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How to install timber floorboards over concrete slab?

Lee777

Guys,

Im looking at installing 13mm solid jarrah floor boards on existing concrete slab.

Do you have any videos/publications on:-

Preparation

Any moisture membrane requirements

The best glue/adhesive to use

Installation processes

Sanding, staining and sealing.

Thanks!

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Comments

Jason

Hi @Lee777,

Apologies for the slow response. It's been a busy time on the site with many members tackling projects over the Easter break. I'm sure one of our resident Bunnings D.I.Y. experts will be happy to assist as soon as possible.

Jason

EricL

Hello @Lee777

My apologies for the late reply. Allow me to try and answer some of your questions.

The concrete floor will need to be checked for flatness. You can use a long spirit level and mark the floor with chalk to indicate where you'll need to use self-levelling cement.
A silicone vapour shield such as the Qep 2mm White Laminate Floor Underlay can be used for applications requiring moisture protection. Please note that this is dependent on the type of installation method being applied.
The general installation methods I'm familiar with is either using timber strips or using large panels of plywood over the vapour shield. However, direct installation to a concrete base is best handled by a professional.
Here are some handy step-by-step guides to sanding and sealing timber floors - How to sand timber floors and How to seal timber floors.

In regards to the adhesive, I'll need to confer with my friends regarding which ones to use. I'm sorry but Bunnings does not have a timber floor installation video.

If this is your first attempt at installing timber flooring and it is a large area, I propose engaging the services of a professional installer. It will be installed to industry standards and is covered by the installers warranty.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

wooshka

HI @Lee777 , i have done this exact job myself as i was the recipient of an the area of of full house of old Wandoo floor boards.

If its under main roof inside the house i cant see any need for a membrane as the wood with breath anyway

I caused myself extra work as well as i wanted them to all be 600mm long, so each board was cut and then cleaned up to suit.

I then bought some external grade 18mm ply and cut into 50mm strips and glued them down with liquid nails and concrete nails, quite the job

next step i ran the first row down and nailed each board down with a nail gun , but being Wandoo i had to pre drill everything!

I laid the whole lot on an easter weekend with my daughter doing the pre drilling ( i had done the other work over a few months)

then i hired a Contractor to do the sanding and sealing

Unfortunatly no pics! we have since sold the house, if i can find any i will add them

Lee777

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/36265#Comment_36265

Thanks Wooshka,

That sounds like a good project.

I have to fix direct to the concrete so the timber will match existing tiled area.

Thanks for providing details on your project.

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/80382#Comment_80382

Hi @Lee777,

Although you could try and glue down the floorboards with an adhesive like Liquid Nails that wouldn't be recommended by the floorboard manufacturer. As @wooshka mentioned, it would be best to install timber strips onto the concrete and then attach your floorboards to those with nails. I understand that you don't have the height to do that so perhaps you might like to consider Hybrid Vinyl flooring instead.

Mitchell

wooshka

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/104744#Comment_104744

Hi @MitchellMc , @Lee777 , we did have the issue of the floor boards being approx 35-40mm higher than existing flooring(18mm ply plus 20mm Wandoo), but what i did was tapered the flooring down towards the existing height so the max height difference was about 8mm.

at the end of the day it worked.

Also if you just use an adhesive to glue them down only it will be extremely difficult to get a nice finish as natural timber moves with the climate , i.e expands and contracts, so it needs to be secure

Lee777

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/119455#Comment_119455

Thanks Guys,

I have one room with a lower floor level where I could use the strip method.

What product would be best for the strips?

What are the best fixtures for the strips?

What size would be best for the strips?

What spacing are best for the strips?

Thanks

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/128356#Comment_128356

Hi @Lee777,

The timber you use would typically be the largest possible for the space you have. How much height can you afford to use? Something like this 42 x 28mm Merbau would be suitable, or possibly 42 x 18mm Pine, though it would be better to use a hardwood like Merbau.

I'd recommend fixing the strips down with Liquid Nails and masonry screws.

The spacing between the strips will be around 450mm.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

Noyade

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/134089#Comment_134089

Morning @MitchellMc

I'm always interested in learning new ways of attaching things to concrete - so those screws above look very interesting. Yet reviewers on the Bunnings site - Vaughn and Chris - describe them as "useless" and "rubbish" - and I'm wondering why.

There must be a pilot hole?

And do you know much about these?

Saw them recently.

Cheers.

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/137702#Comment_137702

Hi @Noyade

Without further details, I can only presume that the heads could have snapped off if they hadn't pre-drilled as required. The Ramset Masonry Screw is both fast and easy to install as it simply screws into a pre-drilled hole.

Those SPLITZ anchors would certainly be another suitable option and would likely work well for attaching timber battens to the concrete. Was there anything you were interested in knowing? They work well in solid concrete, but I'd be hesitant to use them on blockwork where you could encounter voids.

Mitchell

Noyade

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/140170#Comment_140170

Thanks @MitchellMc

I just had a look at those screws in store and it definitely mentions a pilot hole - 5/32" if I remember correctly. A 4mm masonry drill would suffice?

They look really good and Ramset in my mind has always been an innovative fastener company - so I don't know why the "head splitting" reviews.

I will try them. I've gone off dynabolts and sometimes the concrete bolts (good as they are) are too large for the job.

Fasteners are fascinating. 😁

Lee777

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/36262#Comment_36262

Thanks Eric,

With floating floors:

are they serviceable as far as sanding and staining

with wearing, are they as well wearing as solid timber

are there things to consider when selecting floating floor boards

do they require an underlay

thanks

Lee

EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/80615#Comment_80615

Hello @Lee777

Thanks for sharing your question about floating flooring. An excellent example of floating flooring is the Floor Select 6mm 2.2m² Blackbutt Hybrid Waterproof Flooring. It is 100% waterproof and has a 25-year residential warranty. It's easy to install with pre-adhered 1.5mm foam underlay and each pack contains 10 planks or 2.20sqm.

This is one of the easiest floating floor systems you can install as it is complete and does not require a separate underlay. It is hard wearing and does not need to be sanded or stained and because it is waterproof, it can be subjected to water spills and direct wet floor mopping.

Here is a link for ideas and inspiration: 5 ways to revamp your floors.

I also suggest having a look at this discussion - D.I.Y. floating laminate floor installation by @mich1972. The only thing to consider when it comes to floating floors is the colour and finish as it will be permanent, because it can't be sanded down or changed.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

Lee777

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/104874#Comment_104874

Thanks Eric,

Do you have anything like a 13mm jarrah floating floor option

EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/119531#Comment_119531

Hi @Lee777

I'm sorry the closest size I have is Medina 12mm 1.30m² Santos Mahogany Laminate Flooring. I suggest having a look at the Bunnings Website so that you can see what's available.

If you need further assistance, please let me know.

Eric

Lee777

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/128408#Comment_128408

Thanks Eric,

Does this product require an underlay?

Is it stainable or sandable?

Can I get a sample?

EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/134127#Comment_134127

Hello @Lee777

My apologies, I forgot to mention that this requires underlay and is not waterproof like the Hybrid models. This has an MDF core so it can't be subjected to long term water exposure.

If you need further assistance, please let me know.

Eric

Lee777

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/137727#Comment_137727

Thanks Eric,

I picked up a sample.

How does this product go with spilt drinks and mopping?

Can you provide a link to the underlay?

Can a clear be applied to make it more protected from wetness?

can you provide a link to the warranty?

Thanks,

Lee

EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/140200#Comment_140200

Hello @Lee777

It can withstand spilt drinks, but it must be wiped as soon as possible and not allowed to soak. You can't use a regular cloth mop as it holds too much water. It is possible to use a Sabco Xtra Wide Space Saving Lightning Sponge Mop⁠⁠⁠⁠ but must not be used soaking wet and the floor must be wiped dry as soon as possible.

Here is the link to the QEP Silver Laminate Floating Floor Underlay.

It's not necessary to apply a clear sealer over the flooring surface and is not recommended due to incompatibility.

I'll have to give our supplier a call and see if they have a link to the warranty of the laminate floor. As soon as I have more information, I'll get back to you.

If you need further assistance, please let me know.

Eric

EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/140200#Comment_140200

Hello @Lee777

I've sent the warranty details and a picture of the Medina floor packaging to your email.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

Lee777

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/104874#Comment_104874

Hi Eric,

I picked up a sample

https://www.bunnings.com.au/floor-select-6mm-2-2m-blackbutt-hybrid-waterproof-flooring_p0135656

is there an underlay I can install underneath this flooring to get the level to match existing tiles @ 13mm?

EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/119876#Comment_119876

Hello @Lee777

I propose having a look at the BGC Fibre Cement 2440 x 1200 x 7.5mm 2.93sqm Duratex Blueboard and placing it on your floor. Keep in mind that it is ever so slightly higher by .5mm so you'll end up with 13.5mm. There is a lower sheet option at 6mm, but that will make your flooring lower by 1mm. I'll leave the decision up to you.

If you need further assistance, please let me know.

Eric

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