For engineered flooring, glue is the best option. That’s why you must have decided to go for glue. But there’s confusion everyone suffers from which glue they should use for flooring.
Because there are many types of glue available on the market. And every brand claims to be the best. They have different features too.
Which is the best glue for engineered wood floors?
For engineered flooring choose glue with a moisture barrier. TEC has some options for flooring glue. Such as Wood Assure, Wood Endure, etc. There are good brands for engineered flooring glue such as Bostic Best, Henry, Roberts, etc. For choosing glue, consider your floor substrate and location.
Don’t get overwhelmed with all the options. Because I am going to give you all the details for choosing the right glue. Keep on reading!
Best Glue For Engineered Wood Floors
Engineered floors are best to be glued. But choosing the right glue for this job is a headache. I have gathered some best glues you can use particularly on the engineered floors.
Let’s get into the discussion.
Option 1: Wood Assure by TEC
Moisture is a very important factor in flooring done by glue. High moisture can ruin the flooring if the glue doesn’t have enough moisture capacity.
But sometimes it’s not possible for you to test the moisture. Maybe because of fluctuation of the moisture or something. In that case, you can use Wood Assure glue.
Let’s see some of its features:
- No moisture testing is needed
- Easy to apply with a trowel
- Easy to clean up, requires no solvent
- Doesn’t require multiple time glue application
- It has sound deadening capabilities
- It gives protection from moisture vapor
- Intermediate level setting speed
- Color: white
- Coverage: 60 – 70 sq. ft. per gallon ( for < 7″ flooring thickness)
- Shelf life: Maximum 1 year from manufacturing if not opened
- VOC: 0
As you can see, it’s a pretty good option.
Option 2: Wood Endure by TEC
It is another glue, perfect for engineered flooring by TEC. It is almost the same as Wood Assure.
Here are some of its features:
- This glue creates a really strong bonding with the flooring
- No moisture testing is needed
- Easy to clean up, just use some mineral spirit
- The trowel should be changed regularly
- Color: white
- Coverage: 60 – 70 sq. ft. per gallon ( for < 7″ flooring thickness)
- Price: $ 130-132 (3.5-gallon pot)
- Shelf life: Maximum 1 year from manufacturing if not opened
- VOC: 0
Option 3: Robert Engineered Flooring Adhesive
This is another good quality, medium price range flooring adhesive.
Here are the features of Robert Adhesive:
- Moisture Control up to 8 lbs
- Durable bond with the flooring
- Easy to trowel
- Easy to clean, just with water and soap
- VOC: 2 g/L
- Environment-friendly
- Color: Beige
- Great coverage
- Price: One Gallon $ 26-28
Option 4: Henry Floor Adhesive
It is a multipurpose glue you can use for engineered flooring. Let’s see some of its features:
- It has a no-slump formula
- One-coat application, easy trowel
- High moisture resistant
- Price: $15-18 (1 gallon)
- Coverage: 45-50 sq. ft. (per gallon)
Option 5: Bostic’s Best Adhesive
It is another great option. But it is a little bit on the expensive side.
Here are some features of Bostic’s Best flooring Adhesive:
- Fast drying rate
- Recommended to use with a new trowel for every can
- Easy one-part trowel
- Clean with the mineral spirit or adhesive remover
- Color: tan
- Price: $ 270-272 (5-gallon pot)
- Low VOC
- Coverage: 50 sq. ft. ( for < 5/8″ flooring thickness)
These are the best options you can try. Check out these products:
| Product |
| Wood Assure by TEC |
| Wood Endure by TEC |
| Robert Engineered Flooring Adhesive |
| Henry Floor Adhesive |
| Bostic’s Best Adhesive |
I have discussed what glue to use. But now you must be curious to know another thing. What factors should you keep in mind before choosing glue for your engineered flooring project?
Move into the next segment to know this.
Choosing Glue For Engineered Wood Floors
Here are a few things you should consider before choosing glue for engineered flooring:
Substrate
Substrate is the actual floor you wanna put the engineered flooring on. The material of the substrate is an important thing to consider before choosing glue. Some homes have concrete floors, some homes have plywood.
Some glues made for plywood don’t work on concrete floors. Also, low-grade concrete floors need stronger and more high-quality adhesives.
I have given suggestions for those adhesives that are good for plywood. And they are also the suitable quality of the concrete floor.
Other than plywood and engineered wood, some like to attach carpet on the concrete floor too. It also looks good. But it requires a little more maintenance than the wood flooring.
Toxicity
Toxicity of the glue is measured by VOC (Volatile organic compounds) level. Glue with a high VOC level is harmful to you. So try to choose an adhesive with a low level of VOC.
Cleaning
It is normal to get some glue above the flooring while applying it. When it dries out, it looks really bad.
Choose adhesives that are easy to clean. But remember, all adhesives are only easy to clean when the glue is still wet. When the glue dries out, it is really hard to remove the glue from the flooring.
Difficulty level to trowel
It depends on the consistency of the glue. Glues that are too thick, are really tough to spread on the floor. Too much thin glue will be washed out and have to be applied many times.
So the right consistency of the glue will give you an easy trowel experience.
These are the things you should look out for before buying glue for engineered wood flooring.
Read the next section to know how to fit the engineered wood floor.
Applying Glue To Engineered Wood Floor
After buying the glue and everything, now it’s time to attach the flooring. Let’s see the whole process in the easiest way.
Step 1: Checking And Cleaning
Before starting with the flooring, check your existing concrete or plywood floor. The floor needs to be flat. So if you see any hole or anything, fix that with a leveling compound.
Also, clean the entire floor before starting the process. Make sure the floor is completely dry. Sometimes the floor stays wet because of water sources like dryer leaks on the floor.
If you have a leaking water source problem, like a dryer leaking, repair that first. Or else, your engineered flooring will get ruined.
Step 2: Applying Adhesive
Use a trowel to spread the adhesive on the floor. Spread the glue evenly and on 1 m. sq. area at a time.
Step 3: Attaching The Wooden Floor
When you spread glue on a certain area, attach the wood flooring evenly. And flatten it out. Apply another floor sheet and push it so that there is no gap between the sheets. Cover the whole room like that.
Make sure to leave an expansion gap of 12mm-15mm to all the edges of the room. Because the wooden engineered flooring can get a little expanded because of the humidity.
Step 4: Cleaning The Glue
After finishing with the floor attaching, clean all the wet glue on the floor. Do it as soon as possible. Because once it dries out, it’s really hard to remove the adhesive from the floor.
Step 5: Let It Dry
Your job is done. Now let the floor dry, and don’t walk on the flooring. Usually, the glue takes 36 – 48 hours for curing.
That’s how you glue engineered wood flooring.
FAQs
What is the best glue for engineered hardwood floors?
Some of the best glue for engineered floors are TEC adhesives, Henry adhesives, Bostic’s Best, etc. High-quality glues can take high humidity and have lower VOC levels. The best glues create a strong bonding with the hardwood flooring. The consistency of the best glues is balanced for an easy trowel.
Can you glue down engineered hardwood flooring?
Yes, you can glue down engineered hardwood floors. In fact, for attaching engineered floors, glue is the best option. You can use nails. But they are bad to look at. Also, creates cracks in the hardwood. Thus, go for high-quality glue.
What adhesive is used for engineered wood?
Urethane-based adhesives are used for engineered woods. High-quality poly-urethane adhesives are best for engineered wood. Try to choose adhesives that are high humidity tolerant.
Is it best to glue engineered flooring?
Yes, it is best to glue engineered flooring. Among all the options for attaching hardwood flooring, gluing it down is the best. Because it is more stable than nailing the wood down. Also, nailing on wood looks really bad if the nails aren’t hidden.
Conclusion
That’s all for my discussion on the best glue for engineered wood floors. I hope you can now easily decide which glue you are taking for the flooring.
Don’t forget to wear hand gloves while working. And keep proper ventilation in the room you are working. Because these glues can be toxic.
Best of luck with your flooring project. Good day!