Engineered Floor Underlayment
I’m installing an engineered wood floor over a concrete slab. I’d like to get the floor up an inch and give it some cushioning, so I’d like to put in an underlayment. I’d like to use Visqueen over the slab (it’s dry and 50 years old – the slab that is), then 1/2″ OSB, then the flooring. I’m in Los Angeles where we don’t have much of a rain problem and can’t buy Dri-Core anywhere locally.
Is OSB the best choice or should I go with plywood? Should I concrete screws or nails to attach the board to the concrete flooring? What kind of spacing do I need between boards? Is there a better way to do this? Any good advice would be much appreciated. Thanks.
Replies
Are you talking about attaching subfloor directly to the slab with only the visqueen separating the two? Or are you using some sort of sleepers between?
Sorry - I figured I'd have to put in some low sleepers spaced rather frequently. This would help emulate the Dri-Core idea. Some peole have suggested gluing directly to concrete with a new product from Bostich, but that doesn't sound like a great idea to me.
Edited 1/21/2006 7:58 pm ET by VeryRoughCarpenter
It's pretty simple: follow the manufacturer's installation guidelines. Assume all slabs on grade will wick moisture at some point. I'm sure the maker of your product will give you specific specs for this condition. Follow their specs to insure the warantee is honored.
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