Fitting hardwood flooring to chipboard is a cost effective and convenient solution. Chipboard is a really popular sub floor and is commonly used today in both new build and refurbishment projects. One of the key elements in the effectiveness of using chipboard as a sub floor lies in the quality of the fitting of the chipboard itself. When chipboard is properly laid it provides a sound, level surface for the installation of a hardwood floor.
There are several methods of fitting hardwood floors, and these include: gluing, floating and nailing. Gluing is arguably one of the most popular choices for fitting a wooden floor today. To glue a wooden floor, a full coverage of flexible wood adhesive is applied to the sub-floor and then the boards are placed directly on top. A glued floor will feel as solid as a nailed floor and will allow for expansion and contraction (thanks to the flexibility of the glue). A floating floor is a floor that is neither nailed nor glued to the sub-floor. The only place glue might be used in a floating floor is between the tongue and groove. In a domestic situation, a floating floor might be laid over a sub-floor or over an existing floor after laying an appropriate underlay. And finally, nailing is the traditional method used to fit wooden floors. Nailing generally involves what is known in the trade as “secret nailing”. Secret nailing means putting nails through the tongue of the wooden boards. Those nails are then covered when the groove is butted up to the secured board.
If you are planning on fitting hardwood flooring to chipboard, you should first and foremost make sure your chipboard is well laid and secondly, avoid the nail down method of installation because chipboard doesn’t offer sufficient grip. The most effective installation method for fitting hardwood flooring to chipboard is gluing, which offers strength and stability. That said, nailing and spot gluing or floating installation methods can also be used as alternative ways of fitting hardwood flooring to chipboard.
—
FAQ
1. Is chipboard a suitable subfloor for hardwood flooring?
Yes, chipboard is a popular subfloor and is commonly used in both new builds and refurbishment projects. When properly laid, it provides a sound, level surface for the installation of a hardwood floor.
2. What are the common methods of fitting hardwood floors?
The common methods of fitting hardwood floors are gluing, floating, and nailing. Each method offers unique benefits and can be chosen based on the type of subfloor and specific installation needs.
3. What is meant by “secret nailing” when fitting hardwood floors?
“Secret nailing” is a traditional method used to fit wooden floors. This involves putting nails through the tongue of the wooden boards. These nails are then covered when the groove is butted up to the secured board.
4. What is the recommended method for fitting hardwood flooring to chipboard?
The most effective installation method for fitting hardwood flooring to chipboard is gluing, which offers strength and stability. However, nailing and spot gluing or floating installation methods can also be used as alternatives.
5. Can I nail down hardwood flooring to chipboard?
It is generally not recommended to use the nail down method of installation for hardwood flooring on chipboard because chipboard doesn’t offer sufficient grip for the nails.