Hardwood Floor Installation Tips on Adhesive
If you are considering performing your own hardwood floor installation, then you need to read our Eddie's Hardwood Floors post on what adhesive to use, if any?
One of the best tips we can give you when it comes to gluing hardwood floors is to use the glue sparingly. Another good tip is to keep a damp cloth and water or solvent handy when gluing your hardwood floor. Other tips pertain to the preparation of the sub-flooring before you actually lay your hardwood floor. Even though urethane glue is recommended for most applications, when you are installing your floor over concrete that has an unknown level of moisture, we advise you only use glues that will double as a vapor barrier and an adhesive.
One vital thing you must remember when you are gluing hardwood floors is to not spread out more glue than you can use before it dries. The biggest mistake made by amateur floor installers is to use too much glue on the sub-floor. As this type of glue does dry or cure extremely fast, which means you will then have the difficult job of removing the glue and applying a fresh coat. Care should also be taken to use the right trowel and the recommended notch size in order to apply the adhesive on the floor. When gluing hardwood floors, make sure the floor is clean and free of dirt, dust, and debris if you want the best results.
Another valuable tip for a first-time installer is to make certain the wood flooring is running at a 90-degree angle to the joists on the floor. As this will help remove any squeaks, dips, and bows in the new flooring. Also, contrary to popular belief, it is not actually necessary to put glue into the tongue-and-groove area, should there be any. Doing this will make it impossible for the planks to seat tightly together.
If you would like to know about our hardwood floor installation services in Warwick, RI or would like to book an appointment with us, call us at (401) 823-3783 anytime.