While it’s important to choose a floor covering that suits your needs and aesthetic expectations, it’s equally important to know how to choose the right installation method. When it comes to installing solid wood flooring, there are several options available, including nailing the floor or using glue to put it in place. Each of these techniques has its advantages and disadvantages. It’s therefore essential to carefully evaluate the characteristics of each method to determine which is the best option for your situation.
The advantages of nailed wood flooring installation
This is a widespread installation technique and also the most traditional one. Over time, it has proven its worth. Nailed installation offers a very comfortable floor while contributing to the room’s acoustic insulation. This technique, where the flooring is nailed to joists, also allows for greater durability than other methods. It is often used in high-traffic areas. Moreover, you can renovate your floor without having to redo the installation afterwards. Note that this type of installation is more suitable for thicker solid wood flooring.
The disadvantages
Although nailed installation ensures that the solid wood flooring is securely installed, it should be noted that this technique is more complex and involves more extensive work than other methods. Also, be aware that it will not be possible for you to install an underfloor heating system beneath nailed solid wood flooring. Given that nailed solid wood flooring is thicker (between 20 and 23 mm), the floor will become raised, which can be a disadvantage in certain rooms.
Finally, it is not recommended to perform this type of installation yourself, due to the complexity of the work. You should rather turn to specialists who will carry out the installation for you.
The advantages of glued wood flooring installation
Glued installation of solid wood flooring is currently gaining in popularity. This technique is generally used for flooring with a thickness between 10 and 20 millimeters. By gluing the flooring, you will have the possibility to include an underfloor heating system beneath the covering. Note that the surface on which the flooring is glued must absolutely be flat and free of dirt. This means you will need to prepare it before proceeding with the installation. By opting for this method, your floors will be very stable. In general, glued installation is also less expensive than nailed installation, both in terms of the work to be carried out and the materials that need to be purchased.
The disadvantages
Firstly, be aware that glued installation involves waiting time for drying. Generally, we’re talking about 24 hours before being able to proceed to the next steps of the installation. Moreover, glued installation offers less acoustic insulation. This means that if you want to improve it, you will also need to add an insulating layer. Finally, this technique sometimes offers less durability than nailed installation.
Specifics to know for solid wood flooring installation
When preparing for the installation of solid wood flooring, you should know that the steps before installation are very important. Solid wood flooring is a noble and durable material. It therefore deserves an installation done according to the rules of the art to ensure it lives up to its reputation.
To guarantee a good lifespan for the flooring, it is essential to focus on the preparation of the surface and the organization of the worksite. First, the surface that will receive the floor must be in good condition. Then, you need to consider potential underlayments, the direction of the planks, and expansion joints. Installing solid wood flooring is therefore a process that should not be taken lightly. That’s why it is strongly recommended to call upon specialists in the flooring field.
