[Novice_Minty]

Hi-

I am a homeowner with very little knowledge of sub-floor options for my new basement project. I want to install Pergo flooring ... but my concrete floor is very uneven. What is the best available option to level the concrete floor before laying the engineered wood flooring .. My basement is dry & my contractor is recommending 5.5 mm plywood underlayment glued directly on to the concrete floor .. will this address the uneven floor issue or will my laminate flooring laid over the plywood sub-floor still be uneven.

Thanks

 

[joecaption]

Might want to hold off on this one until a few of the full time flooring guy chime in.
I know I would never install plywood directly to any slab, and I know for a fact I would never glue it down. I also would never suggest any laminite be installed be low grade.
But ha that's just me, lets see what they say.

 

[JazMan]

I don't consider myself as an expert in laminate installations, but WOW, I'd be looking for an installer that isn't recommending that process. :yes: Ply on a slab and it's below grade too? Add to all that it's 5.5mm which may indicate luaun..strike 3.

So according to this "contractor", if you installed 5.5mm ply on your roof, it would make it flat? I don't think so.

BTW, Pergo is not engineered flooring.

The answer is easy, the solution not so. You need to make the floor flat using Portland cement based patching materials. Not always possible in basements if there's drains involved.

Jaz

 

[joecaption]

If I did this right that's only .216 which is even less then a 1/4". (.250)

 

[JazMan]

That's right Joe, .21654 actually. I don't care if it's 1/2" or even 3/4", it'll bend when fastened. But you shouldn't be using ply on concrete anyway. It's not gonna change anything.

Jaz

 

[joecaption]

I was agreeing with you Jazz.
May as well lay a veneer if it's going to be that thin.

 

[rusty baker]

Might as well paint the concrete brown.

 

[Fix'n it]

Might as well paint the concrete brown.

yep. or stain it. some of those stains look AWESOME !
but putting down tile that looks like wood, thats it.

 

[rebelranger]

The solution depends on two things (a) intended purpose of the room and (b) how much are you willing to spend.

Best solution is level (even flatness) through the room with self leveling concrete or diamond grind all the high spots so it is "flat". This should be done if the basement will be used regularly with heavy furniture.

Cheaper, worst option, is to use thick underlayment under the floating floor, however stress at the joints of the laminate where you walk or place heavy items will cause cracking and ruin the floor. If the low spot is a rarely walked on spot you may get away with it, I'm not saying do this.

Your call based on $ and intended purpose.