Engineered Wood: Floating vs Glue-Down - How Thickness Affects Installation Method
Introduction to Engineered Wood Flooring
Engineered wood flooring is a modern solution that combines the timeless appeal of real wood with advanced construction for enhanced performance. Unlike traditional solid wood flooring, engineered wood floors are built from multiple layers of timber, with a top decorative layer of genuine wood that showcases the natural grain and beauty of the material, enhancing the visual appeal of any space. This layered construction provides exceptional stability, making engineered wood flooring highly resistant to changes in temperature and moisture-ideal for humid environments and high traffic areas where solid wood might struggle.
One of the standout benefits of engineered wood flooring is its extremely durable nature. The robust design ensures that these floors are incredibly hard wearing and resilient in high-traffic and demanding environments, capable of withstanding daily wear and tear for decades with proper care. Engineered wood floors are also suitable for use with underfloor heating systems, as they can withstand heat without warping or bending, offering comfort and warmth without compromising the integrity of the floor. In most cases, engineered wood flooring is more cost-effective than solid wood, yet it delivers the same natural warmth and elegance that homeowners love. Whether you’re renovating a busy family home or updating a modern apartment, engineered wood flooring offers a versatile, stable, and beautiful foundation for any room.
With years of experience flooring a wide range of spaces, our team provides expert advice and comprehensive service to ensure you get the best engineered wood flooring solution for your needs.
Types of Engineered Wood
Engineered wood flooring comes in a wide variety of styles, finishes, and constructions to suit every taste and interior design scheme. Among the most popular options is engineered oak flooring, prized for its classic appearance, strength, and enduring appeal. Oak flooring is available in both traditional plank and contemporary herringbone patterns, as well as a range of natural wood colours and dark wood finishes, allowing you to create a look that perfectly complements your space.
The construction of engineered wood flooring typically involves multiple layers of timber, with a durable wear layer on top that can be sanded and refinished to restore its original beauty over time. This wear layer not only enhances the floor’s longevity but also allows for flexibility in design, as engineered wood flooring is available in various thicknesses-commonly 14mm, 15mm, and 20mm-and widths such as 125mm and 150mm. Plank lengths can range from compact 300mm boards to longer 1200mm options, giving you the freedom to create a seamless or more dynamic look.
Installation is straightforward thanks to the tongue and groove floor mechanism, which ensures a secure and stable fit for every plank. This groove floor system is designed for easy installation, whether you’re working with engineered oak flooring or another timber variety. With its combination of durability, versatility, and affordability, engineered wood flooring is rapidly gaining popularity as a top choice for those seeking the beauty of natural wood with the added benefits of modern engineering. Whether you prefer a rustic oak finish or a sleek, contemporary colour, there’s an engineered wood floor to suit every room and lifestyle.
Engineered Wood: Floating vs Glue-Down - How Thickness Affects Installation Method
When embarking on a flooring project, the installation method you choose can be just as important as the flooring material itself. Engineered wood flooring is constructed from multiple layers bonded together, which enhances its stability and performance. An engineered floor can be installed using various methods, and its layered construction allows for greater flexibility in installation compared to solid hardwood. Two of the most common approaches-floating and glue-down installation-each offer distinct advantages depending on your specific circumstances. What many homeowners don’t realize is that the thickness of your flooring plays a crucial role in determining which method will deliver the best results.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how flooring thickness influences your installation options, helping you make an informed decision for your specific hardwood flooring project needs. We’ll examine the technical considerations, practical implications, and the scenarios where each method shines. By the end, you’ll have the knowledge to confidently select the right approach for your home renovation journey, prioritizing natural wood options .
Understanding Engineered Wood Flooring Installation Methods
The Floating Method Explained
The floating engineered wood installation method, particularly oak, has gained tremendous popularity among DIY enthusiasts and professional installers alike. As the name suggests, this technique involves installing flooring that "floats" above the subfloor without being directly attached to it. Instead, the planks connect to each other through click-lock mechanisms or tongue-and-groove joints, creating a unified surface that expands and contracts as a single unit.
This method requires an underlayment-typically foam or cork panels -that provides cushioning, sound absorption, and moisture protection. The floating approach allows the floor to respond naturally to environmental changes, expanding and contracting with fluctuations in temperature and humidity.
The Glue-Down Method Explained
In contrast, the engineered wood glue-down method involves adhering flooring directly to the subfloor using specialized adhesive. This creates a permanent bond between the flooring material and its wood veneer, the underlying surface. The adhesive is typically spread across the subfloor with a trowel before the flooring is carefully positioned and pressed into place.
This method provides exceptional stability and is particularly valuable in high-traffic areas or spaces with significant temperature variations. Glue-down installation eliminates the hollow sound sometimes associated with floating floors and creates a solid wood, stable surface underfoot.
Key Differences in Performance
The installation method you choose significantly impacts how your floor performs over time. Floating floors generally feel more resilient underfoot and can be installed more quickly with fewer specialized tools. They're also easier to replace if damaged. However, they may produce more noise when walked upon and can feel less solid in certain applications, especially when installed in the long direction .
Glue-down engineered wood floors offer superior stability and typically last longer in challenging environments. They transmit less noise and feel more solid underfoot. The downside is that installation is more labor-intensive, requires more specialized skills, and makes future replacement more difficult.
Role of Thickness
How Thickness Affects Floor Performance
Flooring thickness is a critical factor that influences numerous performance aspects of your floor. Engineered wood flooring typically features a durable top layer for aesthetics and protection, supported by multiple layers of wood fiber beneath that enhance stability and performance. Thicker boards (typically 12-22mm for engineered wood) generally provide better sound insulation, creating a quieter environment by absorbing impact noise. They also offer enhanced thermal insulation, helping maintain comfortable room temperatures while potentially reducing heating costs.
The dimensional stability of flooring-its ability to maintain shape despite environmental changes-typically improves with thickness. Thicker boards resist warping and cupping better than their thinner counterparts, particularly important in areas with fluctuating humidity levels.
Thickness Categories Explained
Engineered Wood Flooring thickness generally falls into three main categories:
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Medium (7-12mm): This range includes most laminate flooring and some engineered wood options. Laminate flooring in this thickness range is popular for its cost-effectiveness and ease of installation, but engineered wood flooring of similar thickness typically offers better performance in terms of durability and moisture resistance.
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Thick (12-22mm): Primarily found in premium engineered wood and solid hardwood, these products deliver maximum durability and insulation properties. Thick engineered wood flooring is constructed from multiple thin layers bonded together, which maximizes strength and durability.
Room Suitability
Matching Installation Method and Thickness to Room Conditions
Selecting the right engineered wood flooring for your space goes beyond just choosing a color or finish-it's about ensuring your floor is perfectly suited to the unique conditions of each room. Room suitability is a key factor in determining both the ideal installation method and the appropriate thickness for your engineered wood floors, helping you achieve a durable, suitable cost-effective, and visually appealing result.
In humid environments such as kitchens, bathrooms, or utility rooms, moisture resistance is paramount. Here, opting for a thicker engineered wood flooring-typically or 20mm engineered wood flooring-provides added stability and protection against warping or swelling, particularly with a quality veneer finish . These thicker floors, often finished with a water resistance and moisture-resistant coating, are designed to withstand the challenges of high humidity and occasional spills, making them a smart choice for rooms where water exposure is a concern.
For living rooms and bedrooms, where moisture is less of an issue, medium-thickness engineered wood floors (10mm or 12mm) are often sufficient. These spaces benefit from the comfort and warmth of wood flooring, and the reduced foot traffic means thinner boards can still offer excellent durability. However, if your room features heavy furniture or is subject to frequent use, in most cases a slightly thicker floor can help prevent dents and scratches, ensuring your investment stands the test of time.
The installation method also plays a significant role in room suitability. A tongue and groove floor is a classic choice for engineered wood, providing a secure and stable fit that works well in most residential settings. In rooms with underfloor heating, however, a click system is often preferred. This method allows the floor to expand and contract with temperature changes, and makes it easier to lay engineered wood flooring or remove planks for maintenance if needed.
Commercial buildings present their own set of challenges, with high-traffic areas like restaurants, offices, and retail spaces demanding robust, long-lasting solutions. Here, engineered wood flooring with greater thickness and a durable finish is essential. Glue-down installation is often favored in these environments for its superior stability, while moisture-resistant engineered floors help protect against spills and daily wear.
To learn more about the average time required to install engineered wood floors, visit our guide: How Long Is Too Long? Average Time to Install Engineered Wood Floors
Impact on Subfloor Requirements
The thickness of your engineered wood flooring directly impacts subfloor preparation requirements. Thinner laminated strand lumber flooring materials demand more meticulously prepared subfloors, as they conform more readily to any imperfections beneath. Even minor subfloor irregularities can telegraph through thin flooring, creating visible bumps or dips in the finished surface. Some engineered wood products, such as sanded boards, require an especially smooth subfloor to achieve the best results.
Thicker flooring, particularly in the 12mm+ range, can bridge minor subfloor imperfections more effectively. However, this doesn't eliminate the need for proper interior subfloor preparation-it simply provides a bit more forgiveness. Regardless of thickness, ensuring your subfloor is clean, dry, level, and structurally sound remains essential for any successful flooring installation.
Impact on Subfloor Requirements
The thickness of your engineered wood flooring directly impacts subfloor preparation requirements. Thinner laminated strand lumber flooring materials demand more meticulously prepared subfloors, as they conform more readily to any imperfections beneath. Even minor subfloor irregularities can telegraph through thin flooring, creating visible bumps or dips in the finished surface. Some engineered wood products, such as sanded boards, require an especially smooth subfloor to achieve the best results.
Thicker flooring, particularly in the 12mm+ range, can bridge minor subfloor imperfections more effectively. However, this doesn't eliminate the need for proper interior subfloor preparation-it simply provides a bit more forgiveness. Regardless of thickness, ensuring your subfloor is clean, dry, level, and structurally sound remains essential for any successful flooring installation.
Floating Installation by Thickness
Medium Thickness (7-12mm)
Medium-thickness flooring (7-12mm), including most laminates and some engineered wood options, represents the sweet spot for floating installation. Each plank in a medium-thickness engineered wood floor, including high density fibreboard, is designed for easy install using click-lock or tongue-and-groove systems. These products offer sufficient rigidity to maintain stability while remaining flexible enough to accommodate the natural expansion and contraction that occurs with environmental changes.
The click-lock systems in this thickness range are typically robust and user-friendly, making installation relatively straightforward. Medium-thickness floating floors also provide reasonable sound insulation and comfort underfoot without requiring excessive clearance for doors or creating challenging transitions between rooms.
For best results, ensure your subfloor is within 3mm of level over a 3-meter span, and select an underlayment appropriate for your specific flooring product and room conditions.
Thick Flooring (12-22mm)
Thick engineered wood flooring (12-22mm) can be successfully installed using the floating method, particularly when equipped with modern click-lock systems. These substantial boards created from wood strands a solid-feeling floor with excellent sound insulation properties and impressive thermal performance. The increased thickness also enhances the floor's shear strength, making it more robust for demanding applications.
However, thicker boards can be more challenging to work with during installation due to their weight and rigidity. They may require more force to engage locking mechanisms and can be more difficult to maneuver in tight spaces. Additionally, the substantial thickness may create height issues at doorways and transitions to other flooring types.
When floating thick flooring, pay special attention to expansion gaps around the perimeter of the room. These substantial boards can exert significant force during expansion, potentially causing buckling if proper expansion space isn’t provided.
Glue-Down Installation by Thickness
Medium Thickness (7-12mm)
Medium-thickness flooring (7-12mm) installed using the glue-down method offers an excellent balance of stability and performance. The adhesives used in this process are specifically formulated for engineered wood products to ensure strong, long-lasting bonds. The adhesive bond enhances the already decent dimensional stability of these solid wood products, creating a solid, quiet floor that resists the effects of environmental fluctuations.
This thickness range works particularly well in open-plan living areas where consistent performance across large spaces is desired. The glue-down method eliminates the potential for sections to separate or move independently, which can sometimes occur with floating installations over time.
When gluing down medium-thickness flooring, selecting the appropriate adhesives is crucial. Different flooring materials require specific adhesive formulations to ensure proper bonding and long-term performance. Always follow manufacturer recommendations for both the flooring and adhesives products.
Thick Flooring (12-22mm)
Thick engineered wood flooring (12-22mm) installed using the glue-down method creates an exceptionally stable, solid-feeling floor. This combination delivers premium engineered flooring performance in terms of sound insulation, durability, and plywood longevity. The substantial weight and rigidity of these thick boards, combined with the stability provided by adhesive, results in a floor that feels virtually indistinguishable from traditional solid hardwood. This construction closely mimics the performance and appearance of real wood, traditional timber flooring, offering the aesthetic and structural benefits associated with timber.
However, gluing down thick flooring requires significant expertise and preparation. The substantial weight of these boards means they must be positioned accurately the first time, as repositioning becomes difficult once contact with the adhesive is made. Additionally, the adhesive must be applied evenly to prevent hollow spots or inadequate bonding.
For thick engineered wood, moisture considerations become particularly important with glue-down installation. Proper moisture testing of both the subfloor and the flooring material is essential, as is selecting an adhesive with appropriate moisture control properties for your specific conditions.
Choosing the Right Method for Your Project
Assessing Your Space Requirements
When deciding between floating and glue-down installation, carefully evaluate your specific space conditions. Consider colours, room size and shape-larger open areas may benefit from the stability of glue-down hardwood flooring installation, while ensuring all panels run in the same direction, smaller rooms might be perfectly suited to floating floors. Engineered wood flooring is widely used in modern home construction due to its versatility and performance. Traffic patterns matter too; high-traffic areas like hallways and kitchens generally perform better with glue-down installation, especially for thinner flooring materials.
Subfloor conditions play a crucial role in your decision. Concrete subfloors with minor imperfections might accommodate thicker floating floors, while perfectly level subfloors open up all installation options. If you’re installing over existing flooring, floating installation often provides the simplest solution, particularly with medium to thick products.
Budget Considerations
Your budget impacts both material and installation choices. Floating installation typically costs less in labor and materials, making it attractive for budget-conscious projects. The elimination of adhesive expenses and potentially lower labor costs (especially for DIY installation) can result in significant savings. The price of engineered wood flooring can vary depending on thickness, finish, and installation method.
Glue-down installation requires additional materials (adhesive, primers, etc.) and typically demands professional installation, increasing overall project costs. However, this investment often translates to longer floor lifespan and better performance, especially for industrial products potentially offering better long-term value despite higher initial expenses.
Long-term Performance Expectations
Consider how long you expect your flooring to last and perform optimally. For permanent installations in your forever home, the superior stability and longevity of glue-down installation-particularly for medium and thick flooring-often justifies the additional investment. Engineered wood flooring offers several benefits, including dimensional stability, ease of maintenance, and design flexibility. The solid feel underfoot and reduced noise make it ideal for primary living spaces.
For shorter-term solutions or rental properties, floating installation of medium-thickness flooring offers a good balance of performance and value. The easier replacement and potential for reuse in different spaces provide flexibility that glue-down installation cannot match.
Conclusion
The relationship between flooring thickness and installation method significantly impacts the performance, longevity, and satisfaction you’ll experience with your new floor. Engineered wood flooring is gaining popularity as a manufactured solution that combines natural beauty with advanced performance. By carefully considering your specific needs-including room usage, subfloor conditions, and budget constraints-you can select the perfect combination for your home.
Remember that quality flooring materials make all the difference, regardless of which installation method you choose. At Lumber King, we offer a comprehensive range of engineered wood, laminate, and luxury vinyl tile options in various thicknesses to suit any installation approach. Our free king-size samples allow you to test materials in your own space before making your final decision.
Ready to find the perfect flooring for your project? Browse our collection online today and order your free samples to experience the Lumber King difference firsthand. Your dream floor is just a click away!
