Hello,I will be laying laminate wood flooring over concrete. Can I alternatively use 6 mil or greater plastic sheeting as moisture barrier found in the construction materials aisle instead of flooring? I found one from Lowe's: Item# 64430 Model# C101006BK, Sunbelt 10' x 100' Black 6Mil Plastic Sheeting for $57.30. It is cheaper and thicker than those found next to the wood flooring materials. The box says it is good for vapor barrier. Even the 4 mil type feels thicker than those found at flooring section.Most flooring site mentioned that the minimum is 6 mil. Does that mean any 6 mil plastic sheeting will be acceptable?Thanks.
Plastic is plastic is plastic. There is no reason you can not use the 6 mil thick stuff but you don't need that much do you? It comes in smaller rolls at the hardware store or Farm N Fleet near me. I just bought a roll the other day that was 10' by 25' for about $17.00. Because you are on a cement floor you may wish to overlap and tape any seams you have. I have seen it come in 15 by 25 too if that would be more the size you need. You still may need the foam pad under the flooring depending upon the type of product you use. I know they make at least one type of flooring that has the pad attached (didn't like it tho).
Yes you need the moisture barrier and it also helps with the hollow sound of the laminate. when you go to put down the barrier make sure to keep it a little long at the walls, make sure seams are tight and taped together with duct tape it will help keep out the moisture. after the floor is installed go back and trim the edges of the barrier but keep enough to sort of tuck under the edge of the wall, if you have moisture coming in you want it to go under the barrier not on top it will cause the floor to mold, expand, warp etc.
