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. 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. The following is a rundown of all the basics you need to know about these two installation methods. 11 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Luxury Vinyl Flooring Contractor, Glue Down vs. 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. The appeal of any luxury vinyl product is the vast number of design choices at your disposal. 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. No matter what floor you put down over concrete, it will expand and contract a lot. 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. I decided to do some of my own research on the subject and found out the … 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. Additionally, the proper sub-floor of plywood, cement or concrete is required. Glue Down Floors. To … Today, floating flooring has found a place within the commercial industry — most notably in multi-family housing developments. 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. What You Should Glue. In most commercial settings – whether it be healthcare, hospitality, education, or even retail – the first area people encounter is the lobby. Same as glue down, except click flooring, which requires removal of multiple planks or tiles for repairs. Not one flooring format type works best for one type of subfloor. The glue-down method is quite a bit messier, but the elasticity in the glue allows the flooring planks to expand and contract naturally. Floating Vs Glued Down Engineered Wood Flooring. Floating floor installed rather than glue down. 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. Glue Down Hardwood Floors On Concrete . It is however relatively common to glue laminate planks to one another in areas prone to water damage. How to Install a Nail-Down Subfloor Over Concrete. Also make note if this is a renovation or new build project, as that will impact flooring choices. However, all flooring types typically work well with concrete subfloors, though there are various factors that need to be taken into consideration. No scratches. As an installation method, glued down is most suited for either concrete or wood subfloors. 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. 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. 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. Cons. First, luxury vinyl flooring, whether glue down or floating, is generally quieter underfoot than most hard surfaces. 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. Both flooring installation methods involve similar 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. 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. Timber Flooring Installation Method 2: Floating. A floating vinyl plank floor is easy to replace, too, although it could be slightly more complicated than a glue down floor. However, it is always recommended to refer to the manufacturer’s maintenance manual and instructions for best practices. They are not made to hide bad subfloors. 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. Each installation method has many design choices to choose from, and the type of flooring you choose will likely impact your style options. To install click flooring, simply snap planks or tiles into place using the click-locking system integrated into the flooring product. The glue down method involves two distinct types of adhesives: hard set and pressure sensitive. We are IN LOVE with these floors. 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. ⚛ The information about Glue Down Vs Floating Floor On Concrete Differences is completely presented here. no spots or stains. As an installation method, glue down wood flooring is particularly suited to either concrete or wood subfloors. Glue Down VS. This “floating” installation method remains a very popular choice today — especially for vinyl flooring. Always consider the moisture levels of the subfloor and the exposure your new flooring will have to moisture. Why Are Most of our Timber Floors Made From Oak? If the subfloor isn’t suitable for use of adhesives, then a floating floor … Floating Floor Versus Glued Floor Noise. The installation of hardwood floors by the glue down method is used predominately on concrete slabs. Both installation methods have the same cleaning methods, and they are easy to follow. A general explanation of different ways to install hardwood floors. Floating floors can be pieced together like a puzzle — leading to a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly approach by eli… It’s also important to realize that floating floors can go down over more types of underlayment. 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. 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. Floating flooring is easier to tear up if necessary as well. 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. 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. Instead, the engineered wood planks are joined together with interlocking joints, creating a single, continuous layer that “floats” over the subfloor. As mentioned earlier, healthcare is another industry that could benefit from the glue down method due to the heavy rolling traffic from wheelchairs or gurneys. Adhesive is spread along the floor, then flooring is laid on top. 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 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. And for do-it-yourselfers, the preferred method is the floating floor installation which uses no glue or nails. 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. Boards adhere well to the rough surface of the concrete subfloor, and therefore lead to less gaps or planks lifting and buckling. In this article we cover the differences between floating and glued down (direct stuck) timber flooring, and the different situations they are suitable for. The Con’s. 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. The subfloor flatness requirements for a floating floor are the same as for a glue down floor. Nail down floors on lightweight concrete … 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. 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. Note we are discussing timber flooring not laminate flooring - all our laminates should be floated. When it comes to engineered hardwood floors, two common methods of installation are floating and glue-down. 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. 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. Whether working with glue down or floating flooring, it is recommended to consult with your … My usual response to that question is why would you even want to glue it down? 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. Learn how to properly sanitize and maintain luxury vinyl tile in commercial and residential settings. The flooring product itself has adhesive on it, and is bonded to the floor with pressure. We went with the Coretec plus. For the flooring industry, that is ¼ inch in 10 feet or ⅛ inch in 6 feet. 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. Laminate flooring is not recommended to be glued down. Contact us today to learn more about ideas on how to best install your vinyl flooring product. On a plywood subfloor you may float, glue or nail down your new wood floor. Traditionally, glue down floors are more challenging to install. For different dimension of floorings in different areas there are different concepts that I … This article, however, focuses only on the glue-down application. Applications are more prominent with residential construction in sunbelt areas, commercial locations and high-rise dwellings. Three main installation methods are used with today's hardwood and laminate floors. Floating floors can feel a bit bouncy and tend to have a more hollow sound. As with other installation methods, a moisture-control vapor retarder is recommended for on-grade and below-grade nail-down installations. Floating vs Glue down flooring. The floor will have many heavy file cabinets on it and a lot of furniture on it. If you are trying to seek ideas for 24 Perfect How to Glue Down Hardwood Floor to Concrete This is the place to be. Worn or damaged tiles can be removed and replaced individually, saving time and money. 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. And with certain floating floor options, especially rigid core click, some manufacturers offer added acoustic backings to help with sound reduction. 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. The same premise as glue down applies, as individual planks and tiles can be replaced relatively easily. Contact us and a flooring specialist will be in touch as soon as possible. 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. It was suggested by a worker at the store that I do both: but down a … 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. That’s because each plank interlocks with another one. Vinyl flooring installed by “clicking” or snapping planks together across a subfloor. 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. You should use flexible flooring adhesive to allow your flooring to expand and contract with natural changes in temperature and humidity. For click flooring, however, replacement is a bit more involved because of its click locking system. Whether working with glue down or floating flooring, it is recommended to consult with your manufacturer to confirm the product’s warranty. Glue down flooring is also a very affordable option, generally coming in under $2.00/square foot. . 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. 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. Plywood subfloor panels of 5/8” thickness or higher are recommended. Floating Floors Require Floor Prep – Floating floors do require subfloor prep. The subfloor of your installation is an important consideration when choosing a type of flooring and an installation method. Look exactly like … 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. 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. Floating flooring was once the go-to installation strategy, roughly 10-15 years ago in the residential marketplace. 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. and click options, is a versatile plank and tile flooring option. Absolutely Beautiful, wear well, and have held up beyond any expectation with two large English Bulldogs. 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. Acoustical value should play at least a small part in your vinyl flooring installation decision. Floating engineered wood flooring is one of the most common installation methods. With minimal effort, tiles or planks can be replaced one by one, if needed. When working on a clean concrete subfloor, the glue-down method is often the go-to choice. When we think about interior design, we often think of the visuals — the color scheme, the décor, and the layout of the space. 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). Note: Prior to performing any of the techniques listed above, refer to your flooring manufacturer’s technical manual. However, one vital, but often forgotten element that also plays a very important role in design is sound. 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. 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. Another consideration is the feel and sound of the floor. 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. 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. Nail Down VS. Floating. For floating installations, we find that loose lay flooring is also relatively easy to replace if needed. Using an adhesive creates dimensional stability that ensures the flooring maintains its natural characteristics. That’s because of the elasticity of glue, which allows the floors to expand and contract naturally with the seasons. The glue down method of engineered wood flooring installation is typically the most common and creates a highly-stable floor. You only get one chance to make a first impression. If you’re working with commercial areas, glue down may be the best fit for that project. After installation, you cannot walk on them for at least 24 hours. Floating floors are joined together with glue-less tongue and groove clicking systems, or just glued … 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. So if you have to replace a portion of the floor, you’ll have to remove each flooring tile or … A floating wood floor can sound hollow or give an echo when walked on. Since it is a floating floor, it is meant to support itself via locking systems and have no connection to the subfloor. 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 evolution of Vinyl and whether to glue it down or do a floating floor. Vinyl flooring adhered to the edges of a subfloor, then additional planks and tiles are laid in place without an adhesive. 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. 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. 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