When it comes to installing wood flooring and its variations, there are several methods professionals rely on. We at Mike’s Custom Flooring use the nail down method, glue down method, and floating method when we are hired to install your wood flooring. Today, we would like to cover the basics of these methods.
Nail Down Hardwood Flooring
Typically, we use the nail down method primarily for solid hardwood floors and in some instances, engineered wood. With meticulous and methodical application, the nail down method is the most common, especially if there is a wood subfloor. With nailing it down, we can minimize the sanding needs. Using the nail down method to secure the floor is very efficient. The panels are directly nailed to the subfloor. To fit snugly in the groove of the adjacent board, the floor is blind nailed through a portion of the wood plank that protrudes from the board. Once the process is complete, the nails are nearly invisible.
Glue Down Hardwood Floor
There are some cases where the nail down method should be avoided and the glue down method is most viable. Concrete slabs are the primary application for the glue down method, and normally, the concrete needs to be evened out before the installation. According to where the hardwood floor is to be laid is where a trowel spreads the adhesive glue on the subfloor. With the use of a 3-inch-wide board, the experts measure out approximately 3 feet or enough for 12 rows to cover. Until the glued area is covered, each and every individual wood board is placed one at a time into the adhesive. In a methodical grid like pattern, another area is marked and laid to apply the hardwood floor. The glued down method is optimal for engineered hardwood floor variations are optimal. Depending on the manufacturer and engineering process, quality hardwood thicknesses vary from 3/8” up to 3/4″. The bottom sides of the hardwood products are milled with relief cuts, during the manufacturing process. In the contour of the subfloor, this ensures that the flooring can bend to minor irregularities. With adhesive glue the bonding attachment increases. We highly recommend that the prepping step to even out the cement slab does not get skipped though this feature is present in many types of hardwood floors.
Floating Hardwood Floor
Floating hardwood floors are what they sound as they remain unattached to any subfloor. Before the installation of the floating hardwood floor, underlayment is installed first. However, the floating hardwood products will either click or lock together is one of the most commonly used modern methods. The segments are glued together although in some floating installation services.
Hardwood Floor Installation, Replacement & More in Charles Town & Eastern Panhandle of Berkeley & Jefferson Counties in WV | Winchester & Frederick County | Round Hill & Loudoun County | Berryville & Clarke County | Herndon & Fairfax County VA
No matter which method you need to install a wood floor inside your home or business, Mike’s Custom Flooring has the expertise to recommend the most optimal method for the specifics surrounding your installation. With wood floors being an upgrade, you can have the high-quality wood floors installed to increase the value of your business or home and our experts ensure it is installed right. Contact us to get started today!
