Hardwood | Installation

4 methods of installation 

1. Glue Down:

  • adhesive is spread on with the proper sized trowel
  • engineered floors and parquets- can be glued down
  • solid strip floors and plank floors can only be nailed or stapled

2. Nail Down:

  • used with the 3/4" solid products
  • sometimes available for thinner floors
  • 2" nailing cleats used with a  nailer and mallet to attach to the subfloor
  • solid strip floors or plank floors only installed on wood subfloors on grade or above grade

3. Staple Down:

  • 1-1/2 to 2 inch staples  used versus nailing cleats to attach to the subfloor
  • pneumatic gun used to drive the staple into the subfloor
  • not all companies recommend the same staple gun

4. Floating:

  • padding and glue used together
  • floating installation- not fastened to the subfloor
  • thin pad placed between the floor and subfloor
  • wood glue is applied in the tongue and groove to hold planks together
  • padding advantages: protects against moisture, reduces noise, softer, additional "R" value
  • engineered floors and all Longstrip floors can be floated
  • fast, easy and clean method of installation

Acclimation

  • mandatory
  • 2-3 days prior to installation
  • must be done in the area where product is installed