Table of Contents
Glue-Down Installation Over a Concrete Subfloor Step 1: Set the Expansion Gap. Step 2: Apply the Glue to a Small Area. Step 3: Spread the Glue. Step 4: Place the First Row. Step 5: Tap the Second Row Into Place. Step 6: Stagger the Joints. Step 7: Continue Installing the Floor. Step 8: Cut the Final Boards to Fit.
Is it better to glue or float an engineered wood floor?
If you are trying to decide between the two, then for engineered wood flooring floating is usually the best option as you can install it quickly and don’t have to worry about which glue to use and how long to wait for it to dry. If you are installing hardwood flooring then using glue may give you a more stable result.
What is the most common method of installing engineered wood floors?
Nailing or stapling is the most common method of installation simply because you can get excellent results using either one for both solid and engineered wood floors. Long strip floors must be stapled down, not nailed down.
Do you nail engineered hardwood?
3/4″ thick, engineered planks should be nailed or stapled using a 3/4″ solid wood flooring nailer or stapler of any brand. You must use the recommended size staple or cleat for 3/4″ solid wood installations; you must also use the recommended nailing schedule, which is 1″ to 3″ from the ends, and 8″ to 10″ in the field.
Can you walk on engineered hardwood floors after installation?
Engineered hardwood flooring can resist warping from changes in temperature much better than solid hardwood flooring, so you only need to wait a day before walking on it.
Do you need a moisture barrier under engineered hardwood?
If you’re planning to nail down your hardwood floors, a moisture barrier is recommended. If you are installing an floating engineered hardwood flooring, you can use Aquabar underlayment to help control moisture.
Do you glue down engineered hardwood?
Glued down engineered wood flooring is the most popular method of installation, and we always recommend this options because it’s the more stable option out of the two. The only real drawbacks of glued down wood flooring are in the installation process itself.
Is it better to nail or staple hardwood floors?
A staple will give a stronger, less-forgiving hold because of its two-pronged construction. Nails allow for a more natural expansion and contraction of the hardwood floorboards with fewer problems. While staples have become increasingly popular over nails, they tend to damage the floors more often.
Does engineered hardwood need to be glued?
Many installers and manufacturers prefer the glue-down method because of its superior stability. Gluing down your floor leads to less shifting and creaking, making the engineered hardwood feel and sound more secure.
What is the best thickness for engineered wood flooring?
About Engineered Hardwood Thicknesses It is recommended to choose engineered wood flooring with an overall thickness of 3/4 inch to 5/8 inch. Breaking that down, the wear layer should measure 3/16 inch, and the core should have a 9- or 11-plywood (ply) thickness.
Do you need to glue tongue and groove flooring?
The recommended glue for floating installation is Tongue and Groove engineered flooring glue. Glue placement is very important. The glue must be placed along the topside of the groove the full length of the grooved side and end.
What direction should engineered flooring be installed?
The most common way to lay hardwood flooring is by aligning the planks parallel to the longest wall. Apart from a few exceptions like sagging joists, this is the preferred direction to lay wood floors because it aesthetically provides the best result.
How do you stagger engineered flooring?
The basic rule to remember for creating a strong stagger is that all planks should overlap by 6 inches or more. This means that the short joint between planks should be at least 6 inches away from the nearest joint in any adjacent row. This type of stagger will lock the flooring tightly together.
Should you glue down hardwood floor?
Solid hardwood floors must be fixed into position by either gluing or nailing down to the subfloor. If you have a concrete subfloor, then you should glue your hardwood down, if you have a wooden subfloor then you can choose either method of installation.
How soon can you put furniture on engineered hardwood?
We recommend waiting 6 hours before walking on your new floors in socks. After 24 hours you can walk through with shoes on. Allow 48 hours before setting furniture and returning pets. Carpets and area rugs can be placed after 1 full week.
How long do engineered hardwood floors last?
Engineered hardwood typically lasts between 20 and 30 years. Because they do have a top layer of hardwood, like solid hardwood, they are susceptible to scratches. If scratch resistance is important to you, look for engineered hardwood floors with a scratch-resistant top coat.
When can you put rugs down on new hardwood floors?
Wait 3 weeks before putting area rugs on newly refinished/finished hardwood floors. Wait 48 to 72 hours after the hardwood has been refinished/ finished before “PLACING” furniture back in its place. Keep a steady temperature and humidity within your home.
Does engineered floor need expansion gap?
Although engineered hardwood floors can withstand changes in temperature and moisture better than solid wood floors, they still need an expansion gap to allow for small movements.
Do I need tar paper under hardwood floor?
Felt paper is installed under hardwood flooring to provide an extra layer of moisture protection and also to dampen sound. You will need to install it under your wood floors if a padding is not already attached to the hardwood planks. When using 30-pound asphalt paper, you should not overlap the seams.
