Glue-down Installation

How to Install a Glue-Down Wood Floor

Hardwood flooring is gorgeous and isn’t free so pay careful attention to the instructions below and if you aren’t sure…call a pro.

1. Inspect: Take a thorough look at the subfloor and be sure it is up to being covered. It should be dry, free of debris, and should never have any signs of mold or mildew on it. The floor and the room should be well-ventilated.
2. Start: Determine the place you want to start which should be at the point where the wall is the straightest. Measure from the wall at each end width of two boards (minus the tongue). Add ¾ inch to the sum to allow for the boards to expand. Mark a chalk line at the locations, parallel to the point of the starting wall. It will be used for the start line of the floor placement. Nail down a block to secure the area between the chalk line and the wall so the first row of boards are secure.
3. Secure boards: Using the straightest, longest boards, line the first row leaving a ¾ inch gap between the left and right walls that are perpendicular to the line of start. Install the initial row of planks along the lines of chalk, making sure to hold the block with the tongue side propped so that it’s against the block that’s holding it. Press down on the board for adhesion to the subflooring. Choose a long board to the last one on the row. The first two rows will be glued last.
4. Second row: Be sure the first board you use for the second row is 6 inches shorter or longer than the first row so that it staggers. Insert the end with the tongue of the second row board into the groove of the first row. Then securely slide it into place. Adhere to the floor by pressing. Follow the instructions to glue and press all but the first two rows. The first two rows will be reserved until last.
5. Repeat: Being careful to make sure to stagger the ends by 6 inches or more, follow the same directions above to adhere the rest of the rows. Don’t walk on the floor until it has dried and cured, at least 12 hours. Apply painter’s tape perpendicularly so the rows don’t separate or spread. Remove any glue that has gotten on the boards.
6. Finish: Once you’ve installed the row on the end wall with an expansion space of about ¾ inch, remove the holding block and glue the first two rows between the starting wall and the chalk line.