Welcome to our comprehensive guide on installing direct glue down engineered timber. If you're looking to enhance your space with a touch of elegance and durability, this step-by-step tutorial will walk you through the process seamlessly.
Preparing for Installation
Before you begin the installation process, ensure that you have the following tools and materials ready:
Engineered timber flooring
Bostik Ultraset HP timber flooring adhesives
4.8mm Flat V Bostik Notch Trowel
Wakol PU Moisture barrier
Tape measure
Mitre Saw
Table Saw
Roberts pulling iron
Multi-tool
Spacers
Cleaning wipes
Step 1: Prepare the Subfloor
Thoroughly clean and inspect the subfloor to ensure it's dry, level, and free of any debris. Lay down the moisture barrier if required for a concrete subfloor or any floor levelling compounds that are installed, sealing it properly. For particleboard subfloors, we recommend a rough sand to remove the wax coating, sand down any peaking joins + remove any construction contaminants. Australian standards of 3mm over 3metres subfloor flatness tolerance is required on the preparation for new flooring to be installed. Install any floor self levelling compounds suitable for the subfloor type to rectify any subfloor deviations.
Step 2. Undercut Door Frames
Trim door frames by turning a panel upside down as a height measurement and using a multi-tool cutter or jamb saw to cut away the necessary height so that panels can slide easily underneath for a clean finish.
Step 3: Plan the Layout
Start planning the layout of the flooring, considering the orientation and any obstructions in the room. Once you have chosen a starting wall, snap a chalk line or laser to determine the straightness of the wall. After the adhesive is spread and the first row of planks are installed and secured, this will serve as an anchor for the subsequent rows of planks, which will be pushed snug against it. An expansion joint is also needed across the perimeter (8mm for Australian standards at minimum)
Step 4: Apply the Adhesive
Using a trowel according to the adhesive manufacturer’s instructions on subfloor applications, hold the trowel at a 45 angle to the sub-floor to obtain the proper ridges. Begin spreading the adhesive at the starting wall and cover an area approximately 300mm wide along the length of the wall. The spread rate of adhesive and timing for installation should be according to the adhesive manufacturer’s instructions of working / dry times. Never spread excessive amounts of glue at one time, never the entire floor, and always work in sections.
Step 5: Install the Flooring
Carefully lay the first piece of flooring in place, ensuring it fits snugly against the spacers. Press down gently to secure it to the adhesive. Continue this process, ensuring each piece is aligned correctly. Proper placement of the first row of planks is very important. The tongue side of the plank will face away from the starting wall. Lay the first row parallel to the wall, ensuring that it is absolutely straight and tight relative to the starting wall.
Step 6: Cut and Fit
When reaching the end of a row, measure and cut the last piece to fit. Remember to leave the required expansion gap. Don't install in a continuous structure, at Imperial Flooring Australia we install in a random stagger for a natural premium finish look.
Step 7: Finishing Touches
Furniture, equipment and traffic should be kept off the flooring until the adhesive is firmly set, usually approximately 12 to 24 hours (see adhesive instructions). After adhesive is set, mineral spirits or acetone for final cleaning of the surface may be used. Never flood the floor with excess water, clean with a mop/rag & recommended timber flooring agents like BONA.
Once all the laying procedures have been completed and the glue is sufficiently dry (see information on adhesive bottle), all spacing wedges should be removed. Any visible joints or gaps along the boards or at the ends where two boards meet should be filled with a filler to match the colour of the timber or a cork strip/ compound. Always test the filler on a leftover piece of plank to check for reaction (if any). Skirting-boards or scotia may now be installed by nailing, screwing or gluing directly to the perimeter walls or existing skirting. Never fix directly to the installed floor.
IMPORTANT STEPS
Once floors are laid on building sites, we recommend installing Floor Protection matting to eliminate any un-necessary damage to the new floors during construction.. View our webstore for our recommended floor protection products - THOR Floor Protection.
Maintenance Tips
Regularly clean the flooring with a damp mop and recommended wood floor cleaner.
By following these steps diligently, you can achieve a professional and lasting installation of direct glue down engineered timber flooring. Let your space exude charm and sophistication with this elegant flooring solution.
Remember, precision and patience are key to a successful installation. Now, it's time to transform your space and enjoy the beauty of engineered timber flooring.
Happy Installing!
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