Besides being able to choose desired type of flooring, stain, and surface finish for an upcoming project, you can choose how the floor should be installed.

 

NAIL-DOWN

Flooring professionals’ preferred and most commonly chosen choice is the naildown method. For centuries, this method was specifically utilized when the material consisted of solid wood and subfloors, such as OSB (Oriented Strand Board) or plywood.  Once the floor properly acclimates, the first few boards are laid carefully in order to prevent gap formation while using the blind nailing technique. In other words, a nail is set into the floorboard at a 45-degree angle, just above a tongue of the board, and down to the wood subfloor. By utilizing this type of method, a sinking/damaged board can be easily replaced without showing any noticeable differences and not causing any changes to the remaining floor. 

STAPLE-DOWN 

Staple-down is similar to the nail-down type of installation. Their holding capabilities is the main difference. A staple will give a stronger holding, whereas a nail will allow for more natural expansion and contraction of the hardwood floor boards, especially during the change of seasons. 

GLUE-DOWN

Glue-down method is utilized for solid and engineered wide width planks.  Wider plank floors are more prone to moving during humidity changes. Gluing the plank floors down to the subfloor stabilizes planks and provides effective results. A trowel is utilized to spread the adhesive evenly on a concrete slab. Once the glue cures, it works as another moisture barrier against humidity.  

FLOATING 

Floating is the quickest and easiest way of installing a wooden floor out of all the methods listed above. By simply applying the click and lock method, an interlocking feature that holds the boards together, floating can be utilized over almost any subfloor. Laminate, vinyl, and engineered flooring is commonly associated with floating. An underlayment, of client’s choice, is laid between the floor and the subfloor to protect against moisture and reduce noise.