Not every floor floats. Herringbone, chevron and Versailles are normally bonded to the subfloor, as are most tongue and groove floors, and that bond is what holds the pattern true for the life of the floor.
Our range covers flexible adhesive rated for underfloor heating, PVA joint glue for tongue and groove joints, and jointing tape for sealing underlay seams.
Coverage is stated on every product, so you can work out how much you need before ordering rather than running short halfway across a room.
It depends on how the floor is joined and how it is installed. The joining method is listed in the specification on every flooring product page.
Floor
Adhesive needed?
Click system, floating
No
Tongue and groove, glued
Yes
Herringbone and chevron
Usually yes
Versailles panels
Yes
Patterned floors are bonded because of how the pattern distributes movement. A floating herringbone floor has movement running in two directions at once, which a floating installation cannot manage well.
Choosing the right adhesive
Flexible adhesive for wood floors
A wood floor still moves slightly even when bonded down, so flooring adhesive is formulated to stay flexible rather than setting rigid. A rigid adhesive would either crack or pull the boards apart as the timber moves.
Underfloor heating grades
Over underfloor heating, both the bond and the movement are working harder. Use an adhesive specifically rated for it, and follow the manufacturer's guidance on commissioning the heating before and after fitting.
PVA joint glue
A different product for a different job. Joint glue goes into the tongue and groove joint between boards on a floating floor, not onto the subfloor. Only use it where the flooring instructions call for it.
Underlay jointing tape
Seals the seams between rolls of underlay so they do not separate as the floor goes down over them. Inexpensive and worth having.
Follow the flooring instructions
Manufacturers specify adhesive types for a reason, and using the wrong one can affect your warranty. Where the fitting instructions name a grade or a type, follow them rather than substituting.
Preparing the subfloor
Adhesive only works on a subfloor that is clean, dry, level and sound. Sweep thoroughly, since dust prevents the bond forming. Concrete must be fully dry before bonding a wood floor to it, and usually needs a damp proof membrane.
Our fitting guides cover subfloor preparation, which matters more with a bonded floor than a floating one because there is no way to correct it afterwards.
How much will you need?
Coverage is stated on each product page. Divide your floor area by that figure and round up, then allow a little extra, since coverage varies with how absorbent the subfloor is and how the adhesive is trowelled.
Running short mid-floor is worse than over-ordering, because a bonded floor cannot be paused for long without the exposed adhesive skinning over.
Adhesive and glue: frequently asked questions
Do I need adhesive for click flooring?
No. Click systems lock together mechanically and float over the subfloor. Adding adhesive would prevent the floor moving and can void the warranty.
Why does herringbone need to be glued down?
The pattern distributes movement in two directions at once, which a floating installation handles poorly. Bonding keeps the pattern true.
Can I use ordinary wood glue?
No. Flooring adhesive stays flexible so the floor can move slightly. A rigid glue will crack or pull the boards apart over time.
What adhesive for underfloor heating?
One specifically rated for it. Both the bond and the timber are working harder over heating, and a general-purpose adhesive may not cope.
Where does PVA joint glue go?
Into the tongue and groove joint between boards, not onto the subfloor. Only use it where the flooring instructions specify it.
How long before I can walk on it?
Curing times vary by product and by conditions. The adhesive's own instructions give the figure, and it is worth respecting rather than testing.
Can I glue a floor over an existing one?
It depends on the existing surface and whether it is sound. Check your fitting instructions and speak to a fitter if you are unsure.
