Encyclopedia

of Home Improvements

*Glue Down Laminate Flooring*

Glue Down Installation of Engineered or Laminate Flooring

"See article on preparing your floor for installing Engineered or Laminate Flooring"

Engineered or Laminate flooring can be glued directly to a concrete sub-floor, wood sub-floor, ceramic tiling, or linoleum on the ground floor and second floor.

Preparing and leveling the sub-floor:

The sub-floor should be free of any surface defect. If it is not, fill gaps with leveling cement or sand uneven area.

The sub-floor must be level, i.e., a slope of no more than 3/16" (5 mm) over 10' (3048 mm).

The surface must be clean and free of contaminants such as grease, dust, oil, nails, staples, etc.

On vitrified surfaces (high gloss ceramic tile) covered with paint or waterproof sealant, sand the surface so that concrete adhesive will adhere.

For concrete installation, ensure that the concrete is not low-density (below 3000 psi) or friable.

Where applicable, ensure that ceramic tiles, acoustic membranes, or former floor covering adhere firmly to the sub-floor.

Steps for glue down installation

Use a chalk line to trace a starting line parallel to the starting wall at a distance of 5 3/8" (138 mm), i.e., the width of a plank plus the ½" (12.7 mm) expansion joint. The space between the wall and the starting will be the last section of floor laid.

Nail the guide planks along the starting line on the side closest to the wall. The planks will serve as a guide for the first rows of the planks.
Lay out 4 to 5 rows of planks ahead of time that match in terms of joints and color. Cut planks with imperfections or place them in less visible areas.

Using your trowel, apply adhesive at a 45° angle from the starting line outward. It is important to use the trowel recommended in this manual in order to apply the proper quantity of adhesive.

Install the first plank along the starting line with the tongue facing you and the groove facing the starting wall. Always keep a ¼" (6.3 mm) expansion joint at row ends with expansion shims.

Do a few small sections at a time to ensure the adhesive does not dry before the planks are laid.

Proceed from left to right to install the other planks in the rows.
The last plank in the row will have to be cut. An easy way to measure the length of the planks that will finish the row is to turn it lengthwise to quickly establish the cut mark.

The remainder leave at least 6" (150 mm) in length, will serve to start the next row.

For subsequent rows, insert the tongue end into the groove and lower the plank as close as possible to the adjacent one, avoiding contact with the adhesive as much as possible.

You may need to use a tapping block for best tongue & groove fit.

Use blue adhesive tape every five to six rows to ensure planks remain firmly in place.

Use a 100-150 lb. roller to apply pressure to install sections while the adhesive is still active (app. 45-60 min).

Repeat these steps for the rest of the floor.

For best results, stagger the joints. 6" (150 mm) to 8" (200 mm) from the previous row and alternate board length.
Once the entire surface is covered, remove the guide planks and lay planks in the 5 3/8" (138 mm), space left at the start of installation.

Back to Topics Page

Contact