Glued, Nailed, or Floated? Picking the Right Installation Method
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Choosing a new floor is exciting. But when it comes time to install it, there’s one decision many people overlook—how it’s actually fitted.
Should you glue it down? Nail it? Or float it?
The installation method you choose affects not just how your floor looks and feels, but how long it lasts, how noisy it is, and how easily it can be replaced down the line. If you're scratching your head wondering which route to go, you're not alone. Here’s a no-nonsense guide to help you figure it out.
The Glued Method: Rock Solid and Quiet
Gluing your floor involves sticking each plank directly to the subfloor using a strong adhesive. This creates a super sturdy finish—your floor won’t budge, shift, or creak underfoot.
This method is especially popular for engineered wood and herringbone parquet floors. If your subfloor is concrete, glue-down is often the best option.
Pros:
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Very stable underfoot
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Quiet—less hollow-sounding than floating floors
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Suitable for high-traffic or upper-floor rooms
Cons:
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Not easy to remove or repair
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Can get messy if not handled carefully
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Subfloor must be perfectly level and clean
It’s best to call in a professional for glued flooring unless you’ve got a lot of DIY experience. Once it’s down, it’s not going anywhere.
The Nailed Method: Traditional, Tough, and Long-Lasting
If you’re installing solid hardwood, nails are usually the way to go. This tried-and-true method involves using a nail gun to fasten the floorboards directly to a wooden subfloor like plywood or OSB.
It’s old-school, but for good reason: nailed floors last. They can be sanded and refinished multiple times and don’t shift much over time.
Pros:
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Very secure and long-lasting
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Great for thick, solid wood planks
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Allows for refinishing
Cons:
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Only works over wooden subfloors
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Requires some skill (and tools)
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Creaking can develop if not nailed correctly
This method is not ideal for concrete bases or modern click-together flooring. But if you’re restoring a Victorian house or fitting premium hardwood, it’s often the best choice.
The Floating Method: Fast, Flexible, and Ideal for DIY
Floating floors don’t actually attach to the subfloor at all. Instead, the planks lock together like a jigsaw puzzle and rest on a thin underlay.
This technique is common with laminate and luxury vinyl tiles (LVT), and it’s a favourite for homeowners who want to save on installation costs or plan to do it themselves.
Pros:
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Quick and easy to install
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Works over most surfaces (concrete, old tiles, wood)
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Easier to replace individual planks
Cons:
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Can feel or sound hollow without a good underlay
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May shift slightly over time
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Not suitable for solid hardwood
Floating floors are ideal for rentals, basements, and modern homes with underfloor heating.
Still Unsure? Ask These 3 Questions
If you're stuck between options, ask yourself:
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What kind of floor am I laying?
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Laminate and vinyl usually float. Solid wood prefers nails.
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What’s underneath?
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Concrete suits glue or floating. Wooden subfloors allow for nails.
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Am I doing this myself or hiring someone?
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Floating is DIY-friendly. Gluing and nailing often need a pro.
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Conclusion
The best method depends on your floor type, subfloor, room use, and how long you plan to stay in the property. A glue-down install may be the best option for a family home you’ll live in for years. Floating floors are better if you want a quick update or think you’ll need to change it later.
Whatever you choose, always follow the flooring manufacturer’s recommendations—they’ve tested the products and know what works best.
Getting the installation right from day one means fewer problems later and a floor that looks and feels right every step of the way.
