Installing hardwood floors for the first time can be challenging, but the result will be timeless and beautiful if you complete the project properly. There are two main ways to install hardwood flooring: the glue-down method and the nail-down method. This guide will explain the differences between the two methods, their pros and cons, and which one might be better for your specific hardwood flooring project.
The Glue-Down Method
The glue-down method involves applying adhesive directly to the subfloor before laying the hardwood planks. It’s ideal for solid wood or concrete floors.
Pros and Cons of the Glue-Down Method
Since the adhesive material is elastic, using the glue-down method provides a stable installation that lets the wood expand and contract naturally through changing seasons.
The main con of this method is that the subfloor needs some extra preparation, which might increase labor costs. If the subfloor is damp or moist, it may weaken the glue’s bond. You’ll also need to use the right trowel for your particular glue. Otherwise, your spread rate won’t be accurate, which compromises the floor’s ability to stick to the subfloor.
How the Glue-Down Method Works
You’ll need these materials for a hardwood floor glue-down:
- Blue painter’s tape
- High-quality adhesive
- Appropriate trowel
- Concrete nails
It’s best to do the glue-down method in smaller chunks to account for the adhesive’s drying time. Start with the longest wall to make sure the extension gap is correct. Use your notched trowel to apply and spread the adhesive across a square meter of space. Place the hardwood floors above the adhesive and push the planks together.
You don’t have to glue the floor planks since they’re already bonded to the subfloor. Use flooring straps as necessary to hold the boards in place while the adhesive dries.
The Nail-Down Method
With the nail-down method, you’ll need a nail gun to secure the planks. This is the method that most people prefer for traditional hardwood floors. It’s a reliable choice for solid wood and some engineered flooring types—especially if you’re installing floorboards over a plywood subfloor.
Pros and Cons
The nail-down method is typically faster and more cost-effective than gluing. It makes for a timeless look that doesn’t compromise on strong lateral stability. And, if a floorboard gets damaged, you can also pull out the nails to replace it without affecting the surrounding floor.
One disadvantage of nailing down a hardwood floor is that the nails can loosen over time thanks to seasonal expansion and contraction. That can lead to squeakiness when someone walks on the affected floorboards.
How the Nail-Down Method Works
You’ll need a few extra tools to nail hardwood floors compared to gluing them down. These include the following:
- Saw
- Nail gun and claw hammer
- Measuring tape
- Level and leveling compound
- Pry bar
- Tapping block and rubber mallet
- Asphalt paper
- Nails
- Flooring screws
Start with a clean, level, and dry subfloor at least 18 mm thick. Align the planks so they run perpendicular to the existing floorboards.
Position the nail gun over the flooring plank’s edge where you can find the tongue. Then, use a mallet to push the nail at a 45-degree angle so it’s secure and completely hidden. Keep working row by row, staggering end joints for a natural look.
Things To Remember When Installing Hardwood Floors
Being prepared is key for proper hardwood flooring installation. Consider these tips when you plan to install new hardwood floors.
Whether you should install your flooring yourself or hire a professional largely depends on your skill set. However, remember that nailing or gluing hardwood floors can be a challenging task, even when you’re an experienced DIYer.
If you plan to hire a professional, ask your flooring retailer what installers they work with or recommend.
Proper hardwood flooring installation requires tools and knowledge. Be sure that you have everything you need and know exactly how to do the installation. Inadequate or missing tools will only make for more of a hassle. If you mess things up, it may cost more to have someone fix the situation and do it right than it would have to hire a professional in the first place.
There’s a wide selection of hardwood flooring materials and stains. Choose a style that goes well with the room’s individual design and color palette.
Glue or Nail? The Verdict for Hardwood Floor Installation
The decision between glue or nails for hardwood flooring installation depends on your DIY skills and your subfloor material. Generally, the glue-down method is best for concrete subfloors, while both glue and nail installation methods work well with wooden subfloors.
If you hire a professional, they can help you decide which method is more suitable for your hardwood floors. Nailing hardwood floors is faster and more efficient if you need to have your room back as soon as possible.
