When homeowners in Baltimore, Catonsville, and Ellicott City, MD plan a hardwood flooring upgrade, one common concern is:
Can I install hardwood over my concrete slab foundation?
The short answer is yes—but it takes the right materials and preparation to do it correctly. Whether you live in a townhome in Columbia, a ranch in Owings Mills, or a finished basement in Pikesville, you don’t have to give up on the warmth and beauty of hardwood flooring just because you have a concrete base.
At Danzco Hardwood Floors, we’ve installed hardwood flooring over concrete slabs in homes across Maryland for decades. Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering this upgrade.
🧱 Concrete Slab Foundations Are Common in Maryland
Many homes in Randallstown, Elkridge, and Columbia are built on concrete slabs, especially in newer neighborhoods or basements. Unlike homes with a crawlspace or wood subfloor, slab homes present a challenge for traditional hardwood floors—but not an impossible one.
The key is to choose the right type of hardwood and use proper installation methods to prevent moisture damage and movement.
🪵 Two Main Options for Installing Hardwood Over Concrete
1. Engineered Hardwood Floors (Best Option)
Engineered wood flooring is designed for situations like this. It’s made from layers of wood, with a hardwood veneer on top and a stable plywood or HDF base.
Why it works over concrete:
- It’s dimensionally stable, meaning it doesn’t expand and contract as much with temperature or humidity changes.
- It can be glued directly to the concrete or floated (using click-lock systems).
- It resists moisture better than solid hardwood.
If your home in Catonsville or Columbia has a concrete basement or slab-on-grade construction, this is the safest, most cost-effective way to enjoy hardwood floors.
2. Solid Hardwood (Only with Added Subfloor)
Solid hardwood is made of one piece of wood and is more sensitive to moisture. It can be installed over concrete—but you’ll need to build a raised plywood subfloor or use sleepers (wood strips) to elevate it off the concrete and allow airflow.
Pros:
- You still get the full-depth, traditional hardwood look.
Cons: - Adds height to the floor, which may affect doors and trim.
- More expensive due to added labor and materials.
- Takes longer and is more sensitive to future moisture issues.
If your home in Towson or Ellicott City already has solid wood throughout and you want to match it exactly, this route might be worth it—but it’s not ideal for basements or humid spaces.
💧 Moisture Is the Biggest Concern
Concrete absorbs and releases moisture, especially in basements. That moisture can warp hardwood floors if they’re not properly protected.
Here’s how Danzco handles it:
- We perform a moisture test before any installation.
- We use moisture barriers, like special adhesives, underlayments, or vapor retarders.
- We ensure the concrete is fully cured, level, and dry before beginning work.
In places like Pikesville and Owings Mills, where Maryland weather brings humidity and basement dampness, these steps are essential.
⚙️ Installation Methods: Glue-Down vs. Floating
Depending on your floor type and conditions, we may recommend one of these:
🔸 Glue-Down Installation
- Engineered hardwood is glued directly to the concrete.
- Strong, durable, and great for high-traffic areas.
- Requires specialized adhesives with moisture protection.
🔹 Floating Floor Installation
- Planks click together and “float” above the subfloor with a moisture-blocking underlayment.
- Faster and easier to install.
- Good for basement remodels or where glue isn’t practical.
🛠️ What About Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)?
While not real wood, LVP has a wood-look finish and is waterproof—making it a solid option for basements or homes with higher humidity. We sometimes recommend LVP in Elkridge or Randallstown when real wood just isn’t feasible due to ongoing moisture issues.
🏡 So—Can You Have Hardwood Over Concrete? Yes. Here’s How We Help:
- We inspect your space and test moisture levels.
- We guide you in choosing engineered or solid wood (based on your home’s structure and needs).
- We handle prep, leveling, barriers, and expert installation.
We’ve helped hundreds of homeowners in Baltimore, Catonsville, and the surrounding region enjoy real hardwood floors—even over concrete slabs.
📍 Based in Catonsville, Serving All of Central Maryland
At Danzco Hardwood Floors, we bring 30+ years of experience to homes across:
- Baltimore
- Columbia
- Ellicott City
- Towson
- Owings Mills
- Pikesville
- Randallstown
- Elkridge
…and more!
📞 Ready for a Free Estimate?
Let’s find the best way to bring beautiful hardwood floors into your home—even over concrete.
📞 Call us at (410) 788-5919
🌐 Visit: www.danzcohardwoodfloors.com
Whether it’s engineered, solid, or another smart option, we’ll help you do it right the first time.
