How to Install Hardwood Flooring with Glue

Installing Hardwood Floors Using Glue

Introduction:

There are two methods for installing hardwood flooring; the nail method and the glue method. Although the nail method is the most popular method used to install hardwood flooring there are situations where the glue method works best such as installing hardwood flooring over a concrete floor. In this case the cement floor is covered with sheathing but the hardwood nails are too long to secure the hardwood boards or panels to the sheathing. Glue is the best alternative.

The DIY homeowner can easily install hardwood flooring using the glue method. The secret in a successful outcome is to start with a flat surface, measure and cut accurately and be patient.

The glue method of installing hardwood flooring can be more stable than the nail method. When properly glued, there is very little movement in the flooring such as there is when it is nailed in place.

Tools and items needed for installing hardwood flooring with glue:

· Square

· A one quarter inch notched trowel for applying glue

· Broom or vacuum

· Circular saw for cutting boards to score the subfloor sheathing. This wills prevention the boards or panels from curling.

· Hardwood flooring glue

· Soft rags cleaning up excess glue

· Rubber gloves

· Face mask to avoid breathing the flue fumes

· Glue

· Flooring material

Installing hardwood flooring with glue:

Thoroughly clean the floor of all dirt, grease or oil and debris to insure a tight glue bond. The sub floor should be completely level and flat. Use patching cement as necessary to even out any bad spots.

1. Warm the glue to slightly above room temperature.

2. Use the square notched trowel to put glue in the starting corner of the room. Spread the glue in about a twelve inch strip at a time. This will be the working areas]. If you cover a larger area than what you can work the glue will dry before you can place the flooring in place. Put enough to glue the board to the subfloor.

3. Place the first board or panel straight down on the glue and secure it into the corner. Be careful not to smear the glue around as you adjust the board or panel placement.

4. Continue adding more boards or panels until you reach the last panel. The last one may need to be trimmed to fit. Measure accurately and cut the board to fit.

5. Wedge the first row in really tight so that it will provide a solid basis for your entire floor.

6. Use a soft rag to clean up any glue that may be sitting on the surface of the floor.

7. The excess piece you cut off to end the first row to start the next row.

8. If there are any bubbles, bumps or slopes on the panels place a heavy flat object on top of these sections to hold them down until the glue attaches them to the substrate.

9. Continue this process until the floor is complete. The last row may need trimming for a tight fit to the end wall.

10.Clean the work area and use mineral spirits to remove any hardened glue.

That is how to install hardwood flooring with glue. Be careful that you don’t use to much glue as it will be a mess to clean up. Let the newly glued floor set for twenty four hours to insure that all the glue is dry.

How to Install Harwood Flooring with Nails

How to Make Door Rough Openings

How to Maintain a Metal Roof

How to Remove Tile Grout

How to Repair Plaster Walls and Ceilings

How to Seal Attic Air Leaks

For more DIY information Check out these Resources