How to install an engineered oak floor by fully gluing it onto the subfloor?

🛠️ Tools and Materials Required:

• Engineered oak flooring planks

• Flooring adhesive (high-quality, moisture-cured polyurethane adhesive recommended)

• Adhesive spreader or trowel (notched type, as recommended by the adhesive manufacturer)

• Moisture meter (to ensure proper humidity of subfloor and flooring)

• Measuring tape

• Pencil

• Chalk line

• Rubber mallet

• Tapping block

• Pull bar

• Spacer wedges

• Straight edge

• Saw (circular saw or jigsaw)

• Safety gloves and glasses

• Cleaning cloth and adhesive remover wipes (to quickly clean up spills)

✅ Step-by-Step Installation Guide:

Step 1: Preparation of the Flooring

• Acclimate the engineered oak flooring by placing unopened packs in the installation room for at least 48-72 hours.

• Ideal room conditions: temperature between 15-25°C, relative humidity between 45-60%.

Step 2: Subfloor Preparation

• The subfloor must be clean, dry, flat, and structurally sound.

• Check moisture content with a moisture meter:

  • Concrete subfloor: moisture content should typically be less than 2-3% or follow adhesive manufacturer's recommendations.

  • Wooden subfloor: moisture content should typically be around 8-12%.

• Level any uneven areas using a suitable leveling compound. Aim for a flatness tolerance of no more than 3 mm per 2-meter span.

• Sweep or vacuum thoroughly, removing dust, debris, grease, or oils.

Step 3: Plan Your Layout

• Measure the room carefully, marking a straight reference line parallel to the longest wall or aligned with the main source of natural light.

• Determine plank direction: generally parallel to the longest wall or incoming natural light.

• Ensure at least 30 cm staggering of plank joints between rows for aesthetics and structural integrity.

Step 4: Spreading Adhesive

• Use the recommended trowel (check adhesive instructions for correct notch size) to apply adhesive onto the subfloor.

• Spread adhesive evenly across the width of 1-2 plank rows at a time.
  (Note: Adhesive typically remains workable for about 20-30 minutes.)

• Important: Do NOT apply adhesive too far ahead, as it can dry out before flooring is laid.

Step 5: Installing the First Row

• Start installation from your marked reference line.

• Place spacer wedges (approx. 10-12 mm) around perimeter walls to allow for expansion.

• Lay the first plank into the adhesive with the groove side facing the wall.

• Gently press down to ensure firm adhesion, checking alignment with your chalk line regularly.

• Continue laying planks, ensuring each plank tightly joins the previous plank.

• Use a tapping block and rubber mallet carefully to close gaps without damaging edges.

Step 6: Installing Subsequent Rows

• Continue to apply adhesive row-by-row.

• Stagger plank joints by at least 30 cm.

• Interlock each plank, tapping gently with the tapping block and rubber mallet to secure the joints.

• Periodically check alignment, making sure the flooring stays straight and true.

Step 7: Cutting and Fitting

• Measure and cut the final plank of each row precisely, allowing for the 10-12 mm perimeter expansion gap.

• Use the leftover plank pieces (if at least 30 cm) to start the next row, reducing waste and maintaining staggered joints.

Step 8: Final Row Installation

• Measure width needed for the last row carefully, accounting for the expansion gap.

• Cut planks lengthwise if necessary, and place into adhesive.

• Use a pull bar to securely lock final planks into place against previous rows.

Step 9: Finishing Touches

• After installing all planks, remove spacer wedges.

• Allow the floor to set for 24-48 hours undisturbed.

• Install baseboards, quarter-round moldings, or threshold transitions—attaching these only to walls, never directly onto the floor, to maintain proper expansion space.

Step 10: Cleaning and Aftercare

• Promptly clean adhesive residue with a specialized adhesive remover and cleaning cloth.

• Do not wet mop immediately; wait for 48-72 hours.

• Place felt pads beneath furniture legs to avoid scratching or denting the new floor.

• Maintain ideal humidity (45-60%) and temperature (15-25°C) levels consistently for optimal flooring performance.

📌 Final Tips:

• Always follow the adhesive manufacturer's instructions for best results.

• Regularly verify alignment to prevent installation errors or misalignments.

• If unsure or inexperienced, consult or hire a professional installer to ensure the highest quality result.

Now you're ready to enjoy your beautifully installed engineered oak flooring! 🌳✨