Do I have to glue and nail 7 1/2" flooring

SDave5 · 12-22-2012, 05:03 AM

I'm installing a walnut 71/2" floor over a new osb sub-floor, its 5/8's thick. I've ask 3 "pro's" and have got 3 different answers. One said do not use glue at all, the other said glue only and the third said glue and nail.

woodman58 · 12-22-2012, 07:25 AM

If the flooring is solid then any flooring over 5" should be glued and nailed. It sounds like it is engineered flooring. If it is you only need to nail it. Solid flooring will cup. I have seen 3" flooring cup with alot of humidity present. An engineered floor is more stable, because of the cris crossing layers of wood it will not expand and contract very much.

SDave5 · 12-22-2012, 08:46 AM

It's a solid rustic grade (has some knots, burl, ect). So glue only or glue and nail/staple. I really appreciate the quick answer, I will be installing this floor over the holidays and want to make sure its done right. Its going over advantec osb sub-floor, can I use Bosticks best or is their something better.

joecaption · 12-22-2012, 09:13 AM

Why not check with the company that made the flooring for there suggestions on installing it. There the ones going to be looking for an excuess not to warrenty it if it's installed wrong.

SDave5 · 12-22-2012, 09:24 AM

I bought the flooring at auction at a very good price ($1.65) so no warranty. We're building a log home and we think it will look great. But even at that price I don't want it to fail after a few months, I'm looking for the best method possible. The one person that told me to not use glue said "with a plank that wide it will expand at a different rate that the sub-floor and if I glue it it will pop off the sub-floor for sure. Like everything I guess everyone is an expert, he was a salesman at a flooring store, don't even know if he ever installed a floor. I really appreciate the info I get here - Thank You.

**oh'mike** · 12-22-2012, 10:19 AM

Woodman has a lot of flooring experience---trust him.

JazMan · 12-22-2012, 11:21 AM

I agree with woodman. All solid hardwood 5" wide and over need to be glued and nailed. I would do the same even if it was engineered, but may not be necessary.

Although you're not expecting a warranty, you should still research the right way to do it. There should be a manufacturer's name on the boxes, no? Even if not I would check other manufacturers' instructions for a similar item.

So, is it solid or engineered?

Jaz

SDave5 · 12-22-2012, 01:20 PM

Its solid, I wasn't questioning his reply, He said to glue it and I just wanted to know if I should nail it also. Although I'm a licensed builder I got into the energy conservation business at a very early age, it has been good to me and their aren't many that have 40 years experience in this field. If any of you guys ever need any info in this field feel free to email me. I'm also a certified Dept. of Energy inspector. I'm now 61 and building my retirement home in northern MI. and learning a lot about all the other trades.
Thank's to all of you
Dave

woodman58 · 12-22-2012, 03:28 PM

Sdave5, I have amended my first post. I did not realize I left out the nailing part. It will need to be glued and nailed. You don't need to full spread the floor with glue. Just use liquid nail (or equivilent adhesive) and zigzag down the middle at least 3" to 4" wide. If you do it this way the floor will not fail.

12-22-2012, 05:03 AM	#1
SDave5 Newbie Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 4	Do I have to glue and nail 7 1/2" flooring I'm installing a walnut 71/2" floor over a new osb sub-floor, its 5/8's thick. I've ask 3 "pro's" and have got 3 different answers. One said do not use glue at all, the other said glue only and the third said glue and nail.

12-22-2012, 07:25 AM	#2
woodman58 Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Blackwell, Missouri Posts: 412	Do I have to glue and nail 7 1/2" flooring If the flooring is solid then any flooring over 5" should be glued and nailed. It sounds like it is engineered flooring. If it is you only need to nail it. Solid flooring will cup. I have seen 3" flooring cup with alot of humidity present. An engineered floor is more stable, because of the cris crossing layers of wood it will not expand and contract very much. __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. I LOVE THE SMELL OF SAWDUST IN THE MORNING! To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Last edited by woodman58; 12-22-2012 at 03:18 PM.

12-22-2012, 08:46 AM	#3
SDave5 Newbie Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 4	Do I have to glue and nail 7 1/2" flooring It's a solid rustic grade (has some knots, burl, ect). So glue only or glue and nail/staple. I really appreciate the quick answer, I will be installing this floor over the holidays and want to make sure its done right. Its going over advantec osb sub-floor, can I use Bosticks best or is their something better.

12-22-2012, 09:13 AM	#4
joecaption Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Hartfield VA Posts: 18,840	Do I have to glue and nail 7 1/2" flooring Why not check with the company that made the flooring for there suggestions on installing it. There the ones going to be looking for an excuess not to warrenty it if it's installed wrong.

12-22-2012, 09:24 AM	#5
SDave5 Newbie Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 4	Do I have to glue and nail 7 1/2" flooring I bought the flooring at auction at a very good price ($1.65) so no warranty. We're building a log home and we think it will look great. But even at that price I don't want it to fail after a few months, I'm looking for the best method possible. The one person that told me to not use glue said "with a plank that wide it will expand at a different rate that the sub-floor and if I glue it it will pop off the sub-floor for sure. Like everything I guess everyone is an expert, he was a salesman at a flooring store, don't even know if he ever installed a floor. I really appreciate the info I get here - Thank You. Last edited by SDave5; 12-22-2012 at 10:03 AM.

Do I have to glue and nail 7 1/2" flooring