Installation planning
Can Engineered Timber Flooring Be Installed over a Concrete Slab?
Engineered timber can often be installed over a concrete slab, but slab moisture, flatness, surface condition, product requirements and the chosen installation method must be checked first.
01
The slab must be assessed before installation
A concrete slab should not be judged by appearance alone. Moisture conditions, flatness, surface strength, contamination, cracks and existing coatings can affect preparation, adhesive performance and the finished floor.
The assessment should follow the flooring and installation product requirements rather than relying on a single generic rule.
- Check moisture using an appropriate test method.
- Measure flatness across the installation area.
- Identify coatings, contaminants, cracks and weak surface material.
02
Preparation depends on the actual slab condition
Preparation may include cleaning, mechanical grinding, local repairs, levelling or an approved moisture-control system. The exact work depends on the slab, flooring product, adhesive and installation specification.
Levelling compounds and moisture systems need compatible primers, adhesives and installation sequencing.
03
Direct-stick and floating systems place different demands on the floor
A direct-stick installation bonds the engineered boards to the prepared substrate. A floating installation places the boards over an approved underlay without bonding each board to the slab.
Neither method removes the need to check moisture, flatness, perimeter clearances, finished heights and transitions. The correct method depends on the product approval and the project conditions.