So, you’ve decided to go for hardwood floor installation — great choice. Hardwood adds warmth, beauty, and long-term value to any space. But before you start picturing yourself gliding across your brand-new floors in socks, let’s talk about the important part: the surface underneath.
Not all subfloors are created equal, and installing hardwood floors on the wrong base (or skipping crucial prep work) can lead to squeaks, gaps, and a whole world of frustration. Whether you’re working with concrete, plywood, tile, or even an old hardwood surface, the installation method matters. Let’s break it down so you can get it right the first time.
Understanding the Basics: What’s Beneath Your Hardwood Matters
Before you get to laying hardwood floor planks, you need to check what’s underneath. The subfloor (that hidden surface under your feet) plays a huge role in how well your new floors will hold up. Different surfaces require different prep work and installation methods.
Some key things to think about:
- Moisture levels – Wood expands and contracts. If you install it over a damp surface, it’s going to warp.
- Flatness – Hardwood floors need a level surface. Even slight dips or bumps can cause issues.
- Attachment method – Depending on the subfloor, you’ll be nailing, gluing, or floating the hardwood.
Now, let’s go step by step through different surfaces and how to install hardwood flooring on each.
Installing Hardwood Floors Over Plywood Subfloors
Plywood is one of the best surfaces for hardwood floor installation because it’s strong, stable, and easy to work with. If you’re lucky enough to have a plywood subfloor, you’ve got options.
How to Install on Plywood:
- Nail-Down Method – Most common for solid hardwood. You’ll nail the planks directly into the plywood using a flooring nailer.
- Glue-Down Method – If you’re working with engineered hardwood, you can glue it instead of nailing.
- Floating Floors – Some engineered wood planks click together and “float” above the plywood. This method doesn’t require nails or glue.
Things to Watch Out For:
- Subfloor thickness matters – If the plywood is too thin, you might need an extra layer for support.
- Squeaks and creaks – If the subfloor isn’t secured well, your new floors might make noise. Tighten any loose spots before installation.
Plywood makes installing hardwood floors pretty straightforward, but what if you’re dealing with something trickier?
Installing Hardwood Floors Over Concrete
Concrete is a whole different story. You can’t just nail wood into it, and moisture is a big concern. But with the right prep, you can absolutely install hardwood flooring over concrete.
How to Install on Concrete:
- Glue-Down Method – Best for engineered hardwood. A strong adhesive bonds the wood directly to the concrete.
- Floating Floor Method – Engineered wood or laminate-style planks can sit on top of a moisture barrier.
- Plywood Subfloor First – If you want solid hardwood, you’ll need to install a plywood layer before nailing the wood down.
Things to Watch Out For:
- Moisture problems – Concrete absorbs water. Always use a moisture barrier or sealant before installation.
- Uneven surfaces – If your concrete isn’t level, use a leveling compound to smooth it out.
Hardwood over concrete? Absolutely doable. But if you’re dealing with tile, things get interesting.
Installing Hardwood Floors Over Tile
Yes, you can install hardwood over existing tile floors, but should you? That depends. If your tile is solid and level, it might work. If it’s cracked or uneven, it’s better to remove it.
How to Install on Tile:
- Glue-Down Method – Works best if the tile is in great shape and firmly attached.
- Floating Floor Method – Engineered hardwood can be floated over tile with the right underlayment.
Things to Watch Out For:
- Uneven tile? Bad idea. If your tile isn’t perfectly level, your hardwood won’t sit right.
- Height issues – Hardwood over tile can raise the floor height too much, making transitions weird.
If the tile is solid, go for it. If not, you’re better off ripping it out first.
Installing Hardwood Floors Over Existing Hardwood
Replacing old hardwood with new? Sometimes, you can install hardwood flooring directly over an existing wood floor, but only if it’s in good condition.
How to Install Over Existing Hardwood:
- Nail-Down Method – If the old hardwood is solid, nailing new planks on top can work.
- Floating Floor Method – Engineered wood can be floated over old hardwood if it’s still level.
Things to Watch Out For:
- Direction matters – If the existing planks run parallel, you might need a plywood layer before laying the new floor.
- Creaks and squeaks – Fix any loose boards in the old floor before installing new hardwood.
The Cost of Hardwood Floor Installation
Let’s talk costs. The price of installing hardwood floors depends on the type of wood, labor, and prep work. Hardwood is an investment, and the final price varies based on:
- Solid vs. engineered hardwood – Solid wood tends to be pricier, while engineered wood is often a more budget-friendly option.
- Labor rates – Professional installation costs will depend on location and complexity.
- Subfloor prep – If extra work is needed, such as leveling, removing old flooring, or adding a moisture barrier, expect the overall cost to be higher.
Since hardwood flooring is a long-term investment, it’s worth considering what fits both your budget and the look you want for your space.
Final Thoughts
Hardwood floor installation isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. Whether you’re working with plywood, concrete, tile, or existing wood, the key is proper prep. Skip the prep work, and you’ll be dealing with issues down the road.
So, take your time, measure twice, and choose the right method for your subfloor. Once that new hardwood is down, you’ll be glad you did it the right way. Now, time to break in those floors — sock-sliding optional.