Gluing or floating parquet flooring

By the way: Parquet is a natural product. It boasts an excellent ecological balance. Its production requires significantly less energy than the production of plastic floors.

Note: When selecting your flooring, pay attention to the recommended installation method. Parquet products designed for full adhesive installation cannot be easily installed as floating flooring. In contrast, prefinished parquet with a click system designed for floating installation can also be additionally glued.

Advantages of Floating Parquet Installation

• Easy Application
  The ease of application is the most significant advantage of floating parquet installation. Experienced craftsmen can quickly give their homes a new look using this method.
• Lower Subfloor Requirements
  The requirements for the condition of the subfloor are less stringent compared to adhesive techniques. Nevertheless, the subfloor must be clean, dry, and as level as possible. Remove dirt and check the surface for irregularities. The impact sound insulation, which is essential for this installation method, can compensate for minor unevenness. Additionally, specialty stores offer various leveling compounds.
• Lower Material Costs
  Even when considering the costs of the required materials, floating installation technology is cost-effective. This is primarily because the costs for parquet adhesive are completely eliminated.
• Lower Emission of Harmful Substances
  By avoiding adhesive, floating installation also addresses health considerations. Especially in sensitive individuals and children, emissions from adhesives can cause discomfort. Floating installation of parquet minimizes this risk. However, modern, high-quality adhesives are largely solvent-free!
• High Flexibility
  Parquet floors are known for their durability. They maintain their elegant appearance for many decades. However, if the requirements change, the floating parquet flooring can be removed without residue and potentially reused elsewhere. Remnants of the natural flooring that are no longer needed can be processed into chipboards or used for energy generation.
• Option for Subsequent Insulation
  An essential advantage of unglued parquet is that the floor can be insulated later on. It is still possible to install thermal or sound-insulating materials later or replace existing insulation materials with more effective products.
• Immediate Usability
  Floating parquet floors can be walked on immediately after installation. No curing time is required.

Disadvantages of Floating Parquet Installation

The advantages of floating installation technique outweigh the disadvantages, but the disadvantages should also be considered when choosing parquet.

• Shorter Lifespan
  An not insignificant disadvantage of floating installation is that its durability is lower compared to glued installation. The floor gives way slightly when walked upon, which subjects the joints to higher stress. At the same time, moisture can more easily penetrate into the joints. For these reasons, the lifespan of parquet is somewhat shorter with floating installation.
• Higher Impact Sound
  The flexing of the floor when walked upon causes the parquet to come into contact with the subfloor, thereby amplifying impact sound. This slight flexibility is joint-friendly when walking on it, but it creates noise that can be perceived as disturbing by sensitive individuals.

  By using high-quality, effective impact sound insulation, this disadvantage can be largely mitigated.

• Not Suitable for Underfloor Heating
  Floating installation is usually not recommended in rooms with underfloor heating. The various layers designed to reduce impact sound and the gaps restrict the room's heat supply. Floating parquet can thus lead to increased heating costs.
• Greater Installation Height
  The installation of the required layers for sound and thermal insulation increases the thickness of the flooring. Depending on the conditions in the apartment, this additional height may require further modifications.

Advantages of Full Adhesive Parquet Installation

Although the click system is convenient, full adhesive installation of the parquet floor is still frequently chosen.

• Long Durability
  Full adhesive installation of parquet floors is considered the most durable and high-quality option. The solid connection of the flooring to the subfloor reduces mechanical stress on the joints and has a positive effect on durability. In heavily used rooms, the solid installation technique should be preferred.

  Fluctuations in room temperature and humidity have significantly less impact on solidly glued parquet than on floating flooring.

• Reduced Impact Sound
  The use of adhesive can significantly reduce hollow spaces, nearly eliminating impact sound as a result.
• Suitable for Underfloor Heating
  Real wood parquet has many advantages when combined with underfloor heating, especially when fully glued. The thickness of the flooring is minimal with this installation method. Minimizing hollow spaces has a positive effect on room heating. Parquet patterns with different orientations, such as herringbone, basket weave, or chevron, are particularly suitable for solid installation.
• Lower Buildup Height
  Unlike floating installation, the buildup height of the parquet is lower when glued.
• Possible Sanding
  Flooring that is solidly installed can be sanded more easily because it cannot shift.

Disadvantages of Full Adhesive Parquet Installation

• Suitable Only for Experienced DIYers
  Full adhesive installation requires extensive expertise, making it often necessary to enlist the services of a professional floor installer. Only in exceptional cases, such as in very simply designed rooms with even and uncomplicated subfloors, can experienced DIYers carry out this installation method themselves.
• Smooth Subfloor Required
  Full adhesive installation of parquet requires a smooth, crack-free subfloor. It is not possible to glue parquet onto an existing flooring. Linoleum, PVC, laminate, or other coverings must be completely removed first. A pre-coating to protect the floor and increase adhesive adhesion is recommended.
• Additional Costs
  Depending on the size of the room to be covered with parquet, the parquet adhesive represents an additional cost factor.
• Rest Period Required
  After gluing parquet floors, a rest period of five to six days is required. During this time, the room must not be entered.
• Emissions from the Adhesive
  The use of adhesive for firmly installing parquet affects the environment and leads to additional emissions in living spaces. Modern, high-quality parquet adhesives are low in pollutants. Detailed information about the properties of adhesives should be sought, and certifications should be considered.
• Complex Removal
  The removal of glued parquet is only possible with significant effort and cannot be reused.

Conclusion

One thing is certain, parquet flooring is the master class among floor coverings. It impresses with its elegant appearance, naturalness, and durability. Explore a variety of exclusive products in Parkettkaiser's parquet range and choose your favorite!

Before making your purchase, thoroughly research the characteristics of different types of parquet and their requirements for subfloors and installation methods.

By considering the advantages and disadvantages of floating or firmly glued installation, you can gain an initial overview.

For all your questions about flooring and installation techniques, the knowledgeable members of our advisory team are ready. We look forward to your inquiry!