Hiya folks. I've been installing glue down in a couple of rooms and the results are generally pretty good. I've been using tape to hold the boards together and that has worked ok. I do have a place or two where the boards opened up a bit but unless you're on your hands and knees, you'd never see it. Now, I'm about to embark on my master bedroom and I want it to be as close to perfect as I can. To eliminate the small gaps, I was wondering if straps might be useful or is the blue tape just as good. Seems to me I could really pull the floor together with the straps. If the answer is yes, get some straps, are they a rented item or am I now in the market for purchasing? If purchasing, any recommendations for a reasonable set? How far apart do you space them? As well, I have installed the planks with the tongues out (on the side opposite the starter wall) so essentially when laying another plank, I'm slipping the groove over the tongue. Is it easier/better to do the opposite? Sorry for so many questions! This room is about 300 sf. so it'll prolly take me forever to do it so I might as well get it right! I appreciate the help!
Cheers,
cc

I don't use straps on a direct glue down. Just more blue tape. If the boards aren't fitting well, straps are not going to help. It will frustrate you. Just plan on doing a small amount of puttying in the cracks/gaps. It's normal to have a few here and there.

I hadn't thought of putting putty in the seams. This is prefinished stuff and I'd worry the putty would really stand out or is there a certain type I should be looking for? Thanks for the advice on the straps.
Cheers,
cc

No need for straps unless your working with bowed boards. My straps come out on every Bruce floor I have done! I have used straps in conjunction with my soft rubber mallet to close a gap I overlooked, before the glue dried too much.

When putting the blue tape on, stretch the tape. If there is a spot that concerns you, use a couple if strips of tape there.