Comprehensive Guide to Direct Glue Down Engineered Timber Installation

By Imperial Flooring Australia

​

If you’re looking to elevate your space with elegance and durability, direct glue down engineered timber flooring is an excellent choice. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process, ensuring a professional and lasting installation.

​

Preparing for Installation

Before you begin, gather the following tools and materials:

• Engineered timber flooring

• Bostik Ultraset HP timber flooring adhesive

• 4.8mm Flat V Bostik Notch Trowel

• Wakol PU Moisture Barrier

• Tape measure

• Mitre saw & table saw

• Roberts pulling iron

• Multi-tool or jamb saw

• Spacers or wedges

• Cleaning wipes

• Vacuum or broom

• Floor levelling compounds & equipment (if required)

​

Step 1: Prepare the Subfloor

​

• Clean thoroughly – Vacuum or sweep to remove dust and debris. Never wash or wet the subfloor prior to installation.

• Check for flatness – Australian Standards require no more than 3mm deviation over 3 metres subfloor flatness. Use self-levelling compounds to fill low spots and grind down high areas.

• Timber or particleboard subfloors – Lightly sand to remove wax coatings, level peaking joins, and eliminate construction residues.

• Moisture protection – On ground-level or moisture-prone concrete, apply Wakol PU 280 moisture barrier before laying adhesive.

​

Step 2: Undercut Door Frames

​

Use an upside-down plank as a guide, then trim door frames with a multi-tool or jamb saw so panels slide neatly underneath for a seamless finish.

​

Step 3: Plan the Layout

​

• Choose a starting wall and snap a chalk or laser line for straightness.

• Maintain an expansion gap of at least 8mm around all perimeter walls (use spacers or wedges).

• Install the first row carefully – this will serve as your anchor.

​

Step 4: Apply the Adhesive

​

• Spread adhesive with a 4.8mm V-notch trowel at a 45° angle.

• Work in manageable sections (approx. 300mm wide), never the entire floor at once.

• Follow the adhesive manufacturer’s spread rates and drying times.

• Immediately clean excess adhesive with Bostik handy wipes or a damp cloth, then dry.

• Tip: Never apply adhesive in broken lines, as this can cause squeaking. Use acetone for any tough adhesive residues left behind

​

Step 5: Install the Flooring

​

• Place the first plank snug against the spacers, tongue side facing outwards.

• Install subsequent rows by engaging the tongue at a 45° angle, lowering, and sliding lengthwise into place.

• Ensure each plank is at least 450mm long to avoid clustering.

• Use a tapping block (never strike planks directly) and a white rubber mallet if needed.

• Work methodically, ensuring adhesive makes full contact with each plank.

• Apply light weights or straps if required to keep planks tight while curing.

​

Step 6: Cut and Fit

​

• Measure and cut the last plank in each row, remembering to leave expansion gaps.

• Avoid continuous uniform patterns – install in a random stagger for a natural look.

​

Step 7: Finishing Touches

​

• Allow flooring to set for 8–12 hours (check adhesive instructions) before walking or placing furniture.

• For final cleaning, use mineral spirits or acetone sparingly. Avoid flooding with water.

• Maintain with recommended timber care products such as BONA Floor Care.

• Remove spacers once adhesive is fully cured.

• Fill minor gaps with colour-matched filler or cork compound (test first on an offcut).

• Reinstall skirting boards or trims by attaching to the wall, not the floor.

​

Important Final Step: Protect Your New Floors

​

On active building sites, protect your freshly laid floors immediately with THOR Floor Protection matting to prevent unnecessary damage. Visit our webstore for our full range of protective solutions.

​