Can I glue solid wood to a T&G underlay?

Our expert answers

The short answer is yes. If your T&G underlay is plywood or a high-quality structural panel (like OSB), it can work well as a substrate for glue-down installation. However, if it’s chipboard or softwood planks, it may not hold adhesive as well and could be prone to movement or swelling from humidity. Make sure that the underlay and subfloor are dry, and if your home is over a crawl space or slab, you’ll need a vapour barrier under the underlay to prevent moisture migration. Remember to leave an expansion gap (about 3/8″) around the perimeter of the room. Finally, use a flexible, high-quality wood flooring adhesive (urethane or MS polymer) designed for solid hardwood. Good luck on your project.