Floating, Nailing, or Gluing? Selecting the Right Hardwood Installation Method

The choice of hardwood whether solid or engineered is just the first step. The next critical decision is the installation method, which dictates the floor’s long-term performance, longevity, and even sound underfoot. The three primary techniques nail-down, glue-down, and floating each serve specific purposes and are dictated by the type of subfloor you have. Using the wrong method can lead to buckling, gapping, or a spongy feel.

At A&S Carpet Collection, our installation experts know that the correct technique ensures a seamless and lasting result for your Allison Park home.

Method 1: Nail-Down Installation

This is the most traditional method, typically reserved for solid hardwood flooring and some thicker engineered products.

• Best For: Solid wood, plywood/OSB subfloors, and structures on the ground level or above.
• The Process: Planks are secured directly to a wood subfloor using specialty flooring nails or staples driven through the tongue of the board (a process called blind-nailing). A moisture barrier (like felt paper) is laid first.
• Performance: This method provides the most secure and solid feel underfoot, eliminating any movement or sponginess. It is considered the gold standard for traditional hardwood stability, and it allows the wood to naturally expand and contract with minimal stress.
• Limitations: This method cannot be used over concrete slabs or below grade (basements) because the nails are insufficient to anchor the floor, and the underlying concrete’s moisture will damage the wood.

Method 2: Glue-Down Installation

Glue-down is primarily used for engineered hardwood and is the preferred method for installations over concrete.

• Best For: Engineered hardwood, concrete subfloors, and installations over radiant heat systems.
• The Process: The planks are secured to the subfloor using a strong, flexible, trowel-applied adhesive. High-quality adhesives often contain a moisture barrier component, which is critical when bonding wood directly to concrete in a high-humidity environment.
• Performance: This method offers excellent stability, preventing any vertical or horizontal movement of the planks. It provides a solid feel, similar to nail-down, and is the most reliable way to secure wood to concrete.
• Limitations: It is labor-intensive and more expensive due to the cost of the adhesive. It also makes future repair or removal more difficult.

Method 3: Floating Installation

The floating method is exclusively used for click-and-lock engineered hardwood or laminate.

• Best For: Engineered hardwood, laminate, installations over challenging subfloors (like existing tile or uneven concrete), and basements.
• The Process: The planks are locked together edge-to-edge, forming a single, interconnected mat that “floats” above the subfloor. A foam or rubberized underlayment is placed between the subfloor and the floor. This underlayment serves as a vapor barrier, sound buffer, and cushion.
• Performance: Floating installation is the fastest, easiest method, and the floor can be used immediately. It is ideal for basements because the entire floating mat can move as a unit if the subfloor slightly shifts, minimizing stress on the planks.
• Limitations: Without a high-quality underlayment, floating floors can sometimes have a hollow or spongy sound underfoot.

Choosing the correct hardwood flooring installation method is as crucial as selecting the species of wood. By consulting with the experts at A&S Carpet Collection, you ensure your new hardwood floor is anchored properly to your subfloor, guaranteeing its beauty and integrity for decades.Ready to choose the right installation for your hardwood? Contact us or visit our showroom location in Allison Park, PA. At A&S Carpet Collection, we take pride in the quality of our workmanship and customer service.