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Parquet Installation: Glued or Floating?

If you've clicked on this article, you've probably reached almost the end of your home renovation and are wondering what the best way to install parquet flooring is. But is there a 'best' way?

IN THE IMAGE

Visually, there is no difference between a floating and a glued installation.

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If you've clicked on this article, you've probably reached almost the end of your home renovation and are wondering what the best way to install parquet flooring is. But is there a 'best' way?

In our opinion, the answer is no. What do you want to achieve? What do you prefer? The type of installation you choose depends on these factors.

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Glued Installation

Glued installation involves adhering the parquet directly to a screed or an existing floor. Naturally, depending on the type of adhesive used and the subfloor, special precautions may be necessary, and the installation surface may need proper preparation.

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Certainly, in terms of durability, glued parquet has proven to withstand the test of time firmly, as it was the only way to install flooring until a few years ago. Although rare, it's still possible today to find homes with parquet installed in the 1950s, which still holds up very well thanks to some maintenance.

Key advantages include its durability over time, provided that both the gluing and subfloor preparation are done well.

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Floating Installation

In a floating installation, a special underlayment is placed between the subfloor and the parquet, with only a thin bead of glue used in the board joints. Despite this method's relative novelty compared to classic glued installation, it is now widely adopted, and the frequency of parquet installed with an underlayment is steadily increasing. It's important to note that floating installation is only possible with boards that are 14 mm thick or more, and possess certain characteristics.

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What are the advantages?

- Softer feel underfoot
- Easier replacement of any boards damaged by impact. Should the parquet be damaged over time, since it's not glued to the floor, it's quick and easy to replace the affected boards.
- For underfloor heating, using an underlayment with low thermal resistance (heat passes efficiently without resistance), floating installation is preferable. Both the screed and the parquet have a so-called natural movement, meaning they expand and contract. Heating amplifies this movement, and since adhesive is only elastic to a certain extent, it's preferable to use an underlayment to separate the two installation surfaces.

Ultimately, there isn't one 'right' answer to the question 'what is the best installation method,' but rather a better method depending on the specific situation and the desired outcome.

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