Engineered hardwood is the recommended choice for concrete slabs. The main concern is slab moisture: use ASTM F2170 in-slab RH probes or ASTM F1869 calcium chloride tests rather than relying on cure time. Simple plastic-sheet checks can screen for obvious issues but aren't definitive. Installations can be floating or glue-down with appropriate underlayment and adhesives; nail-down is not suitable. If tests exceed manufacturer limits, use vapor retarders or mitigation systems. Always follow manufacturer acclimation and climate requirements and consider a flooring pro for complex or below-grade slabs.

Can you put hardwood on a concrete slab?

Yes - but the approach matters. Solid hardwood is generally not recommended over below-grade concrete because it's sensitive to moisture and movement. Engineered hardwood, with a plywood or HDF core and a real wood veneer, is far more stable and is the usual choice for slab installations.

Key issue: moisture control

Wood responds to moisture: it swells when wet and shrinks when dry. That movement can damage a finished floor if the slab releases moisture. Modern practice emphasizes testing and mitigation rather than a fixed waiting period.

  • New concrete cures in 28 days but can still emit moisture for months. Rather than relying on time alone, test the slab before installing.
  • Use quantitative tests: ASTM F2170 in-slab relative humidity (RH) probes and ASTM F1869 calcium chloride moisture emission tests are the industry standards. They give reliable, measurable results installers and manufacturers use to approve or reject a slab.

Temporary checks and acclimation

A simple polyethylene sheet (plastic) taped to the slab for 48-72 hours can reveal obvious vapor problems (surface condensation). It's a quick screening tool but not a substitute for ASTM tests.

Follow the flooring manufacturer's acclimation instructions. Many engineered products call for 48-72 hours on the conditioned jobsite; others may require longer. Keep the space at normal living temperature and humidity during acclimation and installation.

Installation options and moisture mitigation

  • Floating installations (tongue-and-groove engineered planks that click together) are commonly used over concrete with an appropriate underlayment and vapor retarder.
  • Glue-down installations are also common; use adhesives formulated for concrete and compliant with the manufacturer's moisture limits.
  • Never nail solid hardwood into a slab. Nail-down methods require a wood subfloor.
If tests show excessive moisture, mitigation methods include high-performance vapor retarders beneath the slab (for new construction), surface-applied moisture mitigation compounds or epoxy moisture barriers, and engineered membranes designed for flooring. In some cases supplemental dehumidification or sub-slab drainage systems are necessary for below-grade spaces.

Final checklist before you install

  • Perform ASTM-standard moisture tests (F2170 and/or F1869).
  • Confirm results meet the flooring manufacturer's published moisture limits.
  • Choose an installation method (floating or glue-down) compatible with the product and slab conditions.
  • Use proper vapor retarders or mitigation systems if needed.
  • Allow the manufactured product to acclimate per instructions and maintain stable indoor climate after installation.
If in doubt, hire a flooring professional experienced with slab work and request written acceptance of moisture test results before starting.

FAQs about Hardwood Floor Over Concrete

Can I install solid hardwood directly on a concrete slab?
No. Solid hardwood is sensitive to slab moisture and movement and is not recommended directly over concrete. Engineered hardwood is the usual choice for slab installations.
How do I know if my concrete is dry enough?
Perform ASTM-standard tests: F2170 in-slab relative humidity probes or F1869 calcium chloride moisture emission tests. These provide the measurements needed to compare against the flooring manufacturer's moisture limits.
Is the plastic-sheet test useful?
Yes as a quick screen: tape a plastic sheet to the slab for 48-72 hours and check for condensation. But it's not a substitute for ASTM tests when preparing for hardwood installation.
What installation methods work on slabs?
Floating and glue-down installations are commonly used with engineered hardwood. Nail-down methods are not appropriate for concrete slabs.
What if moisture tests fail?
Mitigations include applying surface moisture barriers, using epoxy or proprietary membrane systems, installing sub-slab vapor retarders during new construction, or improving drainage/dehumidification. Re-test after mitigation.

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