How to prepare concrete for hybrid flooring installation?

chrissyt

Hi Bunnings team! I have had tiles pulled up in 2 bedrooms and had hoped to have a grind and polyurethane seal performed on the old concrete floor, however the tradie said there is a bit of damp so the polyurethane would fail. The floor is also not quite flat. I am now thinking of getting hybrid flooring but want to confirm the process required to prep the floor. From what I have read, I need to place a damp-proof barrier (would love recommendatuons for the most suitable product as there seems to be heaps on the market), then prime the floor and have self-levelling concrete applied before installing the hybrid flooring. Does this sound correct? I've also read, as an alternative to hybrid flooring, that sealing the floor-levelling compound can actually look pretty good as a finished floor (would use rugs to add warmth) - any thoughts on this? Sooo many questions!

EricL

Hello @chrissyt

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your concrete floor.

I suggest addressing the source of dampness first before you start any sort of sealing on your floor. Generally speaking, the source of the dampness is often associated with the soil leaning against the masonry/brick wall of the house. As water passes through the soil and hits the wall it permeates the material of the wall and comes through to the other side causing hydrostatic pressure. This pressure pushes on any sealer placed on the surface of the concrete and pushes it right off.

To seal your wall the soil must be dug out, and a waterproofing membrane must be applied to the exterior wall. An example of this sealer is the https://www.bunnings.com.au/gripset-betta-1l-waterproofing-membrane-bitumen-rubber_p0960165 .

Once the dampness has been addressed and is no longer coming through your floor you can then start to decide how you wish to proceed. Levelling the floor will require the use of a self-levelling compound such as the https://www.bunnings.com.au/sikafloor-4020-fiberlevel-self-levelling-and-smoothing-compound_p1066527 . To seal your floor, I suggest looking at the https://www.bunnings.com.au/dunlop-4l-damp-proof-moisture-barrier_p6820176 .

In regard to leaving the floor in its aggregate state, I suggest having a look at this discussion - How to grind and seal a concrete kitchen floor? by @Hillmatt33. There is a great example of a before and after shot when the floor was polished.

Here are a few more discussions about sealing concrete floors:

• How to seal 1970s Besser block wall and concrete slab for new flooring? by @Ren2r
• How to seal concrete floor in converted veranda? by @Vantilles
• How to seal concrete floor? by @Rachel13

One other technique for floor preparation is to apply builder's plastic on the surface of the concrete floor before placing the hybrid flooring on the surface.

Here is a handy step-by-step guide: How To Lay Laminate Flooring

Please note that hybrid flooring already has the underlay attached to it and it's not necessary to place another layer underneath the flooring.

Please remember to wear personal protection such aas gloves, goggles and a mask when working on your project.

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

Eric