What Kind of Glue to Use on Laminate Wood Flooring

The Glue

• The glue used for laminate flooring is usually a urethane-based adhesive or a product that is recommended by the manufacturer of the flooring you select. Generally, manufacturers do not recommend glue that has water as one of the ingredients, but if this type of glue is recommended, you should use it. For example, Armstrong recommends using Bruce Everseal Adhesive or S-1800 Laminate Glue.

Applying the Glue

• The glue is applied on the top of the tongue of one plank and the inside of the groove of the other plank you intend to connect together. However, some manufacturers will recommend only applying glue to the tongue or the groove and not both. Always follow the application method recommended by the manufacturer or you could void the warranty on the flooring. If you use glue that comes in a bottle with an applicator tip, you should apply a bead about 3/32 of an inch thick to the tongue and/or groove.

Setting the Planks

• As you set the plank that has the glued tongue, you should push the plank into the other plank with the groove. You may need to use a tapping block and a rubber mallet to tap the plank into the groove. When the glue oozes up from the seam after the plank is connected to the other plank, use a damp rag to remove the excess glue. If any of the planks pop up after being installed, use a heavy object placed on a rag to weight down the plank.

Curing

• After installing the glued laminate, you will need to stay off of the floor so it can cure. It will take 24 hours for the floor and glue to cure before you can walk on it or place furniture on it. At the same time, you must leave the spacers by the walls in place so that the floor doesn’t expand until the glue has had time to cure. After 24 hours, you can remove the spacers from the ends of the planks, where they meet the wall.