If you ve decided to install engineered hardwoods there are four possible installation methods depending on the subfloor.
Floating engineered wood flooring no glue.
Another consideration is the feel and sound of the floor.
Glue nail staple and float.
What is engineered hardwood 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.
Floating type and glue type.
The installation process of floating type wood flooring is less price than the glue type wood flooring.
Some engineered floors are designed with tongue and groove boards.
Hardwood flooring feel sound glue down vs floating.
The glue down method of engineered wood flooring installation is typically the most common and creates a highly stable floor.
Engineered hardwood floors have a solid wood top and bottom but the middle or core layers are made of plywood.
Boards adhere well to the rough surface of the concrete subfloor and therefore lead to less gaps or planks lifting and buckling.
Floating vs glued down engineered wood flooring 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.
Made from layers of real wood compressed together engineered hardwood floors are better able to handle changes in moisture and humidity than solid hardwood.
Check the engineered hardwood installation guide for the installation methods recommended for your flooring choice.
Floating hardwood floor overview illustration by gregory nemec.
Glue down hardwood flooring often sounds more like real solid hardwood flooring than floating floors do.
Because of the way it is installed there isn t a hollow sound when walking across the floor or a spongy feel this is something that can be an issue with floating floors if they aren t installed perfectly and with optimal conditions.
This type of construction makes engineered hardwood less likely to expand and better suitable for installation over radiant heating systems concrete slabs and basements.
Engineered flooring goes down over a thin foam sheet which provides cushioning and sound dampening.
As the natural wood it is good and also easier to install and maintain.
You can turn these into a floating floor by applying a bead of glue in the groove and then inserting the tongue of the next board.
Engineered wood is less susceptible to warping can better handle water damage.
Generally hardwood flooring comes in different style.
Glue can also contain and emit volatile organic compounds vocs.
As an installation method glued down is most suited for either concrete or wood subfloors.
Urethane adhesives are widely used for engineered hardwood flooring.
When working on a clean concrete subfloor the glue down method is often the go to choice.
Floating floors can feel a bit bouncy and tend to have a more hollow sound.