Question from nontoxicmom
We are about to install new wood floors throughout our house. We’ve chosen a prefinished oak hard wood floor. It has been strongly recommended that we use the glue down method of installation. I know there are eco friendly glues available, but I’m afraid the installer won’t warranty the floors if we go that route.
First, has anyone had any experience with the amount of time it takes to outgas the toxic version of glue?
I understand there are 3 types of adhesive: water based, urethane based, and acrylic.
I assume the urethane would be the worst, but what about the acrylic? I won’t move my family back into the house until any toxic smell is gone, so I’m trying to figure out how long it will take. If it’s months, then I need to find a different solution…
Debra’s Answer
I have many times installed flooring with ordinary yellow wood glue, which is water-based and nontoxic. There is practically no odor and it dries quickly.
I once lived in a house for twelve years with this type of installation of wood floor with no problems. It was installed over a painted wood subfloor.
At this very minute I am sitting on a floor installed eight years ago over cement slab with yellow wood glue. Again, no problem.
The trick is that you need to pour the glue down and then use a mortar spreader to spread it, so there is continuous glue under the wood, not just little streaks.
