When it comes to flooring adhesives, you may feel overwhelmed by the fact there is so much to know and consider about this product. Don't let flooring adhesives sound like something confusing to you, there is no need to know all the technical terms and chemical compounds and ingredients to understand why, when and what flooring adhesives do you need for your floor installation project.
It is no need to know flooring adhesives in general, since the flooring installation process is usually something you will leave in the hands of experienced wood floor fitting professionals. However, the more you know about flooring adhesives, the better you will understand what to expect from a floor fitting service, how to find a high-quality fitting service, and how to maintain your floor properly in the long term. In addition, if you are a DIY enthusiast, you will definitely want to know more about flooring adhesives and how to make the difference between different types of flooring adhesives.
Why Use Flooring Adhesives?
One of the most popular methods for wood floor installation, including the fitting of solid wood and engineered wood floorboards, as well as installation of vinyl and laminate flooring is the glueing down method that used different types of flooring adhesives. Using flooring adhesives for the floor fitting project is easy, fast, and the best option for a DIY job.
In addition, using flooring adhesives for installation ensures a sturdy and durable flooring structure that will pass the test of time and last for decades. Flooring adhesives are designed with a strong bonding power that does not allow the floorboards to get loose and unfixed and pop out. Meanwhile, flooring adhesives also allow enough flexibility, so when the floorboards contract, expand or shrink due to the impact of increased humidity levels and temperature fluctuations, they won't break or get damaged.
Types of Floor Installation Requiring Flooring Adhesives
Remember, when you want to install a floor, you need to use flooring adhesives. Flooring adhesives are designed with the specifics of a floor fitting project in mind. No other type of glue or adhesive available on the market will be a proper choice. Flooring adhesives are super durable and allow a degree of flexibility at the same time. As a result, flooring adhesives ensure the floorboards will remain in perfect condition for as long as possible and the overall flooring structure will remain hard-wearing, stable, and sturdy. So always choose flooring adhesives and avoid other bonding products that are not suitable for such project.
Now, you know you should purchase flooring adhesives. However, the market offers a rather wide variety of different flooring adhesives and you may be wondering what type of flooring adhesives to choose for your project and what flooring adhesives will best suit the type of flooring you are installing. In order to help you choose the right flooring adhesives, here is a bit more information about how different types of flooring work with different types of flooring adhesives:
Glue-Down Vinyl Flooring
The installation of this type of flooring requires the use of vinyl flooring adhesives for laying the planks securely and uniformly.
Loose Lay Vinyl Flooring
For a loose lay vinyl flooring installation, you are not going to use flooring adhesives throughout the whole floor, however, it is recommended to use flooring adhesives around the perimeter of the floor for sturdiness and durability.
Engineered Hardwood Flooring
One of the best ways to fit an engineered wood flooring is with the help of flooring adhesives designed for wooden floors.
Tile Flooring
If you opt for tile flooring, you will definitely need flooring adhesives to install all tiles down.
Laminate Flooring
One of the ways to install laminate is by using flooring adhesives.
Types of Flooring Adhesives
Now, if you are planning to install one of the above-listed types of flooring in your home, the next step is choosing the right flooring adhesives for the project. There are a few main groups of flooring adhesives available on the market, let's find out more about them:
Polyurethane Based
When it comes to wood flooring, this is the most popular and common choice of flooring glue for the installation project. However, keep in mind that polyurethane-based flooring adhesives can also be used for other types of flooring. Polyurethane based flooring adhesives create a chemical bond with the wood cells and a mechanical bond with the concrete subfloor. As a result, the bond is very strong and lasting but still flexible enough. Once cured, polyurethane-based flooring adhesives are moisture-proof. Keep in mind that this type of glue is generally low VOC.
Acrylic Based
Acrylic-based flooring adhesives are actually resin-based. This type of glueing products are often chosen for different types of flooring because of the very strong and efficient bonding they create. Some of the main benefits of these products are that they are sun-resistant, they can withstand temperature fluctuations and high moisture levels without getting damaged.
Water-Based
If you are looking for eco-friendly and sustainable products, water-based adhesives are the best option for you. They are generally very low VOC and are the most eco-friendly option available on the market. Therefore, water-based glues or often used for interior work. Keep in mind that moisture can weaken the bonding power of this type of glueing product.
What to Consider When Choosing Flooring Adhesives
Now, you know the difference between the most popular types of flooring adhesives but you are still not exactly sure to choose the right one for your project. Here are a few aspects you want to consider. First of all, think of dry time and how long it will take for the product to cure completely so you can use the floor.
Next, if you are planning to install the floor as a DIY project, you will also be interested in the consistency of different products and how easy it is to work with them. The coverage is also an important aspect as you would like to choose a product that spreads evenly without too much elbow grease being required. Do not forget to find out what are the best tools you can use for the application of flooring adhesives.
Why use flooring adhesives? Types of floor installation requiring flooring adhesives Types of flooring adhesives What to consider when choosing flooring adhesives