Types of Hardwood Floors
Solid Wood vs. Engineered Wood
Solid Hardwood
Engineered Wood
Nail Down
The “nail down” method is the most common and preferred way to install hardwood floors. This method works for solid and engineered floors, but only with a wood subfloor. The nails are nearly invisible after installation.
Glue Down
The “glue down” method uses an adhesive to adhere hardwood flooring to the subfloor. This method works with a cement or wood subfloor, and reduces the likelihood of deflection between the flooring and subfloor – which means less chance of squeaking.
Floating
A floating floor is installed by attaching each board to the next, tongue-to-groove or glued, and at the end joints. The flooring is installed without any adherance to the subfloor. This method is ideal if the subfloor is tile or vinyl.