Is not attached to the slab or subfloor but “floats” on top
Most can be installed over existing ceramic tile or vinyl and can be installed where there is higher moisture content with the use of a moisture or vapor barrier.
Is glued directly to concrete slab
A layer of mastic is placed onto the sub-floor using a trowel.
The wood pieces are laid on top of the glue and hammered into place using a rubber mallet.
Installed on screeds (1X4 or 2X4 short length pine) and mastic (tar) over concrete subfloor or on wooden subfloor.
Mastic acts as a moisture barrier
Nails allow for the most natural expansion and contraction of the hardwood floorboards.
Will give a stronger, less-forgiving hold than nailed down because of its two-pronged construction.
Systems
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One side and one end of the plank have a groove, the other side and end have a tongue (protruding wood along an edge’s center).
The tongue and groove fit snugly together, thus joining or aligning the planks, and are not visible once joined.
Depending on flooring type, tongue-and-groove flooring can be installed by:
Nail-Down
Staple
Glue-Down
Floating
Click Lock | Snap Lock | VersaLock™ System
Patented click lock system – no glue or nails required
A “click” floor is similar to tongue-and-groove, but instead of fitting directly into the groove, the board must be angled or “tapped” in to make the curved or barbed tongue fit into the modified groove.
Pros:
Clean installation – avoid the mess of using glue
Repairs are easier, since you can remove the damaged planks without worrying about destroying the locking “tongues.”
VersaFit™ System
Shaw patented LVT technology – allows for 3 different installation methods
