Before you can make the most use of a concrete slab foundation, you need to invest in the right flooring option. Certain concerns must be addressed to keep the floor in good shape. Bear in mind that concrete slabs are notorious for getting damp. And unless you take necessary precautions, the moisture will ruin your floor. Here are a few tips on choosing the best flooring for concrete slab foundation.
Best Flooring for Concrete Slab Foundation
Flooring experts generally advise against installing traditional plank or strip hardwoods below grade. This article discusses your best flooring options for concrete slab foundation which include: wood, rubber tile, ceramic tile, vinyl tile, carpet, and laminate for your whole house.
Wood
The ideal way to put down a wooden floor over concrete slab foundation is to start by putting down pressure 2-by-4-inch sleepers. Alternatively, you can put lengths of wood on the floor, each spaced 16 inches apart on center. You should then lay down 5/8-inch plywood after covering the sleepers with 6-mm plastic. Cover the plywood with 15-pound roofing felt before installing the laminate or engineered floor. You can glue or nail engineered wood floors to the plywood subfloor.
Carpet
Many people are hesitant about using carpet flooring on a concrete slab foundation due to moisture concerns. Nonetheless, you can lay a carpet in the same manner as wood. It’s crucial, however, to put down padding and protect the carpet from mold and mildew that may result from too much moisture.
If you’re thinking about installing a carpet on a concrete slab foundation, consider a low pile Berber carpet. it’s not only affordable but also made of synthetic materials which help your carpet to breathe.
Laminate
Laminate floors are not attached to the subfloor hence referred to as “floating” floors. They typically come as snap-together or tongue and groove. However, they can be placed directly on the slab if the concrete slab is always dry. Laminate floors are easy to install and you can save on installation costs by doing it yourself -- just make sure you’re laying it the right way.
Vinyl Tile
Vinyl is convenient, beautiful and works well for any basement. Apply mastic directly to the plywood and skip the 15-pound felt. If the concrete is uneven, consider a thicker grade to prevent people walking from feeling the bumps beneath the tiling. You can also go for vinyl plank flooring, which looks like wood, and is easy to install and repair when needed.
Ceramic Tile
For ceramic tile, use concrete nails to nail cement boards to the concrete floor and prevent them from moving. Then apply mastic, tile and grout. If you suspect that the floor might still get wet, put down about 3-inch sleepers and cover with plastic before installing plywood as the subfloor.
Rubber Tile
This is a popular flooring option for garages and can be laid as tiles. They lock together atop a moisture barrier and are less likely to be affected by mold as they’re inorganic. They’re also comfortable to the feet but you’ll need to remove them occasionally to let the concrete floor dry.
Bottom Line
The options mentioned are some of the best flooring for concrete slab foundation. Before adding a floor, be sure to deal with any moisture concerns. If water problems persist, seek the help of a professional. You can trust a flooring expert to ensure a professional installation and number of flooring services, giving you peace of mind.
