Glue Down Wood Flooring On Concrete

If necessary add vapor retarder before applying underlayment.

Glue down wood flooring on concrete.

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. The installation of hardwood floors by the glue down method is used predominately on concrete slabs. All wet work such as concrete masonry framing members drywall paint etc should be thoroughly dry. When glue is used in conjunction with screws and nails the bond is strong enough to resist natural movement of the wood.

If that s the case then floating floors may be the only option. When working on a clean concrete subfloor the glue down method is often the go to choice. Always follow the adhesive manufacturer s recommendation for proper subfloor spread rate and trowel notch. Many apartments or condos have lightweight concrete or gypsum floors.

Glue down wood flooring when it comes to engineered hardwood floors two common methods of installation are floating and glue down. Glue is a secondary method of attachment for bonding wood to concrete. Boards adhere well to the rough surface of the concrete subfloor and therefore lead to less gaps or planks lifting and buckling. The glue down method of engineered wood flooring installation is typically the most common and creates a highly stable floor.

A vapor retarder is recommended anytime solid 3 4 wood flooring is installed over concrete. Glue forms the initial bond but without screws and nails the natural expansion and contraction of the wood can break or weaken the glue. Glue down hardwood floors on concrete. Some engineered wood flooring products are designed for a glue down application when installing flooring over a concrete slab.

If installing glue down hardwood flooring in a new house completely close the building in with all outside doors and windows in place. The following is a rundown of all the basics you need to know about these two installation methods. Applications are more prominent with residential construction in sunbelt areas commercial locations and high rise dwellings. Plywood and concrete subfloors are an acceptable base for both floating hardwood floors and glued down floors.