Installing BR111 5/16 over concrete on grade

17 years ago

I thought I knew which route I was taking, until two days ago. I read through the last 60 pages of this forum. Awesome information. However, I have to ask some pointed questions. I am on the Panhandle of Florida, and have a 10 yr old house, on slab. I had engineered wood installed in one BR last year, and two rooms re-carpteted. I am satisfied with the company that did the work, but I want to install wood myself in the LR and DR (carpeted now). Never installed wood before, but have done other projects (ceramic tile, peel and stick floors, plumbing, basic electrical, etc.)

OK. Wife and I were in Lowes browsing, she fell in love with the BR111 Indusparquet 5/16 solid Tigerwood. Salesman advises moisture test, and seal concrete, and insists it can be glued down. Indeed the literature, and BR111 web site support that. Good enough for me...almost. After reading through these posts, I don't have a warm fuzzy.

Is it possible the BR111 solid has been treated differently that would allow install over concrete? I certainly respect the experience of the professionals that post on this board, and get the impression that most are dead set against solid wood over concrete, but would like a specific opinion on this application

1. Assuming moisture test is satisfactory, and following BR111 requirements for surface prep sealer and adhesive, would you consider this a crap-shoot?

2. Should I tell the wife to move-on, and find something else? (Of course, she hasn't cared for the look of any of the pre-engineered she has seen so far).

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Comments (5)

jerry_t
17 years ago
Solids can be successfully glued to slabs but you have to follow the adhesive manufactures instructions to the letter. NOFMA recently gave their approval on this but I still prefer using engineered woods over concrete, that's the whole reasoning behind the engineered products... problematic installations.

Do not get confused about a sealer. Sealed slabs cannot be glued over. What you need is a trowable or roll on moisture barrier that is "compatible" with the adhesive. The adhesive needs to be either a moisture cured urethane like Bostik's BEST or BST or a 2-part epoxy/polyurethane adhesive like Silovil 3000. No water based or acrylic adhesives under a solid wood.
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cudaowner
Original Author
17 years ago
Jerry, thanks for the input. Well, that's a bummer, but since this is going to be an DIY project, It doesn't make since to take additional risks (since the pros have reservations). I am going to go with the BR111 Triangulo 3/8 engineered Tigerwood instead. Doesn't quite look as nice, and is more expensive...but I guess that is life on a slab!
Can you pls comment further on your sealer statement above. I plan on conducting a moisture test, but was planning on using a sealer anyway, just as an extra precaution. The BR111 installation instructions specifically mention approved sealers to use on concrete (prior to the appropriate adhesive). Franklin Titebond 531, Bostik MVP, Sika Primer, Dri Tack MC7000. Having said that, any recommendations on any of these approved brands for my application. Not too concerned about cost, as much as I am about quality, and ease of use/application for an amateaur.
Thanks in advance,
Larry
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jerry_t
17 years ago
Don't discount everything yet. There is a company that will state in writing you can glue down a solid wood floor over concrete with a "written" warranty. They also make a primer (sealer) that will act as a true moisture barrier before the adhesive goes down. What I meant by confusion is some folks think a sealer is something like Thompson's water sealer, products like that are not compatible with gluing down a wood floor or setting tile. What you mentioned are actually primers or moisture control systems. That means you should use a system, like Bostik's MVP4 along with Bostik BEST or BST adhesive, same with Franklin or Sika.
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floorguy
17 years ago
I like Taylor adhesives with engineered wood
www.WFTaylor.com

Look at their 2071 adhesive.
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rick_northerncoatings_com
13 years ago
Hydro-Seal 75 water based epoxy waterproof coating will work as a waterproof coating beneath wood flooring. Prepare surface by removing all contaminates by washing surface with TSP, and then diamond grinding floor.
Apply 2 coats of Hydro-Seal 75 and moisture levels will be reduced to near zero.
Hydro-Seal 75 dries to a flat finish so it is compatable with all types of adhesives. Plus, Hydro-Seal 75 is an epoxy that is chemically resistant to solvents that are in many of the adhesives out there.

For a DIY project as mentioned above, application of Hydro-Seal 75 is simple.
1.Just mix Hydro-Seal 75 at a 1 to 1 ratio and stir for 3 to 5 minutes.
2.Then apply with 3/8 inch nap roller; allow to dry 2 to 4 hours
3. Apply 2nd coat of Hydro-Seal 75 and you are done

Here is a link that might be useful: Basement Sealerman Blog
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Installing BR111 5/16 over concrete on grade

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jerry_t

cudaowner
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Installing BR111 5/16 over concrete on grade

Comments (5)

jerry_t

cudaownerOriginal Author

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jerry_t

floorguy

rick_northerncoatings_com

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cudaowner
Original Author