[rocketdoctor]

My Remodel has a brand new level plywood subfloor of about 600 square feet. Due to lack of funds I want to install the flooring myself. I was planning on a nailing of 5/8s or 3/4 prefinished floor. My contractor insists that I should Glue down since it creates a solid floor.

Glue Down seems so permanent? Would I have to pull it and the subfloor if I wanted to replace it later. Is glue down eaiser, seems like it would be messier? also Im under the impression when you nail down it forces the seams of the wood closer together?

Any suggestions here?

 

[Just Bill]

Check the manufacturers recommendations, they know their product best. On the one hand, gluing reduces the chance for squeaks, but nailing allows easier removal or repair, if needed.

 

[Wood Floor Guy]

Nail vs Glue

Genrally speaking,, 3/4" should always be nailed or stapled down, and most thinner products could go either way, and as someone else mentioned, take the advice of the manufacturer. But in alot of cases they'll tell you to either nail or glue, so the choice is still yours.

Either installation method is pretty much permanent. A properly nailed floor is a bear to rip out...not alot worse than a a glued down floor. Nailing is cheaper (glue is expensive) and not as messy. My rule of thumb is to nail/staple whereever I can. Quicker, cheaper, ready to walk on right away!

Wood Floor Guy

My Remodel has a brand new level plywood subfloor of about 600 square feet. Due to lack of funds I want to install the flooring myself. I was planning on a nailing of 5/8s or 3/4 prefinished floor. My contractor insists that I should Glue down since it creates a solid floor.

Glue Down seems so permanent? Would I have to pull it and the subfloor if I wanted to replace it later. Is glue down eaiser, seems like it would be messier? also Im under the impression when you nail down it forces the seams of the wood closer together?

Any suggestions here?

 

[Chagres]

I always nail when possible. It's just easier and the homeowners don't have to deal with the fumes issue. But as dear old dad used to say, "Each to his own, said the man who kissed the cow..."

But as others said above, see what the manufacturer specifies.

Chagres
LINK REMOVEDhttp://www.icanfixupmyhome.com

 

[rocketdoctor]

in the process of installing Bamboo floors decided to Staple down based on recommendations. This has been a real process first used a cheaper Nail gun that did both nails and staples and the staples kept buckling and ended up removing staples than keeping. Rented a bostitch floor stapler and it works but has a tendacy to overdrive staples. I think if I were to do it again I would glue down or float the floor.