Subsequent rows of panels are connected by the same technology. Always read the flooring manufacturers recommendations and instructions before installing the underlayment. If the concrete slab is already installed, then three things should be checked as part of the pre-installation process: dryness, level and cleanliness. Like other flooring materials that work well over concrete slabs, laminate uses layers to fight moisture. The first thing to consider before installation is preparing the subfloor. Install First Row of Flooring. This means that the choice of subfloor (i.e., what you install laminate over) needs to provide the right support. If your laminate flooring didn’t come with an attached underlayment, install a separate underlayment to help preserve and insulate the floors, dampen noise and protect against moisture. If the reading is more than or equal to 4.5%, it is unsafe to install flooring. Piece the first three rows of laminate flooring away from the wall. For vinyl tile, skip … Alternatively, screw rows of treated 1x4s to the concrete 16 in. Sat: 9:30 am – 3:30 pm If the concrete looks fine lay down the plastic underlayment. Rubber Tile. Use small sections of planks as spacers to hold the flooring away from … Hello everyone! Work with great care, otherwise you might scratch the jambs. How to lay laminate flooring on concrete The low spots need to be filled in with a mix of fresh concrete before installing flooring on uneven subfloor. Laminate flooring is a money-saving flooring choice that you can install in almost every room and over any type of subfloor, and that includes concrete. When installing laminate, vinyl, tile or hardwood flooring, it’s important to know how to level a floor. We hope the information of the article was useful for you. To prepare the foundation (concrete floor) for laying laminate you will need: To determine the roughness of the concrete floor we put a direct rail to the floor and a level is determined at any not very smooth place. Experienced professionals pay close attention to managing moisture and minimizing wood floor expansion and contraction when preparing to install hardwood floors on concrete slabs. Laminate flooring is very versatile but installing it on concrete can be tricky. Over the past few years, laminate flooring has become an extremely popular option for homeowners who are looking for an affordable solution – especially when it comes to finishing concrete floors. Many homeowners think concrete is a hard material that moisture can’t penetrate. Read through the manufacturer’s recommendations before starting the installation process. Cut the laminate with the back of the plank facing towards the saw. Then fasten 3/4-in. Many homeowners prefer laminate because it looks and feels like hardwood at a much more affordable price. One of the biggest changes in the space was achieved by installing new flooring. Fill in low spots with a concrete self-leveling compound. Contractor fixes the moisture barrier of the floor. Remember that concrete slabs are not immune to moisture. , STONEY CREEK, ON L8E 5R9, Weekdays – 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM Establish Installation Guidelines Measure and mark the center of all four walls at floor level. So that the flooring can adjust to room temperature as well as humidity. Cork is the best choice, but it’s quite expensive. After the complete drying of the surface you may start laying laminated flooring. Sat: 9:30 am – 3:30 pm One option you may not have considered is rubber tile, but if you are looking for an … If the type of panel is a locked one, they are inserted into one another in a horizontal plane. Wait 3 hours for it to dry. Here’s a tutorial on how to install laminate flooring. Laying a laminate vapor barrier helps to keep moisture from going into the fiberboard and causing it to warp. Laminated flooring is a modern way to create a stylish vibe for your living space. Cut each of the end pieces with a miter or circular saw. You should give the laminate flooring time to acclimatize before you are start the installation. Determine your starting wall. Then, lay a 6-mil plastic moisture barrier underlayment to further protect the material. It is necessary for them to adapt to the humidity and the temperature of the particular room. Installing Laminate Flooring on Concrete Steps If you’ve got concrete stairs to cover, the laminate must be glued down using high-quality construction glue. Here’s a guide to installing laminate flooring over concrete to get great-looking floors that last for years. Prepare the Subfloor. The quality of laying the laminated flooring much depends on the tools. Keep in mind that the base must be absolutely clean, free of cracks, holes, irregularities and other defects. From: … But, when it comes to concrete subfloors, excessive moisture is a definite concern. Since concrete is extremely hard, it can feel uncomfortable to walk on the floors if it lacks padding. (Use a long level to measure it; any variance over 3/16, Porous material and prone to moisture fluctuation, Adhesives loosen when moisture seeps through, Without the right underlayment, tiles and planks can warp from underneath, Often has bumps and creaks that lead to uneven installation. Remember that laminate flooring, like Swiss Krono USA’s Laminate Wood Flooring, is a floating floor — it will expand and contract as temperature and other conditions change. If your subfloor passes the moisture test, then place the laminate flooring in the room where it is to be installed and leave it for three days to acclimatize. The thinner construction of this type of vinyl plank should be taken into account if you are planning to add a foam underlayment. The laying is usually started with the first two rows. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. We want to give a huge shoutout to Select Surfaces for providing the laminate flooring for our studio makeover! The surface should be smooth and level. Begin installation by laying a plastic vapour barrier (minimum 6 mm thick) or any other manufacturer-recommended barrier on the concrete subfloor to prevent moisture from reaching the laminate flooring. If the concrete slab is new, you should give it at least 30 days to cure before installing any type of flooring. How to Install Vapor Barrier on Concrete Floor Under Laminate Flooring. The main rule – take the overlay 3-5 mm thick. Use vinyl tape to secure the barrier and keep it from coming out. Lay the 1x4s perpendicular to the direction you intend to install the floor planks. The installation process will vary according to the type of laminate planks and tiles you choose. They can be floated on the subfloor, for instance, if they have a click-lock system. Now, everything is ready for the installation of the laminated boards themselves. This should be available in the flooring section of any home repair store. To do this, take a bracket, one end of it is usually fixed to the seam panels, and the other is fixed with a hammer, which helps to reduce the weld line. First, apply a concrete leveling primer to the entire floor with a push broom. The structure is cinder block walls on a concrete slab. There are many factors to consider in order to install laminate flooring properly on a concrete subfloor. Before rolling out the underlayment, be sure to sweep, vacuum, and … Sunday – closed, How to Install Laminate Flooring Over Concrete, Parquet Flooring Patterns Ideal for a Luxury Home, the best underlayment for laminate flooring over concrete subfloor. The main rule – take the overlay 3-5 mm thick. Make sure they do not sit on the floor for too long. You will need: 1. a p… Suspended ceiling: having things well done, How to build a raft foundation and its features. Our laminate flooring is approved for use over radiant heating systems. The angle should be laid with the first panel. The first thing to consider before installation is preparing the subfloor. It is a great choice if you have pets and/or children. I’m feeling a bit behind on sharing our basement renovation updates with you all; we’ve had a lot going on behind the scenes lately that I ... Read More about How to Install Vinyl Plank over Concrete (ORC … DHCR105_floor-moisture-barrier-01_s4x3. Once assembled, slide the rows of laminate flooring into place next to the wall. If you efficiently manage all these criteria, you can rest assured that your floor installation will be completed perfectly. Now the laying of the laminated flooring is completed. During installation, place a full carton of planks or something equally heavy across the end of the row being installed to … To deal with this problem, use a moisture meter and check the humidity. I believe a “concrete slab” does not react the same as a basement concrete floor when it comes to moisture. The second row of the panels connects the first row of the panels, inciting its wooden mallet in order to reduce the gap between the panels. Installation procedure: Start by sealing the surface of the concrete with a chemical sealing agent that will create one more barrier between the base of the laminate, and any groundwater that may seep up over time. To do this, both the high and low spots need to be addressed when looking to install laminate flooring on uneven concrete. Laying laminate flooring on concrete floor level in your house or apartment. on center. Here is some useful information on the process. Sunday – Closed, Select locationEtobicoke locationStoney Creek store, Mon – Fri: 9:30 am- 6:30 pm If the panels have ‘click-locks’, the second panel should be connected at 45 degrees and then inserted into the first one, missing on the floor, thereby to be ‘clicked’. They have an adhesive band … If you are installing the flooring below grade or in a room with high humidity or moisture, such as a basement, install a vapor barrier as well as underlayment. Start installing laminate flooring by matching their tongue with the groove. The layer thickness should be not less than 0,5 inch. The thickness of the wedges should be about 0,5 inch. For calculating the required amount of laminated boards for a particular room, you should multiply its length by its width. Make sure that your concrete subfloors are in perfect condition in order to get flawless laminate floors. Download our Pergo Extreme Installation Guide below to see the process. Needless to say, the space has completely transformed over the last six weeks! Laying laminate flooring on concrete requires calculating the required amount of laminated boards, choosing a substrate beneath it, as well as some acquired tools for its installation. The next thing to consider is moisture. Laminate flooring is made of wood shavings and compressed plywood; these materials are not toxic and do not emit VOCs. Leveling floors can be a DIY project or left to professionals. Then, lay the first panel of the second row, which is cut in half, as the laying takes place in the form of brick masonry. Now it’s time to choose the option of laying the laminated boards. To close the gap on the long side, lift the outside edge of the plank about an inch, and push in firmly until the edges meet. If you lay laminated boards perpendicular to the windows, then add extra 7%, if diagonally – add 15%. There are several of them: While laying laminated flooring with your own hands, the best and the simplest way is perpendicularly to the window. You may need to cut and shape the planks near the edges of the room for better support. During installation, make sure you leave an expansion gap of 1/4″ on all sides. Start by placing laminate flooring on top of concrete inside the room. Damp mop occasionally followed by drying the floor using a soft and dry microfiber cloth. Put the dry cement mixture into the water, mix thoroughly and give a few minutes to settle. Then rotate down to lock. The quality of laying the laminated flooring much depends on the tools. Your email address will not be published. Before leveling, the floor surface should be cleaned. This makes it a reliable option to install over your concrete slab. If difference is greater than 2 mm for every 6 feet of the floor, it must be aligned. Then choose an overlay. Vinyl is a beautiful and convenient flooring choice for any basement. If you’re installing our laminate in a home where radiant heat is used, it is important that all installation guidelines are followed and approved underlayments are used. Then nail the flooring planks with a standard flooring nailer (see photo for details). I would like to install my wood laminate over a basement concrete floor using plastic vapor barrier then the wood laminate with no backing. Make sure that the subfloor is free of dust, debris and other unwanted elements. Apply firm pressure when pushing the planks together. Next, use a back-saw to cut the wooden door jamb, by holding it perfectly level. Preparing the Subfloor. a powerful electric jig saw for cutting the panels. Installing laminate flooring over a garage floor allows you to create a … The panels depend on the type of compound. Then, mix about 50 lb (23 kg) of the leveling compound in 20 cups (4,700 mL) of water. By providing a protective gap between the wall and the laminated board, set it into the wall surface with the wedges. Installing a hardwood floor over a concrete slab Even if your home was built on a concrete slab, you can still enjoy the beauty and charm of hardwood floors. A concrete slab is perfect for parking cars on, but for those occasions when the garage becomes just another extension to the rest of the home, a different flooring type may prove more suitable. Thank You JoeD This will help to prevent chipping. Also, a sufficient expansion gap should be allowed so that it does not crack or warp. If you are not sure you can install laminate flooring perfectly, let a professional flooring installer handle it. For proper installation, the subfloor or old flooring surface must be flat, … Level these off to create a smooth and flat area that are even with the surrounding hills. Moreover, the installation is very straightforward and DIY-friendly if you choose click lock flooring planks. Before the installation itself, leave laminate boards in the room for some time. The truth is that moisture vapour can easily pass through the concrete slab and cause declamation and warping of the laminate flooring. Before starting this step, prepare the subfloor and lay the underlayment carefully. Vinyl Tile. To help you achieve the perfect installation, we’re giving you a few pointers before you get started. Privacy Policy | Copyright © 2020 Houseunderconstruction.com, How to install underlayment for laminate flooring. None of the comments refer to a basement concrete floor. Sunday – closed, 1266 SOUTH SERVICE Rd. Now you just need to establish the wooden, plastic or polyurethane floor skirting to finally become the owner of a beautiful and durable floor that will give your room a very clean and elegant look. Avoid waxing, polishing, steam cleaning or scrubbing the floor with steel wool. Laminate flooring is a popular flooring option because of its attractiveness, durability, scratch resistance and, most importantly, its ease of installation. You will lay the flooring lengthwise to this wall. 524 EVANS AVENUE,ETOBICOKE TORONTO, ONTARIO CANADA M8W 2V4, Mon – Fri: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm For calculating the required amount of laminated boards for a particular room, you should multiply its length by its width. When the solution is dried, re-organize the primer surface, fill it with self-leveling mixture and close the room for 24 hours. Today I’m sharing how we installed Golden Select Vinyl Plank flooring right over top of our concrete subfloors in the basement family room the One Room Challenge. From first row of laminate … Tip. Installing click lock vinyl plank flooring is very similar to laminate flooring. Then choose an overlay. The underlay should be chosen according to the subfloor. A floating installation is not secure enough for stairs, and flooring coming loose might lead to falls. We used two rolls. A level subfloor will help your flooring last longer and keep the finish attractive. treated plywood to the concrete with concrete screws spaced every 16 in. If over concrete, install a vapor barrier; Install your floor. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. How to start installing laminate floors in a basement: Swipe the floor of any dirt and check if the surface is even and has no cracks. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you lay laminated boardsperpendicular to the windows, then add extra 7%, if diagonally – add 15%. How to Install Laminate Flooring Over Concrete The Process of Installing Laminate Flooring on Concrete. Saturday – 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM The recent series of panels in the small space can not be set correctly. You need to keep it that way for at least three days before installation. The subfloor should be dry or else it can damage laminate planks. Take all necessary precautions to ensure a smooth installation. IMPORTANT: If you lay the laminated flooring on new concrete floors, you must know that the period of the complete drying is about 80 days. Blot excess liquids and spills with tissue paper and other absorbent materials. For the sutures to be less visible, the panel is stacked so that the light from the window falls on the surface of the parallel arrangement of technological seams. However, since laminates are made from compressed wood, avoid installing them in areas with high humidity and a good chance of getting wet, like bathrooms, porches, saunas and verandas. Place a piece of underlay on the concrete sub-floor, and a laminate board on top. Cork is the best choice, but it’s quite expensive. To align the base manually, you must find the highest point of the floor and away from the wall with a pencil put labels at the height of 2 inches. Then, according to the labels on the walls, pull a cord. Whether you're installing Pergo over concrete or wood floors, it's common to install a vapor barrier if you're concerned about moisture. Download our Pergo Extreme Uniclic Multifit Installation Guide Download our Pergo Extreme Uniclic Installation Guide; Finish installation, and enjoy your new floor As a result, several people have inquired regarding whether they will be able to install laminate flooring over their existing concrete floors. The laminate boards have to be placed and click-locked with each other starting from any corner. Put a rail horizontality and check its level. If you plan to transform your basement into a high traffic area for entertaining and relaxing, laminate could be a great option. However, if you are well acquainted with underlayment and moisture barriers that can be used along with laminate, a perfect installation is possible. Laminates can be laid down on almost all subfloors with minimal preparations, which is why many homeowners tackle its installation as a DIY project. In the case of concrete, the following are criteria and types of underlay you must consider: You can also check this blog by our experts which discusses in detail the best underlayment for laminate flooring over concrete subfloor. The solution is then distributed with the trowel evenly throughout the room and aligned with a plastic roller with spikes. If you want to build comfortable floors, add a layer of laminate padding on top of the vapour barrier. Here are a few things you will need for the installation: If you have tongue and groove planks, all you need is a rubber mallet and proper underlayment.