Hardwood Floor on top of Concrete?

Lynda wrote:
Is it possible to lay floorboards or something that will look like original floorboards? Our farmhouse was given solid concrete floors in the late 70's and I would like something that looks like original floorboards.

Sure. First off most gym floors are over concrete. Most people never think about what is under a gym floor. Let me tell you some options.

You can use a system similar to a gym system. In residential work when I run into this problem I use the following system. Cover the concrete with a dense carpet pad. Lay 1/2 plywood over the pad so that the seams are parallel to the walls and the ends stagger every four feet. On top of that layer install a second layer of half inch plywood 45 degrees to the walls. Staple or screw these two layers together. You have essentially made a floating sub floor that you can nail any type of wood flooring to.

You can also glue engineered wood flooring directly to the concrete however this limits the selection of flooring you can use.

Two places I would suggest to get flooring that looks like original flooring is to hunt at places that salvage flooring from demolition houses. Salvaged flooring has that original look built in. Another option is white pine shelving board. It is soft and will take on a worn well used floor quickly. Add a touch of Early American stain or similar color to quicken the process.

Call me if you need more information. My cell phone number is on my website.
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Franklyn

I Teach Wood Floors