Hey everyone! I'm a new homeowner looking to install hardwood floors, specifically 8-inch wide white pine, but I'm running into some confusion because I have a concrete slab. I've heard so many conflicting opinions about whether I should use plywood or glue the hardwood directly. I'm really looking for advice from those who have actually installed hardwood floors on concrete. I want to avoid the common pitfalls and not waste time with unhelpful suggestions. Thanks a ton in advance!
3 Answers
I’ve installed 8-inch engineered white oak in my basement over a concrete slab. It’s crucial to use a high-end engineered wood as it's more stable with moisture fluctuations. On the other hand, we used traditional hardwood upstairs over a subfloor, and the costs are pretty comparable for good quality wood. For our install, we used cork board to glue it down.
Just to clarify, while pine is technically considered a hardwood, it can be softer than others. I’d suggest considering engineered hardwood instead of solid wood if you're doing a glue-down installation. Using plywood under the hardwood could elevate the floor and create unevenness, so keep that in mind.
Putting hardwood on concrete definitely has its challenges. Even with the best installation, you can still run into problems. I'd recommend staying away from wide planks like 8 inches since they tend to cup and warp more easily compared to narrower options. When I did this before, I used a process where we glued and then nailed down 3/4" plywood, added a moisture barrier, and finally installed the hardwood. Just a heads up—it’s a tricky job, and labor costs can get around $10 per square foot.