As an installation method glued down is most suited for either concrete or wood subfloors.
Gluing engineered hardwood floors to concrete.
Boards adhere well to the rough surface of the concrete subfloor and therefore lead to less gaps or planks lifting and buckling.
A sidebar offers advice on checking the concrete slab for moisture before you start.
Even if your home was built on a concrete slab you can still enjoy the beauty and charm of hardwood floors.
Engineered hardwood is sturdier than traditional plank but surface preparation still matters.
A floating engineered wood flooring installation on concrete can be an excellent choice if your subfloor is below grade.
Some engineered wood flooring products are designed for a glue down application when installing flooring over a concrete slab.
The installation of hardwood floors by the glue down method is used predominately on concrete slabs.
Experienced professionals pay close attention to managing moisture and minimizing wood floor expansion and contraction when preparing to install hardwood floors on concrete slabs.
The glue down method of engineered wood flooring installation is typically the most common and creates a highly stable floor.
When working on a clean concrete subfloor the glue down method is often the go to choice.
It s also a great option if you choose to incorporate a radiant heat system don t forget the vapor retarder in contrast gluing hardwood to concrete provides you with a very permanent solution.
Other products are better suited for a nail down installation where they are secured to a wood subfloor with nails or staples.
This step by step guide written by a florida flooring contractor covers everything from leveling the slab to laying out and installing the tongue and groove planks for glue wood flooring.
If you ve decided to install engineered hardwoods there are four possible installation methods depending on the subfloor.
Installing a hardwood floor over a concrete slab.
Glue down hardwood floors on concrete.
Like any wood product engineered hardwood expands and contracts because of changes in moisture.
Glue nail staple and float.
Made from layers of real wood compressed together engineered hardwood floors are better able to handle changes in moisture and humidity than solid hardwood.
Floating vs glued down engineered wood flooring.
Applications are more prominent with residential construction in sunbelt areas commercial locations and high rise dwellings.
Installing engineered wood flooring is a great project for the diyer who desires the look of a professional wood floor with the strength and longevity offered by its sturdy design.