea.
Step 1 prepare the room.