I would like to install engineered hardwood flooring over a concrete slab which is on grade. It is the first floor of the house, there is no basement and the house was built in the 1990's. I have seen vapor barrier sheets, DRIcore vapor barrie/plywood tiles, as well as other methods used underneath the engineered hardwood. Would it make sense to seal the concrete slab and then place DRIcore as well as a foam underlayment down below the flooring? Or would DRIcore or a vapor barrier with an underlayment be enough? Would it be recommended to lay the floor floating or glued down? Or if using the DRIcore, could the flooring be stapled down? I would appreciate all advice! Thank you!
I am in NYC, not in a flood zone and the backyard and front driveway are all properly graded away from the house. There doesn't seem to be any evidence of flooding or water damage. The floor is currently tiled. But I think that was an aethetic thing, as the former owner tiled every room of the house including the second floor.
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I have had 3/4" hardwood floors placed on Dricore on 2 different jobs. One below grade with a foundation drain system the company I worked for installed. Top of the line, no holds barred water control system. The floor went down a is still performing beautifully. 1 1/2" staples were used so they did not go through the plywood so far to poke holes in the dimple mat. This was tested on a piece to insure this would not happen before the flooring was laid. The other floor was done with wide plank flooring, 5 years ago still working great to this day too. So you would not be going wrong if you went with Dricore. I placed this on the concrete without a vapor barrier in either case, but the floor was sealed.
You may need to check what the staples will do with your thinner engineered flooring. Also, you MAY be able to direct glue the flooring to the concrete slab since it is above grade. Since it is a newer home there should be a below slab vapor barrier. Two good conditions to have, so you don't get moisture rising through the slab.