I've purchased BR111 Triangulo 3/8" engineered hardwood and getting prepared to install over a concrete subfloor in our dining area. Directions say it can be floated or glued. What are the pros and cons of each method? Obviously I want install to be done correctly and avoid any long term problems.

The room previously had indoor/outdoor carpeting that was glued to the concrete. After removing the carpet, there is a thin layer of adhesive on the concrete. If I end up doing a glue install, does this thin layer of adhesive need scraped or removed?

Thanks
Scott

Scott,

It all depends on what feel your going for. Floated floors move and they don't have that "rock solid" feel when you walk on them. It's easier on your feet, but you might not like it. But they are obviously much easier to replace if ever damaged. Glue is permanent and messier to work with at the beginning, but if done correctly, you should never have to worry about it again.

You'll need to scrape and get rid of that old glue. You want to make sure you've got a clean contact surface for the new glue.

Yes, the glue has to go, so the urethane wood adhesive has the proper substrate to adhere to, without any contaminates, like old carpet glue.

What is the best adhesive to use? Local stores sell Bruce or Roberts. I don't think the Bruce is urethane based. Is Roberts any good?

BR111 instructions recommend Bostik, Franklin, DriTac, Parabond or Sica? Common sense tells me I should use what they recommend. Where is the best place to buy these adhesive from as I can't seem to find it anywhere locally.

Thanks again

Bostik's BST or TKO
Mapei 990
Parabond 4002
Franklin 811
Stauf 930 or 960

I wouldn't use Sika T-55, without a respirator and goggles!!!!!! The one time I used it, it burned my eyes, nose & throat, and the trowel ridges slumped flat as a pancake.

Bostik seems to be the best choice. Where's the best place to buy it online?

Bostik makes the Bruce Equalizer, it is the same thing as Bostik's BST. Call your manufacturer to see if they would approve that or not.

The only thing I've found locally is the Bruce Everbond and I don't believe it's a urethane based adhesive. From what I've read, since I'm laying the floor on concrete, I should be using a urethane adhesive.

Scott,

Bruce Everbond is a cross-linked resin. It's especially made to glue engineered wood on concrete. So I don't think there's anything bad about it. It's waterproof when cured.

I've just read the open-time and workability is not as good as some of the more expensive brands.

I bought it at the local H* and me and my friend used it to glue down a DIY projuect, and it was fine.

Thx for the reply jperry....anyone else have any input or experience with the Bruce Everbond? I don' mind spending the extra few bucks for Bostik but it's much difficult to get my hands on.

Do an online search for it. There are distributors who will ship. If your area is large, It's worth it to use the better adhesive. If it's small, then you have less to lose if the adhesive doesn't work out.

If you tell us which metro city is near you, we my be able to hook you up to a distributor direct.

I'm in a suburb of Cleveland, OH

In any major city, there should be hardwood floor places that sell the bostiks glue.

Shipping can be very expensive on those heavy buckets, so you want to try to pick it up in person.

Email the bostiks website, and they should give you a list of every dealer in your area.