I'm moving soon and one room is actually a patio that got converted into a room, but it has a brick floor. It looks pretty flat from the pictures, but I don't have any leveling tools to check it out, so I'm not sure if it's full bricks or just those half-brick sheets used for design. I'm a total newbie but eager to learn! I'm looking for some advice on how to properly prepare for installing laminate flooring over this.
I'm considering a few options:
1. Using self-leveling concrete over the brick—I've heard this might be a bad idea since it could crack, and I'm not sure if the bricks need to breathe or if the concrete might seep in between the bricks.
2. What about epoxy? Would that be better since it might not crack?
3. Should I just cross my fingers, install a vapor/sound barrier, and put laminate over it as is?
4. Or would it be best to remove the brick completely? If I do that, what should I do after?
I really appreciate any advice you all could give! Also, here's a picture of what it looks like: https://imgur.com/a/ZW37ftF
3 Answers
If it’s really converted into a room, the right move would be to remove those pavers and pour a concrete foundation. Sounds tough, but it’s probably the best way to go for durability!
Honestly, if it's a paver patio, it might settle and sink over time, which would mess up anything you place on top. Self-leveling concrete would likely crack in no time, and epoxy can fail during application. Laminate isn't the best choice either since it could crack at the joints, especially if there’s moisture. I suggest removing the pavers and pouring a proper concrete slab, or using a deck tile setup instead.
Is the room heated and cooled? It’s super important to check for moisture in the brick, especially after it rains since it should've been sloped away from the house. I wouldn’t go for plank laminate—even though it's labeled waterproof, that only lasts for a while. LVP could work, but you need a rigid base that’s level and flat. Make sure to use a moisture barrier too. If the room isn't conditioned and there's moisture, then it’s a no-go.