Working with hardwood floors, floating floors, and other types of flooring often has more than one method of installation that adds beauty to the space. However, they are not the easiest to work with and vary in their work.
Some require extra underlayment, sub-flooring, and floating floor, while others don't. Even the plywood tends to vary based on the type of flooring you want. At Improvix Flooring, we offer all different types of services for flooring. Our expert and experienced workers have gathered an impressive amount of knowledge on their work and assure satisfaction.
Therefore, if you want to get your flooring done professionally, feel free to contact us for our expert opinions and suggestions on how to proceed with the process.
Whether you want to opt for a glued direct process for your flooring or choose the click-on process, both are time-consuming and charge major credit card bills. While the installation process may seem similar, they differ in some aspects.
The gluing process ensures the hardwood floor planks do not shift over time. It is much cheaper compared to click-in installation and requires a solid subfloor. Though the product price is lower than click-ins, these installation prices are higher than click-in ones.
Meanwhile, click-in planks are easy and very quick to work with. The installation procedure for these is much more straightforward than glues. Hence, most people often opt to get it done themselves. However, it is thicker and more expensive compared to glued planks. Therefore, it requires steady, precise hands and a smooth, level floor.
However, these methods are said to be almost as good as the other and durable. With proper maintenance and professional service, these types of flooring should last a long time and offer a unique finish regardless of the type of hardwood flooring you choose.
Before you begin the glue-down process for wood flooring, there are several steps. You are required to do a thorough inspection of the site you are working on. This is to ensure the site is eligible for the glue-down process and that your final output lasts a very long time.
However, there are different steps to follow when working on different floors. Some of the most common and basic types of floors are as mentioned below -
Glue-down hardwood flooring is the best way to go as it allows the woods can contract between the expansion gap as needed without forming any cracks. Even though hardwood flooring is known to be highly durable, it must be allowed to adjust conveniently without being lifted off of its place.
For hardwood flooring, it is best to stick to urethane adhesives. These have elastomeric properties that promote expansion gaps to fill in as it contracts. Such glues allow the hardwood flooring to fit conveniently on the floor and easy cleaning.
It takes 12-20 hours for the hardwood floor to dry completely. During this time, it is best not to walk on the surface until you are confident it has dried to prevent it from shifting. It is recommended to wait at least 24 hours for the adhesive to dry down after application completely. This prevents any open spots with the adhesive, as it could sound hollow and creak as you walk on it.
When it comes to the oak floor, it is best to switch to glue-down flooring. It does not need any underlying and requires the subfloor to be made before the installation begins. This flooring is said to be one of the best and most durable floorings and significantly drops relative humidity.
If you choose solid wood flooring oak, it is best to go with gluing process as it provides the most stability and prevents misplacement. Gluing down hardwood floors significantly minimizes slipping off your feet and can be used on any subfloor.
It is significantly more expensive and time-consuming than other types of hardwood flooring. Therefore, it requires precision and stable hands to work with. This method is almost as permanent as you can expect from hardwood flooring, which is why precision is recommended.
Before you begin with the process, it is essential to ensure you apply an adequate amount of adhesive to the subfloor. This is because oak floor offers a natural product type of beautiful finish that can easily be damaged if the placement of the adhesive is not adequate or suitable.
Parquet floors are arranged geometrically and tend to collect dust quite a bit, and it is a lengthy process to complete. Before you begin with the glue-down process, make sure the concrete slab is prepared correctly before beginning with the glue down process. You can also give us a call to help you analyze the situation on the floor.
You also may opt to install a vapor barrier or a vapor-retarding subfloor covering for longevity if you're installing glue on the concrete subfloor. This will provide a moisture barrier and help the glue last longer.
For glue on wood flooring, such as parquet, it is crucial to check the moisture level on a concrete floor. After checking everything, proceed to square the room for Parquet tiles.
Make sure to use good quality urethane glue for parquet tiles on a squared notch trowel for better application on the floor. Using urethane on solid wood floors with parquet provides a protective finishing layer to the tiles. It ensures durability to the tiles and provides a protective barrier between the floor and feet.
Floating wood floors refer to the method where planks of wood "CLICK" into one another seamlessly. These are among the few that aren't needed to glue down wood flooring. The click-on system on floating wood floors is enough to be permanent without the need for any wooden subfloor.
Although these are an efficient way to add a solid feel to a new floor, there are certain disadvantages too. Floating floors may require to be replaced more frequently than others as they don't have any permanent glue method to hold them down. These amplify and create a hollow sound through the room.
For floating hardwood flooring, it is not recommended to use a plywood subfloor if the tile is of ceramic or stones. To make sure the floating wood floors last longer, it is recommended to follow the manufacturer's installation instructions thoroughly.
Since glue-down hardwood floors are not an option for a floating floor, these must be adequately maintained. Typically, these are not water resistant and tend to cause rot throughout the hardwood floor, even if you are working with engineered hardwood floors.
For engineered flooring, urethane adhesives are the best way to go. This is a widely available adhesive for the engineered wood floor, which is why most people try to work with it themselves. However, it is strictly recommended not to by the professionals.
Engineered wood floors are delicate and must be carefully worked with as they are manufactured and not as durable. Opting for suitable quality urethane or water-based adhesives is best for engineered hardwood flooring.
Urethane adhesives, such as wood flooring, are known to be eco-friendly and safe. It provides an excellent seal between the floor and subfloor, as well as your feet and the floor.
The sealant provides an excellent and snug fit between each plank. This prevents the planks from coming to loose and shifting from positions. It also minimizes the chances of slipping due to the snug fit.
Water-based adhesives for engineered wood flooring are easier to work with than urethane adhesives. Placing the planks on top of the applied glue may move a lot.
However, you can add pressure on top and reposition the plank if it doesn't fit the way it should. Once it dries down, it should appear like a solid wood floor, even with engineered hardwoods.
Now you know that several types of wooden floors require different types of maintenance. Most floors require similar types of adhesives, whether for engineered floors, floating floors, or hardwood floors.
While some may differ in the installation methods, labor costs, and moisture content, others may require unique treatments before beginning the process.
Gluing down hardwood and other floors is crucial to beautifying a new house. Therefore, gathering more advice on how to work with it is recommended.
Improvix Flooring offers all the professional needs that can make your overall flooring a bliss. Glue down hardwood or even a simple wooden floor; our experts are ready with the nail gun to help you. We're available 24/7, so give us a call, and we'll be there in no time.