Solid Hardwood, Engineered and Laminate Flooring - Do Glued Down Engineered Floors Need the Expansion Gap?

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mrpb
01-29-06, 02:55 PM
When you glue down an engineered hardwood floor, do you need to leave a gap for the wood to expand? I'd think it will be dificult to tap the boards together and maintain a gap when the first row of boards is not nailed down (sitting on wet glue).

Carpets Done Wright
01-29-06, 07:33 PM
Measure out from the wall, then turn around and measure across to the other wall on both ends of the room, to be sure your square. Dry lay some boards to figure out exactly where you want to pop a line. Pop a line out about 2 feet from your wall. Start on the line, and work to the wall. That line will be your best friend. Starting right up against the wall, as thrown many DIY and professional installations off and gapped up.
mrpb
01-29-06, 10:21 PM
Thanks CDW. That's a great technique. Does "work your way back to the wall" mean that I'm going to start the layout from the popped line, but start gluing from the wall, after I've checked that everything is square?

And just to be sure I understand you - does that also mean there's no expansion gap when you do glue down?

Carpets Done Wright
01-30-06, 04:43 PM
Dry lay a section of rowsAnd is a good place to get those under the doorjamb cuts done. Tape it all together, spread your glue and set your taped panel into the glue and on your line. I work from the line to the wall.


Once you get 3 or more rows laid and taped tight, It will stay on the line.
mrpb
01-30-06, 08:03 PM
Wow, CDW the nuggets just keep coming! Gluing down 3 rows at once - I would never have thought of that. Many thanks.
Carpets Done Wright
01-30-06, 09:06 PM
Just a section you can handle like a pizza, not the whole length of the room, Unless you have plenty of help to cradle it.
mrpb
01-31-06, 11:45 AM
That makes sense (and will be easier too). Thanks