How is Wooden Flooring Done?

Wooden flooring is primarily installed using three common methods: nail-down, glue-down, or floating (click-together), with the choice often depending on the type of wood flooring and the subfloor.

Common Wooden Flooring Installation Methods

Installing wooden flooring involves preparing the subfloor and then laying the planks using one of the prevalent methods. The specific approach taken often depends on whether you're using solid hardwood or engineered wood flooring, as well as the type of subfloor present. As mentioned in the reference, solid hardwood flooring is typically nailed down during installation while tongue and groove engineered flooring is usually clicked together or completely glued down. With these primary install methods available, it's important to decide how to lay hardwood floors based on factors like your skill level and budget.

Here are the main methods:

1. Nail-Down Installation

This is a traditional method primarily used for installing solid hardwood planks and some thicker engineered flooring over a wood subfloor (like plywood or OSB).

• Process: The planks are blind-nailed (or stapled) at an angle through the tongue of the board directly into the subfloor. This secures the flooring firmly in place without visible fasteners on the surface.
• Suitability: Best for above-grade installations over approved wood subfloors.
• Advantages: Very stable floor, allows for sanding and refinishing multiple times (especially solid wood).
• Considerations: Requires specific nailing tools (flooring nailer), more skill required, not suitable for concrete subfloors unless a wood subfloor is first installed over the concrete.

2. Glue-Down Installation

In this method, the wooden planks are adhered directly to the subfloor using a strong adhesive.

• Process: A special wood flooring adhesive is spread onto the subfloor in sections, and the planks are carefully laid and pressed into the glue.
• Suitability: Commonly used for engineered wood flooring, but can also be used for some solid woods, particularly over concrete subfloors.
• Advantages: Provides a very solid feel underfoot, suitable for concrete subfloors (including below-grade), helps with sound dampening.
• Considerations: Subfloor must be very clean, dry, and level; adhesive can be messy; requires good ventilation during installation; future removal can be difficult.

3. Floating Installation (Click/Lock)

Floating floors are not attached directly to the subfloor. Instead, the planks interlock via specially designed tongue and groove edges (often called click-lock systems) and rest on an underlayment.

• Process: Planks are connected to each other, forming a single large mat that "floats" over the subfloor. An underlayment is typically used for cushioning, moisture control, and sound dampening.
• Suitability: Most commonly used for engineered wood flooring and laminate, suitable for nearly any subfloor type (wood, concrete, tile) and all grade levels.
• Advantages: Easiest method for DIYers, faster installation, forgiving of minor subfloor imperfections, allows for expansion/contraction as a unit, easy to replace individual damaged planks.
• Considerations: Can sometimes sound hollow underfoot compared to nailed or glued floors, requires expansion gaps around the perimeter.

Preparing for Installation

Regardless of the method chosen, proper preparation is crucial for a successful wooden floor installation:

• Subfloor Preparation: The subfloor must be clean, dry, flat, and structurally sound. Uneven areas may need leveling.
• Acclimation: The wooden flooring planks typically need to acclimate to the room's temperature and humidity for several days before installation to prevent excessive expansion or contraction after fitting.
• Layout Planning: Planning the layout, including the starting point and direction of the planks, helps minimize waste and ensures a visually appealing result.
• Expansion Gaps: Wood expands and contracts with changes in temperature and humidity. Leaving a small gap around the perimeter of the room (which will be covered by baseboards) is essential for all installation methods to allow for this movement without buckling.

Choosing the Right Method

Selecting the best installation method depends on several factors:

• Type of Wood Flooring: Solid wood generally requires nail-down over a wood subfloor. Engineered wood offers more versatility and can be nailed, glued, or floated.
• Subfloor Type: Concrete subfloors usually necessitate glue-down or floating methods. Wood subfloors allow for nail-down, glue-down, or floating.
• Location/Grade Level: Basements (below-grade) often require moisture-resistant methods like glue-down or floating with a vapor barrier.
• Budget & Skill: Floating floors are generally the easiest and most budget-friendly for DIYers, while nail-down and glue-down require more specialized tools and expertise. As the reference highlights, your skill level and budget are important considerations when deciding how to lay hardwood floors.

Here's a quick comparison:

By understanding these methods and preparing properly, you can achieve a beautiful and durable wooden floor.