Laying Timber Flooring Over Concrete

Laying Timber Flooring Over Concrete: Essential Aspects

Upgrading your flooring with timber over concrete is an excellent way to enhance the aesthetics and durability of your home. To achieve a successful installation, it's imperative to consider several crucial aspects:

Subfloor Preparation:

Ensure that the concrete subfloor is level, dry, and free from any imperfections. Uneven surfaces can cause the timber flooring to buckle or warp over time. Consider using a self-leveling compound to rectify any significant deviations.

Moisture Protection:

Concrete floors are notorious for holding moisture, which can damage timber flooring. To prevent this, install a moisture barrier, such as polyethylene sheeting, between the concrete and the timber.

Underlayment:

An acoustic underlayment is recommended beneath the timber flooring. It acts as a sound insulator, reducing noise and reverberations. It also provides additional cushioning and helps prevent moisture from seeping into the timber.

Timber Selection:

Engineered timber flooring is a suitable choice for concrete subfloors due to its stability and moisture resistance. Solid timber flooring can also be used, but it requires more extensive preparation and maintenance.

Installation Method:

Timber flooring can be installed using several methods, including floating, nail-down, or glue-down. The floating method is most common for concrete subfloors and involves interlocking the planks without attaching them to the subfloor.

Expansion Gap:

Allow an expansion gap of 10-15mm around the perimeter of the room. This will accommodate the natural expansion and contraction of the timber flooring as it acclimates to changes in temperature and moisture.

Finishing Touches:

Once the flooring is installed, you can enhance its appearance and durability by applying a sealant. Choose a sealant specifically designed for timber flooring and follow the manufacturer's instructions for application.

By carefully considering these essential aspects, you can ensure that your timber flooring over concrete will remain a beautiful and resilient addition to your home for years to come.