Hardwood floor installers often use the term level when referring to subfloors when actually they are meaning the term flat while it s desirable to have a level floor most homes.
How to level a concrete floor for engineered hardwood.
The misconception is that a concrete subfloor must be completely level to install hardwood.
Typically the floor must be level and uniform within 3 16 inch every 10 feet.
When you re finished vacuum the floor thoroughly with a wet dry vacuum or sweep it with a broom.
When installing a basement hardwood floor the concrete must be flat so the tongue and grooves of the hardwood meet and connect.
Old basement slabs can crack and buckle in places.
Engineered hardwood is sturdier than traditional plank but surface preparation still matters.
Whether you re going on to install hardwood ceramic tile or laminate one of the most important steps of any flooring project is making sure the subfloor foundation is level.
For any flooring installation over concrete you should anticipate potential problems with moisture levels.
Like any wood product engineered hardwood expands and contracts because of changes in moisture.
A floating engineered wood flooring installation on concrete can be an excellent choice if your subfloor is below grade.
Other products are better suited for a nail down installation where they are secured to a wood subfloor with nails or staples.
Once installed engineered wood planks look the same as solid wood planks.
How to level a floor.
Keep checking the floor with a level as you grind the concrete.
Check your wood flooring manufacturer s recommendations and sand any high spots with a concrete grinder.
Some engineered wood flooring products are designed for a glue down application when installing flooring over a concrete slab.
Installing a floating engineered hardwood floor works well at any grade level and over most types of subfloor surfaces.
Actually the floor must be flat which allows for minor variations in the level.
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.
Level floors are critical for reducing.
A dust mask will not give you enough protection.
Fill any low spots with a cementitious leveling compound following the manufacturer s directions and allow it to dry before proceeding.