Glue down vs floating timber flooring in Australia: The complete guide

What's the difference between glue down and floating floors?

Glue down flooring (also called direct stick installation) permanently bonds each timber plank to your subfloor using a flexible adhesive. The floor becomes fixed in place, moves minimally with seasonal changes, and feels solid underfoot—similar to traditional hardwood.

Floating floors are engineered timber planks that click or lock together without being attached to the subfloor. The entire floor "floats" as a single unit over an underlay, allowing it to expand and contract freely.

Many of Havwoods' engineered flooring comes with a click-lock system, which can be installed using either floating or glue-down installation methods. However planks using a traditional tongue and groove locking system require glue down installation to ensure stability and durability.

When should you choose glue down installation?

Glue down flooring is the recommended method for installations requiring maximum stability, superior acoustics, or intricate patterns. For optimal results with glue down installations, we recommend using our Hav:Bond Premium Timber Flooring Adhesive designed for engineered timber.

Choose glue down when:

You want herringbone, chevron, or parquetry patterns

Intricate patterns like herringbone and chevron are recommended to be installed using the glue down method. These patterns involve numerous small cuts and tight angles where boards meet. Without adhesive bonding, the pieces could shift, gaps could form, and the pattern integrity could fail.

If you've chosen a premium pattern from collections like Havwoods' Parquetry Design Collection or V Collection, we recommend planning for direct stick installation.

You have underfloor heating

For underfloor heating systems glue down installation is typically required. The adhesive creates direct contact between the timber and heated slab, allowing efficient heat transfer.Floating floors create an insulating air gap that reduces heating efficiency and can void warranties. For engineered timber flooring, the maximum recommended surface temperature is usually around 27°C to prevent damage.

Learn more about selecting the right flooring for underfloor heating.

You're installing in high-traffic commercial spaces

Glue down floors remain firmly in place under heavy foot traffic, rolling loads (like trolleys or wheelchairs), and the stress of commercial use. Floating floors can shift, develop gaps, or lift at edges in demanding environments.

For offices, retail spaces, hospitality venues, and healthcare facilities, direct stick provides the durability and safety required for commercial warranties.

You want the quietest, most stable result

Beyond acoustic compliance, glue down floors simply feel and sound better. They don't produce the hollow "drumming" noise that floating floors can make when walked on, and they don't flex or move underfoot. For homeowners who value a premium, solid feel, glue down delivers.

You're installing in an Australian apartment or unit

Strata schemes across NSW, Queensland, and Victoria have strict acoustic requirements for hard flooring. The Building Code of Australia sets a minimum impact noise standard of Ln,w + CI = 62dB, and many body corporates require even stricter performance (often 50–55dB).

Glue down installation with an appropriate acoustic membrane typically achieves better sound insulation than floating alternatives. Direct stick eliminates the air gap that amplifies footstep noise - which can be a common complaint from downstairs neighbours.

When should you choose floating installation?

Floating floors offer practical advantages for certain situations. Choose floating when:

Budget is your primary concern

Floating installation reduces costs in several ways:

• Lower labour costs (faster installation)
• No adhesive purchase required
• Less subfloor preparation in some cases
• DIY installation is feasible for confident homeowners

For rental properties, investment properties, or first-home renovations where budget matters, floating installation can save $10–20/m² compared to glue down.

You're installing over existing flooring

Floating floors can often be laid directly over existing tiles, vinyl, or concrete without demolition - provided the surface is flat (within 3mm over 3 metres) and stable. This saves significant time and money on removal and disposal.

Note: If the existing floor is concrete, a moisture may still be required to protect the timber.

You anticipate future removal

If you're renting, expecting to renovate again, or want flooring you can take with you when you move, floating installation makes removal straightforward. Click-lock boards can be disassembled and potentially reused.

You're confident with DIY projects

A floating floor with a click-lock system can be installed by a competent DIYer. No specialist tools, no adhesive working time - just careful preparation and patience.

Glue down installation, by contrast, requires experience with adhesive application, timing, and subfloor preparation. Mistakes are difficult and expensive to correct.

What about the "hollow sound" problem with floating floors?

This is the most common complaint about floating floors. Because floating floors don't bond to the subfloor, there's an air gap (filled by underlay) beneath them. When you walk on the floor, this can create a hollow, drum-like sound.

How to minimise hollow sound

1. Use a quality acoustic underlay – Don't skimp here. A dense foam or rubber underlay (2–3mm minimum) significantly reduces noise
2. Ensure subfloor flatness – Dips and humps in the subfloor create air pockets that amplify noise. The subfloor should be flat to 3mm over 3 metres
3. Consider direct stick – If hollow sound is unacceptable to you, glue down eliminates the issue entirely

Australian climate considerations

Australia's diverse climate zones affect flooring performance differently.

High humidity areas (Sydney, Brisbane, Coastal QLD)

Engineered timber handles humidity better than solid timber, but installation method still matters. Floating floors have slightly more freedom to expand and contract, which can be advantageous - but can also lead to visible gaps in air-conditioned interiors during dry spells.

Glue down floors move less overall and maintain tighter gaps year-round.

Cool climate areas (Melbourne, Canberra, Tasmania)

Many properties in these regions have underfloor heating, making glue down a sensible choice. Temperature swings between heated interiors and cold exteriors require stable flooring that won't gap or peak.

Dry inland areas (Adelaide, Regional NSW/VIC)

Low humidity can cause timber to contract. Both installation methods work, but maintaining consistent indoor humidity (40–60% RH) is more important than the installation method itself.

Subfloor preparation: the foundation of success

Proper subfloor preparation is essential for any timber floor installation. Concrete slabs require mandatory moisture testing (below 75% RH) and a moisture barrier, a low flatness variance for floating floors.

Timber subfloors must be structurally sound, securely fastened, and flat to prevent movement transferring to the new flooring.

Can you resand engineered timber flooring?

Yes, most engineered timber floors can be sanded and refinished 1-3 times depending on the wear layer thickness (typically 2-4mm). However, glue down floors are easier to sand because they don't flex or move during sanding.

Floating floors can sometimes develop ripples or waves during aggressive sanding, as the boards aren't anchored. Professional sanders need to take extra care with floating installations.

Frequently asked questions

Making your decision

Still unsure? Consider this simple framework:

Choose glue down if:

• You're installing in an apartment
• You want herringbone, chevron, or parquetry patterns
• You have underfloor heating
• You prioritise quiet, solid feel
• This is a long-term, permanent installation

Choose floating if:

• Budget is the primary concern
• You want to DIY
• You're installing over existing flooring
• You may remove or replace the floor within 5–10 years
• You're in a detached house with no strata requirements

Need expert guidance? Havwoods can help.

Every flooring project has unique requirements. At Havwoods, our team can help you navigate product selection for Australian conditions as well as installation options.

Book a showroom consultation at our Sydney, Melbourne, Newcastle, or Brisbane locations. Did you know you can also arrange a virtual consultation with Havwoods from anywhere in Australia.And if you’re still in research mode, order free samples to see and feel our engineered timber collections before you decide.

This guide reflects Australian flooring practices and regulations as of March 2026.