The first thing you need to consider when picking the perfect flooring for your home is its substrate, also known as the subfloor that you’ll be installing flooring on top of. This foundational layer performs several crucial functions, including supporting weight and providing an even surface for installation.
When you visit a flooring store in Calgary, a specialist will likely ask you what substrate you’re working with. Some of the most common flooring substrates are concrete and plywood. This article focuses on a concrete substrate, which is typically found in basements. Keep reading to learn more about the different flooring options available to you for installing over concrete.
1. Carpet
Many homeowners and some commercial property owners choose carpet over concrete because it offers a sense of warmth and comfort. Because concrete substrate tends to be cold and firm, carpet is a great choice to add a layer of softness and a homey feel to the space. To install carpet over concrete, you’ll need to place a waterproof barrier a layer of padding on top of the concrete to protect the material and for extra cushioning.
2. Engineered Hardwood
The reason why we choose engineered hardwood flooring over solid hardwoods is because wood is vulnerable to moisture. And if you’re installing flooring over concrete, you are often doing so in a basement where moisture is more prevalent.
Engineered hardwood is made from layers of plywood that are bonded with heat, pressure, and adhesives. The result is a strong and durable flooring material that is less susceptible to warping while giving you the same look as genuine wood flooring.
When installing engineered hardwood over top of concrete, the subfloor must be level. Ask your local Calgary flooring company about the process of smoothing out an uneven concrete surface.
3. Laminate
Laminate flooring is manufactured from many layers of plywood and plastic. It has a pattern layer that can mimic the look of many types of flooring surfaces, including traditional wood floors, tile, stone, and more with a wide array of colour options.
Laminate is highly water-resistant, making it ideal for installing over concrete as well as in areas susceptible to moisture like basements and kitchens. We recommend placing a vapour barrier underneath laminate flooring for an extra layer of protection.
4. Vinyl
Vinyl planks and tiles are one of the most cost-effective flooring options for installing directly over concrete or with a felt underlay. Vinyl flooring is manufactured from linoleum and is a practical, water-resistant option. Vinyl flooring can closely resemble the look and feel of hardwood flooring while offering a low-maintenance surface.
To sum it up – carpet, engineered hardwood, laminate, or vinyl flooring are all great options to install over a concrete substrate that can last for years when properly maintained.
