Is floating floor on concrete slab ok, or rather have a plywood base?

Ravin Singh

4 years ago

are there problems with floating floors to be aware of?

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Comments (3)

SJ McCarthy
4 years ago
Floating a floor over a concrete slab is very common. The things to be aware of: flatness...but this is required no matter how you install a rigid floor. Flatness doesn't matter under carpet (which is why builders LOVE to use carpet over concrete)...which is why it can take $$$$ to get a slab (that used to have carpet) ready for a rigid floor.

The next thing you need to be prepared for: the cost to get the slab ready for a rigid floor (floating or otherwise). A 'nice slab' can have a price tag of $2/sf. A nasty slab can have a price of $4/sf for preparation costs (includes labout and materials). Once your slab is ready, you can lay your floor.

The next thing to be aware of: underpad. Laminates and engineered hardwoods do very will with an underpad/underlayment (like cork). Vinyl does NOT like underpad. So it depends on what type of floating floor you have.

And the next thing to be aware of: moisture barrier. This is required no matter how you install your floor. Floating, glue down or the questionable practice of laying plywood first and then nailing a floor to it...you will ALWAYS need a vapour barrier over concrete that is at or below 'grade' (the ground).

These are all 'basic' flooring stuff. They aren't directed to a floating floor. They are required for all floors. A floating floor can have a few limits on length of run...but it depends on WHAT it is you are floating and the manufacturer's limitations. Without knowing the type of product you are installing, it is impossible to tell you what to 'look out for'.
PRO
Oak & Broad
4 years ago
A plywood base is usually preferred. It allows the floors (especially wide plank) to be easily installed.
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4 years ago
I would say glue down installation on slab could be a good alternative to floating, which give you a more permanent floor.

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Is floating floor on concrete slab ok, or rather have a plywood base?

Comments (3)

SJ McCarthy

Oak & Broad

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