Help! Installing 3/8 solid hardwood over???

Ok I have just purchased 600 sqf of 3/8 solid hardwood flooring and I don't know what the best method to install it is. I was told I can glue it down to particleboard subfloor which is what I have. However I was told that this particleboard subfloor (plywood underneath that) had to have a 40 lb density rating. How do I know if that is what I have. I was told by someone else that I could glue these pieces together and install as a floating floor. I would prefer to install as a floating floor if at all possible. Is this a lost cause? P.S. cost is definatly an issue but I got this select grade jutoba for 1.75 sqf now I just need to install it. Help this poor newbee out. Thanks

 

You can't float a solid floor. Call the manufacturer and ask what type of glue. A good urethane adhesive is going to run about 1.00 a sq.ft. You should use an engineered hardwood and not a solid for gluing down.

You can take up the particle board and replace it with a plywood underlayment, then mechanically fasten it , or return it for a refund.

 

Well the flooring in not refundable and I have looked at many manufacturers glues, Anderson, Bruce, and Liquid nails, all make urethane glues that say they are for solid plank flooring. This is not 3/4 it is 3/8 solid and 2 1/4 width plank. It is solid brazilian cherry (jutoba) It is not on a slab or in moist area's so I don't think expansion and contraction will be a huge issue. As far as nailing down goes, the thinner tongues on the 3/8 are prone to splitting. Any other comments?

 

Nope, I think you got everything covered, btw it's called Jatoba.

have a great day!

 

Well I think I am going to glue and staple for insurence I will just staple maybe every 8-10 inches. I get a big discount on bruce brand flooring adhesive but I really like the performance characteristics of taylor. I normally would do something different but I am installing this for my parents who really have about 0 dollars for this project. Im going to buy the stapler and just sell it back on ebay when I am done.

 

Do yourself a favor and get good glue. Don't skimp on it - it's like building a million dollar house on sand. The house is fine, but what's underneath it isn't strong.

I always use Bostik, and have had decent success with Franklin and Sika. But always the best results came from Bostik's Best adhesive. Easy to work with, stronger than any other brand you can get.