Glue-Down Install Flooring
Glue-down installation is the standard method for engineered hardwood in our region. Every plank in this collection is engineered for adhesive installation directly to a moisture-tested concrete slab, producing the most solid, premium underfoot feel available in any flooring category. Compared to floating floors, glue-down hardwood has no resonance, no flex, no hollow sound — just the substantial, grounded feel of a permanent floor.
All five Residence Supply hardwood collections — Sierra, Westvale, Aurelia, Hudson, and Belmont — are designed for glue-down installation over concrete and for nail-down installation over wood subfloors.
Why Glue-Down Is Right for Engineered Hardwood
Glue-down to concrete keeps the engineered plank stable through humidity changes and produces the solid underfoot feel that defines premium hardwood. The glue-down method is also what enables the program's wide-plank Aurelia and Belmont formats to perform reliably over Florida slabs without seasonal movement that would affect a floating installation.
Installation Process
- Moisture testing. The concrete slab is tested for moisture content.
- Adhesive selection. The installer selects a professional-grade adhesive matched to the tested moisture level.
- Slab preparation. The slab is cleaned, leveled, and prepared for installation.
- Plank acclimation. Allow time for the planks to acclimate to the home's interior conditions.
- Plank-by-plank glue-down. Each plank is installed with adhesive directly to the slab.
Timeline
A typical 1,500 to 2,500 square foot home takes about two days to install after concrete moisture testing is complete.
Why Professional Installation Matters
We strongly recommend professional installation for all glue-down hardwood. Concrete moisture testing, professional-grade adhesive selection, and installer experience with adhesive curing all matter. Self-installed glue-down often runs into adhesive selection problems.
Waste Factor
Plan a 10% waste factor for a single room or simple layout, 15% for whole-house with complex layouts, and 18 to 20% for herringbone patterns.
Long-Term Value
The adhesive bond is designed to last the life of the floor. Thicker-veneer collections (Aurelia, Belmont) are especially preferred for forever homes because they support a full sanding refresh, allowing the look to be refreshed without removing the floor.