For those last few rows where you can't get the stapler in place, I plan to supplement with glue to keep it all tight.

Any recommendations for the best bond? Longevity is more important than cost - is PL400 the way to go or should I look at some glue-down-flooring glue?

Thanks!!

- Bob

Yeah PL 400 will definitely hold, but I personally think it's overkill in that situation. You definitely don't need to buy a pail of expensive flooring glue. All I use is a good carpenter's glue, TitebondII is my favorite, with a few well placed finish nails/cleats. I often times jam some shims or pry bars between the last board and the wall until the glue sets overnight.

I use PL if I'm installing plank flooring (you didn't specify if your flooring was plank so I assumed it was strip flooring) or when installing a stair nosing or doing localized board repairs. Some guys like using Gorilla Glue, but I don't like the way it expands and oozes out from in between the boards. At first I thought I was just using too much, but even when I used just a little bead it oozed out, kind'a like it was "seeking out" the fresh air.

Bostik's makes adhesive in tubes, also ChemRex. I mainly use the PL Polyurethane adhesive for that. Not only the bond the adhesive also needs to have some elasticity to it.

Jerry doesn't that PL polyuerthane ooze out and dry as bubbles at the seem? That's why I don't like using Gorilla glue (same stuff).

It's not so bad on site finished flooring, but it sucks when doing prefinished material.

PL premium is poly-urethane based meaning that it will remain slightly flexible...which is a very good thing. God pity the fool that has to pull it out one day though.

We might be talking about two different things here Stonewood. I use the Pl underneath the boards and not on the tongue. I lay down short beads of adhesive perpendicular to the board spaced about every 4". I don't get any oozing that way.

By all means, you can glue down the finishing boards to minimize the surface nails, especially important on pre-finished flooring. But , BUT, you must use an adhesive that remains flexible, otherwise you are essentially buiding a wall that will interfere with seasonal fluctuations and natural movement of the floor.

If one is going to glue the outside Edge boards then what good does an expansion gap up by the walls do a person?

If the wood needs to move any using a flexible urethane adhesive will allow some movement back and forth .... same as a fastener does. This type of adhesive has a memory to it.

I use PL premium on most of my jobs. You do not need to use a lot of it. Any glue will work but the flexibility of poly glue is definitely preferred. Be very careful if using normal wood (white) glue not to put too much on as it's water based and your piece will warp.