Can I use Liquid nails (subfloor or HD) to glue down 3/8 thick engineered hardwood flooring? If so what are the disadvantages vs urethane flooring glue? And if not, why? The manufacturer's directions say the floor can be installed over wood sub flooring via nailed, glued or floating (with glued joints). Urethane flooring glue runs $40 per gallon/(40sq ft) at both Lowes and Home depot. Liquid nails would be much cheaper and simple to use. The room is small at only 130sq ft. thanks
I wouldn't use Liquid Nails. As I understand the product, it dries hard. You want something with some flex to prevent stress on your floor and the glue joints. Talk with someone in the flooring department at Lowes or Home Depot and get their recommendations. I doubt that 40 square feet of flooring would require a gallon of glue. Your other option is to make it a floating floor. Even so, think about this. Whatever you purchase, you will have to pay for only once but if you make a poor choice, you will have to live with it as long as you own your home or until you change your flooring.
I would use what the manufacturer suggest and it probably isn't liquid nails. Although, it could work, it's not worth having the enrtire floor ruined by this. If the cost of glue is the issue, maybe consider floating it. If you decide to buyt the glue I like Bostiks Best.
They dont really float it just allows for expansion. Sure, you CAN nail them -if you really want rusty nails in your new floor! Why not follow the manufacturers recommendations?
