Glue/Nail Assist or Nail/Glue Assist? Which One Is Correct?

When it comes to installing solid wood flooring, one question often sparks debate among professionals: Is it glue/nail assist or nail/glue assist? The truth is, both terms can be correct. The real answer depends on your primary anchoring or fastening system—the method you rely on most to keep the floor in place.

This discussion applies only to substrates that allow both gluing and nailing, such as wood-based subfloors (plywood or OSB). It’s also worth noting that the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) recommends an assisted installation method for any solid plank wider than 5 inches.

Understanding the Inspector’s Perspective

If an installation issue arises and an inspector gets involved, the first question they should ask is: What was your primary fastening system?

– If nailing (staples or cleats) was primary: The inspector will review your nailing schedule to ensure it meets NWFA guidelines. In this case, glue serves only as an assist, so adhesive performance is not considered a contributing factor in any failure.

– If glue was primary: The inspector will check whether the correct adhesive was used and applied at the manufacturer’s recommended rate. Here, the nailing pattern is irrelevant and cannot be blamed for failure.

When Glue Is the Assist

When glue plays a supporting role, installers often have personal preferences for application methods. Common techniques, as stated in the NWFA guidelines, include:

-Serpentine pattern or “S-bead” application on the subfloor or the back of each plank (with variations in bead size and spacing).

-Parallel stripes pattern may run perpendicular to, or on diagonal to, the length of each plank being installed. Each stripe should be placed at approximately 6 to 8 inch intervals.

-Ends and groves pattern applies adhesive to the subfloor or to the underside of the board in the location within 1 inch from both ends of the board and along the full length of the back, groove-side of the board.

-Lengthwise parallel stripes pattern applies adhesive to the subfloor or to the underside of the board in the location within 1 inch of each long side edge and down the middle of the board.

– Cross-grain trowel pulls approximately every 12–18 inches.

– Full trowel coverage or using a stand-up specialty applicator.

Regardless of the method, always consult your adhesive manufacturer’s technical team for the best approach. Their guidance ensures proper coverage and compatibility with your flooring type.

When Nails Are the Assist

If nails are secondary, the adhesive becomes the star of the show. This means:

– Using the correct adhesive for the flooring material.

– Following the recommended trowel size and achieving the specified coverage rate.

In these cases, the nailing pattern is less critical. Nails are typically used to pull in crooked planks or stabilize boards during curing. Again, your adhesive representative is your best resource for technical advice.

Why Assisted Installations Matter

Even when combining glue and nails, you cannot completely eliminate wood movement. Wood is a natural material that responds to its environment—temperature, humidity, and seasonal changes. While we often refer to wood floors as “living,” they don’t have a brain; they simply react to conditions.

An assisted installation, however, minimizes movement and helps maintain stability. It’s not about defeating nature—it’s about managing the fight. Experienced professionals understand this reality, while newcomers often learn the hard way that nature always has the upper hand.

Key Takeaways

1. Define your primary fastening system before starting the job.
2. Follow NWFA guidelines for nailing schedules and/or manufacturer instructions for adhesive application.
3. Consult adhesive manufacturers for technical recommendations.
4. Understand that assisted methods reduce—but do not eliminate—movement.
5. You can’t stop nature, but you can try to control the fight.

Final Thought

Mastering these techniques doesn’t just make you a better installer—it makes you a smarter one. Try to be a little better today than you were yesterday.

Don Jewell is the head of technical for Loba-Wakol LLC in Wadesboro, North Carolina. He can be reach at don.jewell@loba-wakol.com.