When it’s time for a change picking new flooring can be an effective and exciting way to transform any space. However, we know first-hand that this can be a daunting process for some. Picking the perfect flooring for you is only part of the task, whether you are opting for carpet, vinyl tiles or linoleum flooring – you also need to ensure you have the right floor adhesive for the job!
If you are planning to change your flooring, check out our helpful guide to picking the best type of floor adhesive for you.
What is floor adhesive and what is it used for?
It is easy to get carried away with all the varieties of flooring out there on the market, and it is often the case that people forget about the fitting process involved. Floor adhesive is a necessary part of fitting a new floor and is quite literally the glue that holds the whole operation together.
There are dozens of different types of floor adhesive out there, and each have a specific type of flooring which they are best suited to. Whilst it is possible to get multi-purpose adhesive which can be used on a number of flooring materials, more often than not it is recommended to use the right adhesive for the right type of flooring.
Things to consider when picking your floor adhesive
When it comes to purchasing the floor adhesive you are going to use more often than not you will find that brands have recommendations on their packaging as to what they should be used for. However, following our simple guide should help you along the way to getting a fantastic new floor in no time!
Substrate
Substrate is the term used for what can be found below the flooring and can be a material or a structure such as concrete. When it comes to picking your floor adhesive, you want to ensure you know what type of substrate you are working with as certain adhesives will bond better to certain substrates.
Primer
Depending on the flooring type you are going for, a primer may be necessary. It is of course vital that you prep any flooring adequately so that the finished product is as desired, so ensure you check the packaging of your chosen adhesive or ask a professional if you are unsure.
Interior vs. exterior
Whether you are fitting your new floor inside or outdoors will have a huge impact on the type of adhesive you opt for. Interior flooring is unlikely to be subject to excess wet and weathering, whereas an outdoor flooring will have to stand up against all weathers. Ensure the adhesive you choose can handle the impact of a variety of conditions, and is the correct formula for the type of climate you live in.
Timeframe
Flooring adhesive requires time to dry and cure, so consider how long you have to complete the job. Remember that certain floor adhesives can dry quickly, and so you will want to evaluate how big your space is and how fast you are going to be able to lay flooring down. Other things to consider is the condition of the flooring immediately after installation, bearing in mind that you will have to allow time for the floor to properly dry before walking on it and risking the materials moving.
How much adhesive do you need?
When it comes to installing a floor, it is always recommended that you measure the space and then add 10 percent (waste) to allow for any extra you will require for those unprecedented moments. Checking the packaging of the adhesive you are going to buy should help you determine how big a space it can cover as most will clearly display this.
Why not get in touch?
We are proud to stock a wide range of different floor types, working closely with many of the industries most trusted flooring manufacturers, as well as a plethora of adhesive brands including Fball, Laybond, SO, Tremco, and Uzin – so why not contact us to discuss your flooring needs?
