What is the Difference between Glue Down and Nail Down Harwood Floors?

Is there a difference between glue down and nail down hardwood floors? Other than the obvious (one you glue and the other you nail) there are some differences. In reality, the biggest difference in hardwood flooring is more about quality than it is about installation. Cheaper hardwood floors tend to look like they are cheaper hardwood floors, especially when it's a floating floor. You can see the cut pieces and often the wood looks almost as though it were made from plastic.

Glue down hardwood floors often come in precut pieces that have several sections already secured together across the width. It's important that when the flooring is secured to the floor that a plywood section is laid upon the old floor. It is not necessary to remove the old flooring. The glue down sections will be throughout the floor but will not include where the flooring meets the joinery work under cabinets and appliances.

Most people find that glue down flooring is preferable for new do it yourself enthusiasts. If you're new to setting floors the best way to go is the glue way. It's typically easier to pull up a glued floor that hasn't been laid quite properly than it is to pull out the nails along the floor if the project doesn't go well.

Nail down hardwood floors are considered to be more secure and are often the choice for those who have more experience when it comes to handling floor installation. Nail down floors are not subject to the same kind of movement that glue down hardwood flooring is. The adhesive needs time to dry, so you can't walk on the glued down floor for at least 24 hours. Nailed down floors are secure once the nail is in its proper place. You don't have to allow much time to pass if you're just nailing the floor down before you replace furniture and allow people to walk on it.

For the most part people choose their hardwood flooring types by the preferred method of installation and the overall quality of the wood. If nail down flooring is the preferred option but it seems beyond your reach and skill level it's not hard to find someone to help or teach you. Once you get the hang of it, either of the floors can look beautiful and give you hardwood beauty in just a day.