Floor adhesive:
Creating solid foundations for your home

Solid, long-lasting floors are fundamental in any building. Floor adhesive, often also labelled as subfloor adhesive or construction adhesive, is a must-have when installing flooring. This adhesive bonds the panel to the joist, creating a stronger, more resistant floor which is also less likely to creak. The best subfloor adhesives are extremely strong, flexible, and able to cope with many years of heavy use.

While it’s technically possible to install flooring without applying subfloor adhesive, there’s no doubt that this stage is well worth the time and minimal extra effort. Once you’ve got steady foundations for your floors, you can relax – they should endure for years to come.

Working on floors and subfloors is simpler than you might think. Here’s what you need to do.

1. Wait for the right conditions. Cold, wet weather is not ideal for floor adhesives, as it can make them less effective. Check product instructions for more information.
2. Clean the surfaces. The surfaces you need to bond should be completely clean and dry.
3. Pre-fit the panels. Make sure you know exactly where each panel is going, and check that they’re even.
4. Apply the subfloor adhesive. Use a caulking gun to apply the adhesive to the panel in a steady, even flow. Don’t apply the adhesive to too many panels at a time, as the adhesive will become less effective if left for too long. Add a zigzag line of adhesive to the joists.
5. Attach the subfloor to the joists within 15 minutes of applying the adhesive. If you need to reposition the panel, do this within 30 minutes of adhesive application.
6. Clean up. Use white spirit to clean up any excess adhesive. Once the adhesive is cured, you can carefully scrape it off with a knife or sharp edge.