Floating Installations
Using the floating method of installation will require the pre-laying of an underlay in order to provide a cushion between the floor and the subfloor. Use one that combines a built in DPM on ground and basement levels or above concrete sub-floors and an acoustic option in multi occupant buildings to provide sound reduction between floors. This method will only lend itself to engineered boards although wide engineered planks are not recommended to be used for this method.

Once the underlay has been fitted, the installers should start laying the planks on one end of the room and leave a 1/2inch gap around the entire perimeter to allow for expansion. In this method no nails are used and the board’s ether connects using a click system or the tongue and grooves are glued together. The only downside with floating floors is that they are more likely to “creak” and the PVA glue that is commonly used can break down over the years, and the joints work loose.

Glue-Down Installations
Glue-down installation requires the use of an adhesives or bonding agent applied directly onto the subfloor. It can be used on both concrete and wooden subfloors. Some of these adhesives are designed with under floor heating in mind and can be used for both solid and engineered floors. Laying over a concrete subfloor will first require a two part epoxy liquid Damp Proof Membrane (DPM) to ensure no damp rises into the new floor.

The Glue-down installation method can provide an extremely stable floor when done properly, although it will require a slightly longer overall installation process. As with other installation methods, the installers should leave an expansion gap around the perimeter and follow the same laying pattern. This method can be used for wide planks although it is mostly common for parquet flooring.

Nail-Down Installation
Nail-down installation is the most straightforward installation methods, and is only advised if you have a wood subfloor. This installation method is typically performed by a professional as it requires certain skill and level of knowledge as well as the use of specialist tools, therefore not recommended for the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) enthusiasts.

When installing over plywood or composite board the direction chosen to lay the planks does not matter; however, if the new flooring is nailed down over existing floorboards, the new planks must be installed at a 90° angle to the original floorboards. This is done to ensure stability and to avoid the risk of excessive movement, buckling or warping.

Commonly used with tongued boards, the installers should start at one end of the room and leave a ½ inch gap around the entire perimeter to allow for expansion. They should carefully select several of the straightest boards and once they have been nailed in place, go back and nail the same boards through the tongue, pre-drilling and nailing at a 45° angle. After the third row or so is in place a manual or pneumatic floor-nailer can be used.

The floor nail or cleat used should be ring-shanked or jagged and no less then 2.5 times the thickness of the boards. They should be set into each floor joist or batten, assuming 16 inch spacing and an additional nail between each set. This should result in a spacing of every 8" to 10" as recommended by the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA). Boards must have a minimum of two nails each. No two connecting boards should end on the same line so the installer should alter lengths, to stager joints 6 inch apart. Often the last row will not fit a full strip of flooring and should be cut so the installer is able to hand nail the last row, leaving enough space for a ½ inch expansion gap between the wall and the wood. For better aesthetics the installers should run the boards through the doorway and continue into the adjacent room, although it may not be possible in all property types or room layouts.


The information provided in this document should be used as guidelines only. No warranty or guarantee is offered or implied to the suitability of any system, installation and/or flooring products for any specific purpose.