Wood flooring installation

        Let's cover the differences between floating flooring and glued down (direct stuck) about wood flooring, and the different situations they are suitable for. 

Glue Down Method

       The glue down method involves fixing your floor directly to the substrate using an adhesive. This is our preferred method of installation for most circumstances as it provides a floor that is firmer and quieter to walk on and eliminates the risk of squeaking joints. However in some circumstances a floating floor may be more suitable.

  Pros:

Quieter to walk on than a floating floor - less risk of hollow noise Feels nice and firm to walk on like a solid timber floor Can be used with most under floor heating systems No trims necessary - so you can achieve a seamless look between rooms and/or transitions into different areas such as carpet or tiles Suitable for parquet pattern flooring

  Cons:

Best suited to either concrete or plywood subfloors Usually more expensive to install as you will need glue and moisture barrier Takes a little longer to install Not recommended in earthquake-prone areas May not be suitable for installing over existing floor coverings such as tiles.

Floating Method

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. The floating method is not our preferred method of installation however it may be the best option if time or cost are of concern, and it is also a wise option to take if you are installing in an earthquake-prone area. Please note: We recommend all floating floors to have a locking joint system - Flooring with T&G joints should not be floated. Please ensure your flooring is specified compatible with floating by the manufacturer before commencing installation.

   Pros:

Generally a cheaper option Quick to install Great for installing over radiant heat systems Can work over just about any subfloor, providing it meets the recommended tolerances - e.g. Plywood, ceramic tile, lino floors, concrete and more Can be used for temporary floors

   Cons:

Noisier to walk on than glue-down flooring and joints may squeak Doesn't feel as firm to walk on 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 Not suitable for most parquet pattern flooring

For all flooring installations we would like to recommend that you get a professional and reputable floor-layer to perform the installation.

Professional floor layers have the tools and expertise and will be able to lay more efficiently than yourself or any builder and prevent any wastage from mistakes. Using a professional installer will save you time and provide an end result that is of utmost quality. Be sure to contact us if you would like to know what installers we recommend in your area - we would be more than happy to help.

We wish you the best of luck with your timber flooring installation!