INSTALLATION TYPE

With hardwood flooring, you have several different installation options: Nail Down, or Glue Down and Floating. Some Shaw Hardwoods can be installed using more than one of the techniques described below.

NAIL

This installation technique is required for SOLID hardwood construction. You or a professional installer will either nail or power STAPLE your new hardwood floor to a suitable subfloor. SOLID construction, like it sounds, is milled from a single 3/4" thick piece of hardwood. Because of its thickness, a solid hardwood floor can be sanded and refinished over several generations of use. One of the characteristics of solid wood flooring is that it expands and contracts with changes in your home's relative humidity. Normally, installers compensate for this movement by leaving an expansion gap between the floor and the wall. Base molding or quarter round is traditionally used to hide the extra space.

GLUE

This is an optional installation technique that can be used for ENGINEERED hardwoods. You or a professional installer will use adhesive to adhere your new hardwood to a suitable subfloor. You will also use adhesive between the seams of your hardwood floor to complete and stabilize the installation.

FLOAT

This installation technique is an option on certain ENGINEERED hardwoods. With a floating installation, you will not use adhesive to adhere the wood to your subfloor. Instead, you will use an underlayment between the wood and your subfloor. This installation technique allows the floor to expand and contract. Shaw offers a variety of underlayment options for your specific installation. You will need to use adhesive between the seams of your hardwood to complete and stabilize the installation.

You'll want to consider your installation options as you make your product selection. Your dealer will be able to help you decide what method will work best for your specific needs.