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The foam pads used for laminates are often moisture barrier's. By not allowing the moisture from the concrete anywhere to go, it will trap it with the wood parquet. Wet wood swells and will cause the laminate to fail. For this reason, laminate should not be laid on top of parquet which is on a concrete subfloor.

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16y ago

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What are the differences between laminate engineered and solid wood flooring?

laminate floor is floating, ie it is hooked to itself and is not attached to subfloor - wood flooring is nailed to subfloor, usually thru the tongue .. you must then finish the wood flooring, and laminate already has its finish..


Does tongue and groove flooring need to be glued?

Most T&G flooring can be installed with Nail, Staples or Glue...all depending on the subfloor


Can you install laminate flooring on concrete?

Absolutely. Laminate flooring is a perfect choice to go over concrete. You need to use a vapor barrier over the concrete and ensure that the concrete is reasonably flat. The concrete should have no dips or bumps of more than 1/8" Laminate is made of laminated HDF board which has imprint on it. HDF or High Density Fiberboard is a compound of the wood dust and particles which are pressed and glued together. All of the boards are laminated from top and bottom. It protects laminate from subfloor moisture and foot traffic. It sounds very promising and logical, but laminate still has two issues: 1) Every board has interlocking click-in system on the edges so material can float over the subfloor. These edges are processed(not always) with the chemicals which stop some water from penetrating into the laminated board. Those chemicals are not perfect making laminate material vulnerable against moisture. With time boards might buckle. It takes a while; you won't see much change after just one year, but with moderate moisture, you will most likely see it during the second year of use. 2) During the laminate installation process, installers have to do several cuts on the edges. These cuts uncover HDF board from the chemicals and laminated parts used for water resistance. Unless you seal or finish every edge with water resistant products, this area stays unprotected and eventually will buckle too. Vinyl material, however, has a huge advantage - it is fully protected against any moisture. Any cuts to the product won't harm the material or reveal any exposed area. Another positive thing about vinyl is the use of underlayment; without it the floor will be too hard for your feet. In general, underlayment for the vinyl floor is made out of foam, which has perfect resistance against moisture or water. There is a huge advantage of the vinyl over other products, including laminate. It is very important to know what material you're dealing with. Based on the material knowledge, you can analyze different options and see for yourself what material fits your needs better. If the concrete you're covering is in a basement with a higher moisture content, vinyl might be a better option.


What is sub flooring?

A subfloor is a base floor for main floor like if you are willing to have under floor heating system then a floor is built first then the main flooring is made so basicall base floor of main floor is subfloor. subfloors are generally made from at least two layers of moisture resistant ('AC' grade, one side finished and sanded flat) plywood or composite sheeting.


Installing Laminate Floors?

form_title=laminate floor installation form_header=11133 Has the flooring material already been purchased for this project?*= () Yes () No What is your preferred variety of laminate flooring ?*= () Simulated hardwood () Simulated tile () Simulated stone or marble Which rooms would you like to install new flooring in? (Select all that apply)*= [] Living room [] Dining room [] Kitchen [] Hallway [] Stair Landing [] Entry [] Bedroom(s) [] Bathroom(s) [] Family room [] Stairs

Related Questions

What are the best flooring options for installing over concrete?

The best flooring options for installing over concrete are laminate, vinyl, and engineered hardwood. These materials are durable, moisture-resistant, and can be installed directly onto concrete without the need for a subfloor.


What are the differences between laminate engineered and solid wood flooring?

laminate floor is floating, ie it is hooked to itself and is not attached to subfloor - wood flooring is nailed to subfloor, usually thru the tongue .. you must then finish the wood flooring, and laminate already has its finish..


What are the basic requirement for laminate flooring?

The basic requirements for laminate flooring include a solid subfloor and floor and a stable temperature for the initial installation.


How can I level a plywood subfloor in preparation for installing laminate flooring?

To level a plywood subfloor for laminate flooring installation, you can use a self-leveling compound or plywood shims to fill in any gaps or uneven areas. Make sure the subfloor is clean and dry before applying any leveling materials. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the leveling compound and allow it to dry completely before proceeding with the laminate flooring installation.


Do I need underlayment for laminate flooring?

Yes, underlayment is typically recommended for laminate flooring to provide cushioning, sound absorption, and moisture protection. It can also help with insulation and smooth out minor imperfections in the subfloor.


What is the best flooring option to install over a concrete slab?

The best flooring option to install over a concrete slab is engineered hardwood or luxury vinyl plank. These options are durable, moisture-resistant, and can be installed directly on top of the concrete without the need for a subfloor.


What is a floating floor and how does it differ from other types of flooring installations?

A floating floor is a type of flooring installation where the individual planks or tiles are not directly attached to the subfloor. Instead, they are locked together and float over the subfloor. This differs from other types of flooring installations, such as glue-down or nail-down, where the flooring is secured directly to the subfloor. Floating floors are easier to install, can be installed over existing flooring, and are often more forgiving of imperfections in the subfloor.


What are the necessary steps for preparing a subfloor for vinyl flooring installation?

To prepare a subfloor for vinyl flooring installation, follow these steps: Clean the subfloor to remove any dirt, debris, and dust. Repair any cracks, holes, or uneven areas in the subfloor. Ensure the subfloor is level by using a leveling compound if needed. Install a moisture barrier if the subfloor is concrete. Allow the subfloor to dry completely before proceeding with the vinyl flooring installation.


Why is my laminate flooring lifting at the edges?

Laminate flooring can lift at the edges due to moisture exposure, improper installation, or subfloor issues. Moisture can cause the boards to swell and lift. Improper installation, such as not leaving enough expansion gaps, can also lead to lifting. Subfloor issues like uneven surfaces or debris underneath can create pressure points that cause the flooring to lift.


How can I install vinyl flooring over concrete?

To install vinyl flooring over concrete, first ensure the concrete is clean and level. Apply a moisture barrier if needed. Then, lay down a plywood subfloor and secure it to the concrete. Finally, install the vinyl flooring according to the manufacturer's instructions.


Can you lay slate over laminate?

No, laminate is not an acceptable subfloor.


What are the benefits of installing laminate flooring with underlayment?

Installing laminate flooring with underlayment provides several benefits. The underlayment helps to reduce noise, provides a cushioned feel underfoot, and can help to smooth out minor imperfections in the subfloor. Additionally, underlayment can help to improve the overall durability and longevity of the laminate flooring by providing a moisture barrier and added protection against wear and tear.