Installing 5" engineered throughout the house. We're done with the first floor, which was a gluedown install on concrete slab. Manufacturer recommended we use Bostik BST, which we did.

Now we're set to start working upstairs, where the subfloor is 1" OSB over trusses. Our 5" planks will run diagonal, so 45 degrees to the trusses.

We originally planned to use BST upstairs as well, but would it make sense to switch to cleats or staples instead? I've read that the glue is stronger but aren't the cleats/staples strong enough? Is there any reason to go with one vs the other?

Gluing is always the best but may not be absolutely necessary on your job. How thick is your wood and what kind of stapler did you have in mind. The gage of the staple and width of the crown is what I am trying to get at. If it is under a half inch thick I would just glue it anyway.

There is less chance of squeaks with gluing and the most solid feeling floor you can install, but it cost alot more that way.

With 5in stuff on a diagonal, you are going to need to glue the perimeter anyway. Why not just glue the whole thing?

'Cuz I could've put one of my kids through a semester of college for what we dished out for BST over the concrete downstairs. It's only a matter of economics that brings me to ask about staples.


5/8" thick. I haven't really though about the stapler or crown width. Is there a combination that would cause you to lean toward staples?

As ChuckCoffer mentioned I'll need to glue the perimeter anyway, so maybe it would make more sense to glue it all down.

Find out if you can what gage and crown staple to use on this. Bostitch M111FS is a 15 ga. 1/2" crown, some trigger operated staplers are 18.19 or 20 gage with a 1/4" crown. They are probably going to say use the big boy M111FS but you will need a 5/8" adapter plate. I have a concern about that dimpling phenomena that can happen on engineered when using a 15 gage staple. The safest route would be gluing, but it cost alot more.

After considering the feedback provided here, I've decided to stick with the gluedown over the OSB. Extra cost aside, it's clearly the best choice for a DIY'er who doesn't want to deal with any guesswork or adverse affects that comes with using fasteners.

Thanks everyone for your help!

Careful though...as I've done a Shaw engineered 5" plank that requiredthe use of nailers or staplers and NO gluing over wood substrates.

Always check with the manufacturers specific installation instructions for particular tool uses and fastening reccomendations. Otherwise you run the risk of voiding the warranty.