Hardwood Floors on Concrete?

Question

Engineered hardwood floors on concrete. We just pulled up the old carpet and there is over spray paint from the builders on the concrete. Does that need to be completely scrapped up before applying the vapor barrier/glue?

Answer 1

no, the paint won't hurt anything.

Answer 2

If the spray is just "overspray" from the builders - just rock and roll along and glue your floor directly to the slab.

There is no need to install a vapor barrier with an engineered floor unless you are looking for added security that moisture will not get to your floor - in which case, if this is a concern - I would strongly recommend a calcium chloride test to be preformed. This is a test where the moisture vapor coming out of your slab is tested. A small dish with granules will be placed upside down on the slab - and then plastic placed over it for 24 hours. The amount of moisture absorbed by the granules will be measured to see if your slab falls within the parameters of installation of hardwood - or if a moisture sealant should be rolled onto the slab.

I'm sure that is WAY more info than you needed - but getting a new floor is a pain in the tail - and I would rather someone take the extra precautions so they only have to do it once.

Answer 3

Nope. The vapor barrier will cover it. Not many engineered floors use glue but it still doesn't make a difference on the concrete floor. Unless you are gluing it to the floor/vapor barrier.

Answer 4

You don't need to use glue with engineered hard wood floors. You can just put down the vapor barrier and install it as a "floating floor". You have definitely made the right choice with an engineered floor over concrete.

Answer 5

no just go ahead as long as it is level