4 Common Floor Installation Methods
Depending on if you’re using engineered hardwood or laminate flooring, some methods will work better than others. This article will give you a better understanding of which method you should use for your floors.
Floating
Floating installation is the most commonly used method of installation and is also one of the easiest ways to do so. The planks have a “tongue” which is the part of the plank that sticks out and a “groove” which is the part of the plank that sinks in.
You can think of the planks as puzzle pieces that can get put together by joining the tongue and groove together. Each side of a plank has either a tongue or a groove which ensures that it can be connected to another plank from any direction.
Floating installation is almost always used for laminated flooring since it leaves room for the laminated planks to expand or contract from temperature changes. Due to this, it is usually not recommended to install laminate flooring by any of the other methods unless specifically stated by the flooring manufacturer.
Glue-Down
Glue-down installation is another common method used for installing engineered hardwood floors. It is typically used in areas with high traffic such as the kitchen because a glued-down floor is more stable than a floating floor. A layer of glue is spread across the subfloor before you place the planks down.
For concrete subfloors, glue-down is the preferred option as nails cannot easily go through concrete and the glue allows the floor to stick to uneven surfaces which floating installations cannot.
This type of installation can be more time-consuming and costly, but it is considered a more permanent installation and will last longer than floating installations if well-maintained. As well, because it is directly glued to the floor, it has a more solid wood sound and creaks less.
Nail-Down
Nail-down installation is a cost-effective and quick way to install engineered hardwood floors. However, you will need additional equipment such as a nail punch and nail gun in order to screw the planks onto the floor.
Nail-down floors work best in plywood subfloors as the nails can be fastened onto the subfloor securely. Planks that are thicker work better with nails. Nail-down installation is also considered a permanent installation and can last many years with proper care.
Nail-down installation isn’t recommended for laminate flooring as the expansion and contraction of laminate flooring cannot occur and could cause loose nails and/or damaged flooring.
Staple-Down
Staple-down installation is done similarly to nail-down installation but usually with thinner engineered hardwood planks. A staple gun is used instead of a nail gun.
Staple-down installation isn’t recommended for laminate flooring as the expansion and contraction of laminate flooring cannot occur and could cause loose staples and/or damaged flooring.
FAQ
Which method is the most affordable?
Floating installation is the most affordable way of installing engineered hardwood or laminate flooring. It doesn’t require any additional tools such as glue, nail guns, or staple guns which means it is a more beginner-friendly method.
What should I do if I have a concrete subfloor?
With a concrete subfloor, nail-down and staple-down is an obvious no-go. Glue is generally the most common option, but floating installations may work too provided you have a flat concrete surface.
Which method gives the best hardwood sound?
The glue-down method often replicates the solid hardwood sound the best. There is less creaking because it is directly attached to the subfloor unlike floating installations.
Let’s Start a Project
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dol