How do I lay solid wood flooring?

A solid wooden floor can be installed by 4 different methods. Which method you use is dependent on the flooring type, location, budget, schedule or skills. Fitting a solid wooden floor isn’t a difficult task but does require sound DIY knowledge and precise preparation.

Nailing

If allowed, nailing a timber floor is the most affordable and preferred way to install. For 100’s of years we have been fitting floors in this fashion and it is a tried and tested method. If you have a timber framed property this is the best method.

• It’s a clean installation
• You can walk on you new floor immediately
• Schedule

• Limited locations.
• Knowledge

Gluing

If you have a concrete base then gluing down your timber floor is a popular method. I have to warn you preparation is the key to success, along with patience. You also have to consider schedules for gluing down a timber floor as you have to wait for the glues to set.

• Feel underfoot
• Acoustic (some adhesive better than others)
• Easily available
• Practical
• Versatile

• Can be messy
• Schedule (2/3 day job)

Underlay

The new kid on the block so to speak. This is a new method for fitting a floor which is rapidly becoming very highly sought-after. In a sense this is the same as gluing down your floor but the glue is attached to the underlay.

• It’s a clean installation
• You can walk on you new floor immediately
• Tolerances allow on subfloor prep
• Budget

• Accuracy

Clips

Junckers flooring invented this system back in the day but foolishly did not patent the idea. Now there are a number of clip system solid timber floors but they all essentially all work in the same way. The metal clip is attached to the back of the board and clips into the board next to it.

• It’s a clean installation
• You can walk on you new floor immediately
• Tolerances allow on subfloor prep

• Limited portfolio
• Budget

• Detailed instructions of how to fit a solid wooden floor

Related links:

• Solid wood floors
• Flooring tools