In the world of flooring, there are many options for homeowners to choose from. There is a type that can be installed on concrete slabs. For those who have a house or office with a concrete slab and want to treat it like more traditional floors, we’re here to teach you how. This will involve the use of self-leveling cement and wood planks that are not only pressure-treated but also come with pre-attached nails for easy installation! Please read this entire article and follow the instructions. Soon enough, you will have your own hardwood floor!
Pick out your desired type of material
In Houston, some people prefer to install their hardwood flooring over an existing subfloor that is made of another material. If this is the case, you will need to inspect the subfloor for any nails or metal objects that are sticking out of it before installing your new hardwood floor. You can also double-check with a stud finder before installation to make sure the subfloor is structurally sound.
Buy the materials needed
Buy the materials needed for the job, which include the wood planks and self-leveling cement. The planks should come with pre-attached nails so you don’t need to worry about keeping them in one piece. The wood planks will also be pressure treated and pre-finished.
Remove old carpet and padding
If you’re currently using carpeting in your home, you’ll need to remove it before installing hardwood flooring. It is recommended that you use a rubbish bag, vacuum cleaner, or shop vac to suck up the carpeting debris. You may also pull up the padding with the help of a wire cutter.
Lay down cement
Begin by leveling out the ground with self-leveling cement. This will give your hardwood planks even footing and ensure they don’t buckle, warp or warp. Add more cement if necessary but just enough to cover about 12 inches worth of surface area for each plank. Begin at one end of the room and work your way across. Place a plank on top of the cement and then press down to ensure it is laying flat. Continue this process until you’ve laid down each plank.
Secure the flooring
Tack down your new hardwood planks with nails or staple guns to secure them in place. This will prevent any movement that may have been caused by natural ground settling over time. It could also help avoid any expansion or contraction of the wood planks due to environmental changes. Keep in mind that it may take a few months for your new flooring to fully settle and adjust if necessary. This will depend on the exact type you have installed, where you live and the specific weather conditions of your area. For example, areas that are more humid will see more swelling and shrinking than those that are dry.
Cleanup
Allow the hardwood flooring to dry out before applying any oil, wax, or polish. This will ensure it is ready for use when you’re done with the process. Now enjoy having a brand-new hardwood floor in your home!
Conclusion
It is important to remember that hardwood flooring installation on a concrete slab requires some extra steps. If all of this sounds intimidating and you’re looking for more help in choosing the perfect type of hardwood or figuring out how much material you’ll need, let us know! Our team is ready and waiting to partner with you so we can create an exquisite design that perfectly suits your needs.
