How to replace a wooden floor with a concrete one in a private house: dismantling the old floor, step-by-step instructions for pouring

A concrete floor can greatly increase a home’s stability and longevity in place of a wooden one. Concrete flooring is a sturdy and long-lasting option for anyone looking to update their living area, increase insulation, or just cut down on maintenance. This tutorial will take you step-by-step through the entire process, from tearing up the old wooden floor to pouring the last bit of concrete.

The old wooden flooring must be carefully removed as the first step in this makeover. A few simple tools and some perseverance are needed for this task because you must be careful not to harm the underlying structures. Knowing how your current floor is constructed is crucial because it will help you steer clear of unforeseen problems when removing it.

The next step is to prepare the subfloor for the concrete pour after the wooden floor has been cleared. This includes, based on your climate and particular needs, making sure the surface is clean, level, and sufficiently insulated. A smooth and even concrete finish depends on proper preparation, which also helps to stop problems like moisture seepage and cracking later on.

The concrete is actually poured as the last step. From mixing the concrete to pouring and smoothing it out, every step of this process calls for accuracy and focus on detail. You may decide to improve the look of your new floor by adding finishing touches like staining or polishing, depending on the area and design.

Concrete flooring conversion is a big improvement that can raise your home’s value and lifespan. This project can be a fulfilling do-it-yourself project that offers long-term functional and aesthetic benefits if you have the right tools and some guidance.

Removing the old floor

The initial step is to disassemble the old boards. For the task, a sledgehammer and a crowbar are required, but use caution when using them in areas where communications are passed.

The base will be visible once the old floor covering’s boards have been fully removed. Check to see if the logs have been corrected. This was frequently not done when building old houses; instead, the empty space was just piled high with construction debris. It functioned as a sound barrier.

Beneath the plank floor, there might be dirt, broken boards, and sand. After the trash has been disposed of, the logs ought to be examined. Rotten components need to be changed. They can serve as the screed’s base if they’re in good shape.

In this instance, the substrate that is already there is covered with plywood or chipboard sheets, but be aware that this will cause the floor level to rise. As a result, you will have to choose between removing the old logs and pouring concrete directly onto the floor slabs or covering them again without adding insulation.

Apartment owners typically opt for the second option, which entails disassembling the logs. Once the project is finished, you must evaluate the plumbing and pipes. They must be changed if necessary.

Assessment of the list of works

After inspecting the reinforced concrete slab, the level needs to be determined. It is best to use a laser for this as you can quickly ascertain whether there is a difference in height with its assistance.

Frequently, one of the following scenarios is noted:

• several slabs are laid in the room, they form a step;
• a bulge or concavity is visible in the center of the room;
• the slab is laid at an angle.

One should estimate the amount of work involved. In order to minimize the amount of concrete layer, it is imperative to make every effort to guarantee that the screed has a small mass. It is applied to the backfill by pouring it on or using a light solution.

In cases where there is a significant disparity in height, measuring 70 mm or greater, the task sequence is as follows:

• the concrete screed is made 40 to 50 mm thick;
• the remaining free space is filled with expanded clay concrete composition.

First, there is sand covering the uneven surface, but this kind of cushion will be heavy. The second option is to construct a base out of plywood sheets. Under them, on the ground, is poured a light, loose substance. You could use expanded clay for this. To level the level, it is necessary.

This produces a smooth surface that is appropriate for screed pouring and small-mass rough backfill. It will also serve as a sound barrier. Parquet flooring can be installed with this coating.

Water is added to expanded clay, and it is rammed. You should wait two to three days after finishing the work for the layer to fully dry.

A little about very old houses

In older buildings, take the following action if there are no concrete floors between the floors:

• remove old boards;
• remove construction waste;
• inspect the logs, fix them in place and treat them with an antiseptic.

The floor between the floors is then filled with expanded clay, and plywood sheets are placed on top of it. You can place chipboard sheets in its place. In a private home, a concrete floor is installed in place of a wooden one.

Construction of waterproofing and insulation

The subfloor is covered with waterproofing material once it is prepared. Membrane, fiberglass, roofing felt, and parchment are common materials for this.

The room is first covered with bitumen mastic and construction tape around the edges before the waterproofing is applied. Lay out the waterproofing material and finish the seams after it hardens. The strips ought to be positioned on the walls with a minimum of 15 centimeters of overlap. You can purchase self-adhesive waterproofers to expedite the process.

Laying reinforcement

Here’s how the task can be completed:

1. First, you need to lay a steel mesh. It is better to use products with 5 cm cells. A gap is made for the insulation. If necessary, lay a 10 mm thick waterproofing material.
2. Laying a plastic reinforcing mesh.
3. Introducing fibers into the solution.

An aluminum chain-link mesh is commonly used when pouring a 40–50 mm thick concrete floor in an apartment; however, the third option—which uses fibers—is the most practical.

This approach is unique in that it eliminates the need for you to consider leaving a pay gap while working. It is possible to place a heated floor inside the screed if needed, and the reinforcement won’t get in the way.

Fibers are inexpensive, and you can create a smooth concrete floor with their assistance. However, this approach works well if the mixture is going to be poured onto a slab of reinforced concrete. In other situations, it is preferable to go with the traditional solution, which relies on using a reinforcing mesh.

In a private home, replacing a wooden floor with a concrete one requires a few essential steps: tearing out the old floor, prepping the foundation, and pouring the new concrete slab. This guide provides a simple, step-by-step method that covers everything from making sure the concrete is poured correctly for a long-lasting, even surface to safely removing the old floorboards. This procedure will help you transform your space with a new concrete floor, whether your goal is to improve thermal properties, increase durability, or update the aesthetics of your home.

Installation of beacons

Corners and unique profiles can serve as beacons during construction projects. They are placed atop putty-covered gypsum mounds.

Once the installation is finished, you must take a building level or a few slats and assess how smooth the surface that their upper points formed is.

A discrepancy will be noted if the base preparation was done incorrectly. Some of the beacons are removed, and different-sized putty mounds are created to create a smooth surface.

A beacon’s maximum separation from another beacon is 50 cm when construction work is being done. Installing them starts at the window and works its way toward the door. Only after the putty has fully set can they be taken out.

Preparing the solution

Use ready-made mixtures when replacing a wooden base with a concrete floor to lessen the pressure on the floors. Their assistance makes it simple to apply a layer with a minimum thickness of 35 mm and a maximum thickness of 70 mm. Pour in the water without mixing the ingredients.

You can create your own screed at home to save money. Here are the ingredients you’ll need:

1. Cement, 1 part. It is best to buy its brand M400.
2. Building sand, 3 parts. It is pre-sifted.
3. To make the solution more plastic, lime dough is added to it. It is needed 0.1 parts.
4. Fibers for reinforcement.

All of the ingredients are combined before adding the water. Only then should a composition with a consistent color form, at which point liquid can be added. They stir continuously at the same time; a properly prepared solution resembles thick sour cream.

Laying the screed

Should you choose to complete the screed by yourself, the work begins at the window. Moving from the wall that is farthest away from the door is another option.

Large areas of the completed solution are applied, and the room’s center and corners are leveled with a long rule. If you move swiftly, it won’t set and can be easily smoothed out.

Two people can lay concrete more easily than any other way. While the second person spreads the concrete over the base, the first person mixes the ingredients.

Your home’s feel and functionality can be completely changed by installing concrete flooring in place of wooden flooring. Many homeowners value the durability and contemporary aesthetic that this process offers, despite its demanding nature. The old wooden floor can be carefully taken apart to create the foundation for a durable concrete surface.

Efficient completion of every stage, ranging from subfloor preparation to concrete pouring and finishing, is guaranteed when the step-by-step instructions are followed. A successful installation depends on paying close attention to details during preparation, such as leveling the surface and putting in the appropriate moisture barrier. By taking these precautions, future issues like moisture damage and cracks are avoided.

Concrete pouring itself requires accuracy and patience. To achieve a smooth and long-lasting finish, proper mixing, even pouring, and consistent curing are essential. If you have never worked with concrete before, thinking about getting professional help can help make the process less intimidating and guarantee a high-quality outcome.

All things considered, converting from wood to concrete floors is a big project that can significantly raise the value and appeal of your house. You can design a stunning, long-lasting, low-maintenance flooring solution with careful planning and execution. Concrete floors provide an adaptable and classic choice for your living area, whether you prefer the industrial chic aesthetic or simply want a strong and functional surface.

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