How Do You Install Hardwood Flooring on Cement?

AvatarByJoseph Thomas Flooring

Installing hardwood flooring on a cement subfloor can transform a cold, uninviting space into a warm and elegant area that enhances the beauty and value of your home. While hardwood floors are traditionally associated with wood subfloors, advances in materials and installation techniques now make it entirely possible—and practical—to achieve stunning hardwood floors over concrete. Whether you’re renovating a basement, a slab-on-grade foundation, or another cement surface, understanding the basics of this process is essential to ensure a durable, beautiful finish.

This undertaking requires careful planning and preparation to address the unique challenges posed by cement, such as moisture control and surface leveling. Choosing the right type of hardwood, underlayment, and installation method can make all the difference in the longevity and appearance of your floors. With the right approach, you can enjoy the timeless appeal of hardwood in spaces where it once seemed impractical.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the key considerations and steps involved in installing hardwood flooring on cement, helping you navigate the process with confidence. From moisture barriers to fastening techniques, you’ll gain a clear understanding of what it takes to bring warmth and style to your cement floors.

Preparing the Concrete Subfloor

Before installing hardwood flooring on a cement subfloor, thorough preparation is crucial to ensure durability and prevent issues such as moisture damage or uneven surfaces. Begin by cleaning the concrete thoroughly, removing any dirt, dust, grease, or debris that could interfere with adhesion or leveling materials.

Next, test the moisture content of the concrete using a moisture meter or a plastic sheet test. For the plastic sheet test, tape a 2-foot square piece of plastic to the concrete and leave it for 24-48 hours. If condensation forms underneath or the concrete darkens, moisture is present and must be addressed before installation. Excess moisture can cause hardwood to warp or buckle.

If the concrete is uneven, use a self-leveling compound to create a smooth, flat surface. Unevenness greater than 3/16 inch over 10 feet should be corrected, as it can cause gaps or damage to the hardwood flooring. Allow the leveling compound to cure fully according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Finally, install a moisture barrier such as a 6-mil polyethylene sheet or a specialized vapor barrier designed for hardwood flooring. This layer is essential to prevent moisture migration from the concrete into the wood, prolonging the life of the flooring.

Choosing the Right Hardwood Flooring Type

Not all hardwood flooring is suitable for installation over concrete. Engineered hardwood is generally preferred over solid hardwood because it is more dimensionally stable and less prone to expansion or contraction caused by moisture and temperature changes.

Consider the following when selecting hardwood flooring:

  • Engineered Hardwood: Composed of multiple layers of wood veneer with a hardwood top layer; offers better moisture resistance.
  • Solid Hardwood: Made from a single piece of wood; more susceptible to moisture damage and generally not recommended for direct installation on concrete without a proper subfloor.
  • Thickness: Flooring thickness typically ranges between 3/8 inch and 3/4 inch; thicker flooring may require additional acclimation time.
  • Finish: Prefinished flooring reduces installation time, whereas unfinished boards allow for custom staining and finishing after installation.
Type Moisture Resistance Installation Method Typical Cost
Engineered Hardwood High Glue-down, Floating, or Nail-down (with subfloor) $$ – $$$
Solid Hardwood Low Nail-down or Floating (requires plywood subfloor) $$$

Installation Methods Suitable for Cement Subfloors

Several installation techniques are viable for hardwood flooring on cement, each with its own advantages and requirements. Understanding these methods will help you choose the best fit for your project.

Glue-Down Installation
This method involves applying a strong adhesive directly to the concrete and setting the hardwood planks onto it. It requires a clean, level surface and a moisture barrier. Glue-down is especially common for engineered hardwood and provides excellent stability.

Floating Floor Installation
In a floating installation, the hardwood planks are not attached to the subfloor but instead lock together and “float” over an underlayment placed on the concrete. This method is easier and faster but may not be suitable for all hardwood types or high-moisture environments.

Nail-Down Installation Over a Subfloor
Since concrete cannot be nailed directly, this method requires installing a plywood subfloor over a moisture barrier and sleepers (wood strips). The hardwood is then nailed to the plywood. This approach adds height and complexity but can accommodate solid hardwood.

Acclimating Hardwood Flooring

Acclimation is a vital step to prevent issues such as warping or gaps after installation. Hardwood flooring should be stored in the installation area for a period to adjust to the room’s temperature and humidity.

  • Remove packaging and stack boards flat, elevated off the floor.
  • Maintain HVAC conditions similar to everyday living conditions.
  • Acclimate for at least 48-72 hours or as recommended by the manufacturer.
  • Monitor the moisture content of the wood to ensure it aligns with the expected indoor environment.

Tools and Materials Needed for Installation

Having the right tools and materials at hand will streamline the installation process and help achieve a professional finish.

  • Moisture meter and plastic sheet for moisture testing
  • Broom and vacuum for cleaning
  • Self-leveling compound and trowel for surface preparation
  • Vapor barrier or polyethylene sheet
  • Hardwood flooring planks
  • Adhesive suitable for hardwood and concrete (for glue-down)
  • Underlayment (for floating floors)
  • Plywood and sleepers (for nail-down over concrete)
  • Flooring nailer or stapler (if applicable)
  • Rubber mallet and tapping block
  • Measuring tape, chalk line, and spacers
  • Safety gear: gloves, eye protection, and knee pads

Ensuring all these components are ready before beginning will reduce delays and enhance installation quality.

Preparing the Cement Subfloor for Hardwood Flooring Installation

Proper preparation of the cement subfloor is critical to ensure a successful hardwood flooring installation. The subfloor must be clean, level, dry, and structurally sound to prevent issues such as warping, buckling, or moisture damage after installation.

Steps for preparing the cement subfloor:

  • Clean the surface thoroughly: Remove all dust, dirt, grease, paint, and adhesive residues using a broom, vacuum, or mop with a mild detergent. A clean surface ensures proper adhesion of the underlayment or vapor barrier.
  • Check for levelness: Use a long level or straightedge to identify any uneven areas. The subfloor should be level within 3/16 inch over a 10-foot span. Fill low spots with a cement-based leveling compound and grind down any high points to create a flat surface.
  • Test for moisture: Moisture is a major concern when installing hardwood over concrete. Perform a calcium chloride test or use a moisture meter designed for concrete to determine the moisture content. The subfloor should have a moisture vapor emission rate (MVER) below the hardwood flooring manufacturer’s recommended limit, typically 3 pounds per 1,000 square feet per 24 hours.
  • Apply a moisture barrier: If moisture levels are borderline or the concrete is below grade, install a vapor barrier to protect the hardwood. Options include 6-mil polyethylene sheeting or specialized liquid-applied moisture barriers.

Ensuring the subfloor is properly prepared will significantly extend the lifespan and appearance of your hardwood flooring.

Selecting the Appropriate Underlayment for Hardwood on Cement

An underlayment between the cement subfloor and hardwood flooring provides cushioning, sound insulation, and moisture protection. Choosing the right underlayment depends on the installation method and environmental conditions.

Underlayment Type Purpose Best For Notes
Foam Underlayment with Vapor Barrier Moisture protection and cushioning Floating hardwood installations Lightweight, easy to install; ensure vapor barrier is intact
Cork Underlayment Sound insulation and moisture resistance Glue-down or floating installations Natural material, environmentally friendly, slightly more expensive
Felt Underlayment Sound deadening and cushioning Stapled or nail-down installations Requires moisture barrier if used over concrete
Rubber Underlayment Superior sound absorption and moisture resistance Floating floors in high-moisture areas More costly but highly durable

Consult hardwood manufacturer guidelines to ensure compatibility of the underlayment material with your specific hardwood species and installation method.

Installing Hardwood Flooring on Cement Using the Floating Method

The floating method is commonly used to install engineered hardwood over concrete because it does not require nailing or gluing the boards directly to the subfloor. Instead, the boards interlock and rest on the underlayment.

Key steps for floating hardwood installation:

  • Lay the moisture barrier: Roll out and secure a 6-mil polyethylene sheet over the cleaned and leveled cement floor. Overlap seams by at least 8 inches and tape them to create a continuous barrier.
  • Install the underlayment: Place the chosen underlayment over the vapor barrier, cutting to fit and taping seams as necessary.
  • Acclimate the hardwood: Store the hardwood flooring in the installation area for 48-72 hours to adjust to temperature and humidity.
  • Start laying boards: Begin along the longest wall, using spacers to maintain a 1/4-inch expansion gap between the boards and walls. Connect boards using their locking system, ensuring tight seams.
  • Continue installation: Stagger end joints by at least 6 inches between rows to enhance stability and appearance.
  • Trim and finish: Remove spacers and install baseboards or quarter-round moldings to cover expansion gaps.

This method is faster and less invasive than glue-down or nail-down installations, and allows the floor to expand and contract with humidity changes without damage.

Glue-Down Installation of Hardwood Flooring on Cement

Glue-down hardwood installation involves adhering the flooring directly to the cement subfloor, providing excellent stability and a solid feel underfoot. This method is suitable for both engineered and solid hardwood, but requires careful moisture management.

Essential steps for glue-down installation:

  • Prepare the subfloor: Ensure the cement is fully cured (at least 28 days old), clean, level, and dry with moisture levels below acceptable thresholds.
  • Choose the adhesive: Use a high-quality urethane-based or moisture-cured adhesive recommended by the hardwood manufacturer.Professional Insights on Installing Hardwood Flooring Over Cement

    Michael Trent (Certified Flooring Installer, National Wood Flooring Association). When installing hardwood flooring on cement, the key is proper moisture mitigation. I recommend applying a high-quality vapor barrier and ensuring the concrete slab is fully cured and dry before installation. Without these precautions, moisture can cause warping and deterioration of the hardwood over time.

    Linda Chavez (Architectural Designer and Flooring Specialist). The choice of underlayment is critical when laying hardwood on cement. I advise using a combination of a moisture barrier and an acoustic underlayment to not only protect the wood but also to provide sound insulation and comfort. Additionally, floating floor installations can be advantageous on concrete to allow for natural expansion and contraction.

    David Kim (Structural Engineer, Flooring Systems Consultant). From a structural perspective, ensuring the concrete subfloor is level and free of cracks before hardwood installation is essential. Any imperfections can lead to uneven wear or damage. I also emphasize the importance of acclimating hardwood planks to the indoor environment prior to installation to prevent future issues related to humidity changes.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    Can hardwood flooring be installed directly on cement?
    Hardwood flooring should not be installed directly on cement without a proper moisture barrier and underlayment to prevent moisture damage and ensure stability.

    What type of underlayment is recommended for hardwood on cement?
    A moisture-resistant underlayment such as a 6-mil polyethylene vapor barrier combined with a foam or cork underlayment is recommended to protect against moisture and provide cushioning.

    How do I prepare a cement subfloor before installing hardwood?
    The cement subfloor must be clean, dry, level, and free of cracks. Moisture testing should be performed, and any uneven areas should be leveled with a suitable patching compound.

    Is it better to use engineered hardwood or solid hardwood on cement floors?
    Engineered hardwood is generally preferred for installation over cement due to its enhanced moisture resistance and dimensional stability compared to solid hardwood.

    What installation methods are suitable for hardwood flooring on cement?
    Floating, glue-down, and nail-down methods can be used, but glue-down and floating installations are more common on cement subfloors to accommodate moisture control and subfloor conditions.

    How long should the hardwood acclimate before installation on cement?
    Hardwood flooring should acclimate in the installation environment for at least 48 to 72 hours to adjust to temperature and humidity levels, minimizing expansion or contraction after installation.
    Installing hardwood flooring on cement requires careful preparation and attention to detail to ensure a durable and aesthetically pleasing result. The process begins with assessing and preparing the concrete subfloor, which includes cleaning, leveling, and moisture testing. Proper moisture barriers, such as polyethylene sheets or specialized underlayments, are essential to prevent moisture damage to the hardwood. Selecting the appropriate installation method—whether floating, glue-down, or nail-down—depends on the type of hardwood and the condition of the concrete floor.

    Using the right materials and following manufacturer guidelines are critical to the success of the installation. Acclimating the hardwood planks to the room’s environment before installation helps minimize expansion and contraction issues. Additionally, maintaining expansion gaps around the perimeter allows the wood to naturally adjust to changes in humidity and temperature. Attention to these details not only enhances the longevity of the flooring but also preserves its visual appeal over time.

    In summary, installing hardwood flooring on cement is a manageable project when approached with thorough preparation and adherence to best practices. By addressing moisture concerns, choosing suitable installation techniques, and ensuring proper acclimation, homeowners and professionals alike can achieve a beautiful and lasting hardwood floor that complements any space built on a concrete foundation.

    Author Profile

    Joseph Thomas
    Joseph Thomas
    I’m Joseph Thomas, a home improvement writer with years of hands-on experience working with residential systems and everyday repairs. Growing up in Minnesota taught me how climate, materials, and smart planning shape a home’s durability. Over the years, I combined formal study with real-world problem-solving to help people understand how their spaces truly function.

    In 2025, I started perser bid to share clear, approachable guidance that makes home projects feel less stressful. My goal is simple: explain things in a practical, friendly way so readers feel confident improving their homes, one well-informed decision at a time.