What's the best way to install bamboo flooring over a concrete sub floor?
Answers:
Bamboo Flooring is unique and well suited for installation directly over concrete floors. There are two different methods available for installation directly over the concrete floor. I have personally installed using both methods both types were Premium Green bamboo. Before you start, if you suspect a moisture problem with concrete, you will want to perform a calcium chloride moisture test before installation. If the calcium chloride moisture test result is less than or equal to 3 lbs then the concrete floor is considered dry.
The first method is the direct glue down method for the bamboo floors that are made of solid bamboo. Direct glue down works well but can be a bit messy so keep a sponge and water bucket handy to wipe up excess. Using only a urethane based wood flooring adhesive (I prefer bosticks best) trowel the adhesive directly on to the concrete flooring. You will use no extra underlayment or moisture barrier in this case. The glue goes directly on the concrete and then you place the solid bamboo planks into the glue.
The second method is the floating method. This is for bamboo flooring that is engineered in format or the solid type that is atleast 6" in width (Premium Green Bamboo is the only brand I know of that has 6" width planks that can be floated). Engineered means the center core is made of wood. The engineered bamboo will often have a click mechanism which requires no glue to attached the planks together at the tongue and groove, while the solid is glued together at the tongue and groove. Install the floating floor underlayment with a moisture barrier pre-attached. It is important to make sure the underlayment has a built in moisture barrier. Floating floors will sound a bit more hollow when walked on than soid floors that are directly glued to concrete, but are easier and less messy to install.
Other answers:
Poor choice of materials to work with concrete. Moisture will soon rot the floor. Nothing comes to mind that will works for any length of time......Sorry! Well; you won't like this, but you could cover the concrete with tar and stick the flooring to that. (Told you)
Poor choice of materials to work with concrete. Moisture will soon rot the floor. Nothing comes to mind that will works for any length of time......Sorry! Well; you won't like this, but you could cover the concrete with tar and stick the flooring to that. (Told you)
I would recommend putting down 1/4 inch luan plywood to create a wood floor to apply the tile.You can apply laminate over concrete with the recommended padding underneath.
If you are installing the composite laminated flooring that is roughly 5/8 thick, I was told by an installer that it can be glued down.
However, you are working on concrete. A good idea would be to create a mosture barrier before doing this. I would call around to several installers and ask how they would perform the install for you if you were to choose them. You can do your install if you are handy, but Do Not cut corners or you will end up with mold growth. Good luck.