Same as glue down, except click flooring, which requires removal of multiple planks or tiles for repairs. Some notable color and style options from Parterre that are popular for each install method include: When deciding whether to use the glue down installation method or a floating floor for your next project, it’s important to consider how much foot traffic the area typically gets. It is also important to keep in mind that the acoustics within a space are not solely based on the flooring you choose; they are also dependent on the subfloor preparations and furnishings selected for the space. Nail Down VS. The glue down method involves two distinct types of adhesives: hard set and pressure sensitive. One of Parterre’s most popular collections, 5mm Loose Lay, is receiving a refresh with the addition of QuickTrack, a product collection aimed at help you finish projects in record time. LVT has been crafted to mirror the look of wood, stone, tile, concrete, and more, giving you beautiful design options with the durability of vinyl flooring. Why We Recommend to Glue Down Your Timber Floor, Christmas & New Year Trading Hours 2020/21, Covid-19 Alert Level 2: What this Means for our Customers. Each installation method has many design choices to choose from, and the type of flooring you choose will likely impact your style options. Today, floating flooring has found a place within the commercial industry — most notably in multi-family housing developments. Vinyl flooring installed by “clicking” or snapping planks together across a subfloor. Timber Flooring Installation Method 2: Floating. The appeal of any luxury vinyl product is the vast number of design choices at your disposal. Not one flooring format type works best for one type of subfloor. Gluing my hardwood floor down To be able to glue your hardwood floor down the subfloor must be a solid and sound structure, for example, concrete or wooden floor boards. For most vinyl products, click, loose lay, or adhesive, a traditional two-bucket system and regular sweeping has proven to be an effective way to clean the flooring. Another consideration is the feel and sound of the floor. Worn or damaged tiles can be removed and replaced individually, saving time and money. The evolution of Vinyl and whether to glue it down or do a floating floor. In most cases, glue down flooring is covered by a commercial warranty, while floating flooring may be limited to only a light commercial and/or residential warranty. That’s because of the elasticity of glue, which allows the floors to expand and contract naturally with the seasons. Instead, the engineered wood planks are joined together with interlocking joints, creating a single, continuous layer that “floats” over the subfloor. This article, however, focuses only on the glue-down application. If the subfloor isn’t suitable for use of adhesives, then a floating floor … Floating Floors Require Floor Prep – Floating floors do require subfloor prep. ⚛ The information about Glue Down Vs Floating Floor On Concrete Differences is completely presented here. The reason floating vinyl flooring has regained popularity in recent years is due to advancements in how vinyl flooring is made and its ability to handle moisture. Glue-down floors are stuck to the subfloor, so they can't separate. When it comes to distinguishing between installing a floating floor vs a nail-down or glue-down type method, it is imperative that you weigh the good along with the bad before making any final decisions.One of the most obvious advantages that a floating floor has over a non-floating floor is ease of installation. Laminate flooring is not recommended to be glued down. As an installation method, glue down wood flooring is particularly suited to either concrete or wood subfloors. It’s pretty affordable and often cheaper to put in in the end than glue down flooring is, even with the extra underlayment that’s required. Glue down as an installation method for wood floors involves using a bonding agent, adhesive or glue that you put directly on to your subfloor before laying your floor. 0. If you’re working with commercial areas, glue down may be the best fit for that project. and click options, is a versatile plank and tile flooring option. Plywood, ceramic tile, lino floors, concrete and more, Not considered to add as much value to a property as a glued down floor, Noisier and often hollow-sounding to walk on, joints may squeak, Less effective heat transfer when installed over under floor heating systems, Edge trims are mandatory as the floor needs to be able to move, Expansion gaps must be allowed or you risk the floor squeaking, Subfloor must be flat otherwise you risk having hollow-sounding areas, Can't be sanded back - because the floor is not fixed the sander bounces around on it, resulting in an uneven and unattractive sanded finish, Not suitable for most parquet pattern flooring. The installation of hardwood floors by the glue down method is used predominately on concrete slabs. A floating wood floor can sound hollow or give an echo when walked on. The floor will have many heavy file cabinets on it and a lot of furniture on it. As with other installation methods, a moisture-control vapor retarder is recommended for on-grade and below-grade nail-down installations. And with certain floating floor options, especially rigid core click, some manufacturers offer added acoustic backings to help with sound reduction. On light weight concrete or gypsum floors like you have in a condo or apartment, floating your floor may be your only option depending on the softness and porosity of the subfloor. The locking system involves installing the click vinyl flooring in a systematic manner — meaning you must essentially remove each row of flooring located before the section in need of replacement. Floating. Look exactly like … It is however relatively common to glue laminate planks to one another in areas prone to water damage. Why Are Most of our Timber Floors Made From Oak? Contact us and a flooring specialist will be in touch as soon as possible. Glue-down installation holds up to high-traffic areas while reducing the chance for the floors to roll or lift up, especially if things are frequently moved or rolled across the floors, such as carts and furniture. Whether working with glue down or floating flooring, it is recommended to consult with your … With a floating flooring installation, the product is not actually attached to the subfloor, meaning it may give off a hollower sound compared to that of the glue down method—though the thicker a product, the quieter it tends to be. For different dimension of floorings in different areas there are different concepts that I … That’s because each plank interlocks with another one. Subfloor type: You can install both glue-down and floating floors over most subfloor materials, including concrete, plywood and oriented strand board (OSB), but the requirements are more stringent for a glue-down floor. The good news is that, depending on the flooring you choose, you essentially have two choices on how to install your luxury vinyl flooring: glue down vs. floating. And for do-it-yourselfers, the preferred method is the floating floor installation which uses no glue or nails. Absolutely Beautiful, wear well, and have held up beyond any expectation with two large English Bulldogs. The flooring product itself has adhesive on it, and is bonded to the floor with pressure. . Vinyl flooring adhered to the edges of a subfloor, then additional planks and tiles are laid in place without an adhesive. Three main installation methods are used with today's hardwood and laminate floors. No scratches. The subfloor flatness requirements for a floating floor are the same as for a glue down floor. Note: Prior to performing any of the techniques listed above, refer to your flooring manufacturer’s technical manual. Using an adhesive creates dimensional stability that ensures the flooring maintains its natural characteristics. Floating floors can be pieced together like a puzzle — leading to a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly approach by eli… Is it better to float or glue down an engineered wood floor over a cement floor that right now has a carpet on it that must be removed. While a glue-down installation is the most expensive and labor-intensive of the three options, it’s also the most stable method of installation. The glue down method of engineered wood flooring installation is typically the most common and creates a highly-stable floor. Floating floors are joined together with glue-less tongue and groove clicking systems, or just glued … Floating vs Glue down flooring. Because they aren’t directly attached to the subfloor, they may feel as if there is a bit of give under your feet when you walk. With minimal effort, tiles or planks can be replaced one by one, if needed. 11 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Luxury Vinyl Flooring Contractor, Glue Down vs. Floating floors are not directly fixed to the subfloor but are instead laid over an underlay without any glue, relying on the weight of the floor and the floors joint system to keep it in place. However, all flooring types typically work well with concrete subfloors, though there are various factors that need to be taken into consideration. For the flooring industry, that is ¼ inch in 10 feet or ⅛ inch in 6 feet. When working on a clean concrete subfloor, the glue-down method is often the go-to choice. Contact us today to learn more about ideas on how to best install your vinyl flooring product. Driving your decision is the fact that each method features its own set of benefits that may make more sense depending upon your industry, the setting, and your overall approach to your interior design project. It’s also important to realize that floating floors can go down over more types of underlayment. Floating floors can feel a bit bouncy and tend to have a more hollow sound. We went with the Coretec plus. At first, let us begin with explaining what a floating floor actually is and then we'll move on to clarifying what actually the term engineered wood floor means. The glue-down method is quite a bit messier, but the elasticity in the glue allows the flooring planks to expand and contract naturally. We are IN LOVE with these floors. Floating floor installed rather than glue down. The following is a rundown of all the basics you need to know about these two installation methods. Since it is a floating floor, it is meant to support itself via locking systems and have no connection to the subfloor. Both flooring installation methods involve similar cleaning and maintenance approaches that are simple and easy to follow. Learn how to properly sanitize and maintain luxury vinyl tile in commercial and residential settings. This is because the sound your flooring gives off has a lot to do with the way it is fastened to the subfloor. Jim: The debate of direct-glue vs. floating with luxury vinyl floors really boils down to the room or area where it’ll be installed. Derived from the laminate flooring business, the floating flooring category encompasses two different products with different installation options: loose lay vinyl and click vinyl flooring. First, luxury vinyl flooring, whether glue down or floating, is generally quieter underfoot than most hard surfaces. They are not made to hide bad subfloors. Also make note if this is a renovation or new build project, as that will impact flooring choices. You only get one chance to make a first impression. Floating: Your Top Installation Choices for Luxury Vinyl Flooring, A Guide for Cleaning and Maintaining LVT [COVID-19 Approved], 9 Flooring Design Ideas For Your Client’s Office Remodel, Avara – Our LVT Flooring and Wall Collection, Introducing Storri: A New Luxury Vinyl Flooring Design Inspired by Untold Narratives, cleaning and maintenance approaches that are simple and easy to follow. When it comes to types of subfloor, glue down, loose lay, click, or floating flooring, each was created equal. Floating engineered wood flooring is one of the most common installation methods. Whether working with glue down or floating flooring, it is recommended to consult with your manufacturer to confirm the product’s warranty. I decided to do some of my own research on the subject and found out the … Acoustical value should play at least a small part in your vinyl flooring installation decision. Selecting a luxury vinyl flooring product to include in your next interior design project is as much about installation and application as it is about style and design aesthetics. To best illustrate the comparable characteristics of glue down vs. floating installation, let’s first explain how each method works: The glue down installation method involves the use of an adhesive to adhere your dryback luxury vinyl flooring to its base. A floating vinyl plank floor is easy to replace, too, although it could be slightly more complicated than a glue down floor. For floating installations, we find that loose lay flooring is also relatively easy to replace if needed. It was suggested by a worker at the store that I do both: but down a … What You Should Glue. My usual response to that question is why would you even want to glue it down? Adhesive is spread along the floor, then flooring is laid on top. Both the hard set and pressure sensitive adhesive approach involve similar installation techniques related to spread rate, which can usually be found in a flooring product’s adhesive or installation manual. Depending on the type of floating product, floating installations involve little to no adhesive that can either be installed directly over the subfloor, or using a cushion or vapor barrier system. As an installation method, glued down is most suited for either concrete or wood subfloors. A general explanation of different ways to install hardwood floors. i had one project recently, i put down a floating floor and left 1/4" space all around, only for it to swell up enough that it buckled and i had to pull the shoe molding off and re cut the floor even more so it could sit back down, that's how much it expanded. You should use flexible flooring adhesive to allow your flooring to expand and contract with natural changes in temperature and humidity. The contact detail associated with Glue Down Vs Floating Floor On Concrete is also mentioned to make it easy for a user to contact the furniture seller. If you plan on replacing the floor sooner than later, a glued down vinyl flooring would be much more difficult to remove than a floating floor. Get your 2021 look book that includes recent installation photography, COVID-19 APPROVED LVT CLEANING & MAINTENANCE GUIDE, Wood-look designs highlighting the brilliance of Nature's artistry, Traditional character of woodgrain designs, Rigid core click for ease of installation. Glue Down Hardwood Floors On Concrete . no spots or stains. In most cases, glue down flooring is covered by a commercial warranty, while floating flooring may be limited to only a light commercial and/or residential warranty. Generally, commercial spaces — like office spaces, restaurants or retail stores — experience heavier than normal foot traffic and therefore can benefit from vinyl flooring that is glued down (since the glue provides extra support in keeping the flooring in place). The floating approach is used in many scenarios where the flooring is being installed over an old adhesive left behind from an earlier flooring product — or anything involving residual asbestos. Floating Floor Versus Glued Floor Noise. The floating floor method is very easy for DIYers and is not messy, but there are limits to the “runs” (successive distance) of flooring you can have. After all, if the installation method you choose is not ideal for its intended application or environment – the look and feel of the flooring suffers and the beautiful vinyl floors you thought would last a long time could end up breaking down. After installation, you cannot walk on them for at least 24 hours. However, one vital, but often forgotten element that also plays a very important role in design is sound. Always consider the moisture levels of the subfloor and the exposure your new flooring will have to moisture. This means you’ll either need to avoid a room all together for a day or complete your flooring project in small amounts at a time. Floating flooring is easier to tear up if necessary as well. Glue Down VS. How to Install a Nail-Down Subfloor Over Concrete. The installation process for glue-down flooring is a little more intensive – you have to apply the glue to the floor versus it already being on the back of the flooring, and it requires a lot more precision than a floating floor. For click flooring, however, replacement is a bit more involved because of its click locking system. Because floating floors are not formally adhered to the subfloor, there is a chance a plank could come up, especially if heavy furniture is pushed across the surface of the floor. Normally with floating, floor floats over a thin underlay, and with glue you glue directly to the sub floor. A floating floor is a method of installing where the boards are not glued or adhered to the substrate layer in any way. Both installation methods have the same cleaning methods, and they are easy to follow. This “floating” installation method remains a very popular choice today — especially for vinyl flooring. Glue-Down Cork Tiles While cork tiles are harder to install than cork floating floors, they are necessary in areas which will be exposed to constant moisture, such as bathrooms or utility rooms. One benefit of using the glue down approach with luxury vinyl plank and tile flooring is that it involves a seamless replacement — which again makes it an ideal method for the ever-changing retail or hospitality industry. The option of installing floating floors, either loose lay vinyl or click vinyl flooring, is still practical for some commercial settings where foot traffic is not as heavy, as well as some residential settings. However, it is always recommended to refer to the manufacturer’s maintenance manual and instructions for best practices. Floating flooring was once the go-to installation strategy, roughly 10-15 years ago in the residential marketplace. In this article we cover the differences between floating and glued down (direct stuck) timber flooring, and the different situations they are suitable for. Nail down floors on lightweight concrete … Applications are more prominent with residential construction in sunbelt areas, commercial locations and high-rise dwellings. So if you have to replace a portion of the floor, you’ll have to remove each flooring tile or … Traditionally, glue down floors are more challenging to install. To install click flooring, simply snap planks or tiles into place using the click-locking system integrated into the flooring product. In most commercial settings – whether it be healthcare, hospitality, education, or even retail – the first area people encounter is the lobby. If you are trying to seek ideas for 24 Perfect How to Glue Down Hardwood Floor to Concrete This is the place to be. Cons. On a plywood subfloor you may float, glue or nail down your new wood floor. Plywood subfloor panels of 5/8” thickness or higher are recommended. The subfloor of your installation is an important consideration when choosing a type of flooring and an installation method. Glued down means using a bonding agent, adhesive or glue which is put directly onto the subfloor before laying any of your engineered wood flooring. Glue down flooring is also a very affordable option, generally coming in under $2.00/square foot. THE GLUE-DOWN METHOD of Flooring Installation For Flooring Installation. The Con’s. Hardwood Flooring Feel & Sound Glue Down vs Floating. A long-term investment that adds value to a property, Quieter and firmer to walk on than a floating floor, Provides optimum heat transfer for under floor heating systems, No trims necessary - enables a seamless look between rooms and/or transitions into different areas such as carpet or tiles, Enables the floor to be sanded back (provided the flooring is compatible), Best suited to either concrete or plywood subfloors, Usually more expensive to install as you will need glue and moisture barrier, Not recommended in earthquake-prone areas, May not be suitable for installing over existing floor coverings such as tiles, Can work over just about any subfloor, providing it meets the recommended tolerances - e.g. Floating Vs Glued Down Engineered Wood Flooring. Glue Down Floors. Boards adhere well to the rough surface of the concrete subfloor, and therefore lead to less gaps or planks lifting and buckling. 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