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Submit plansWe have an asphalt floor and want to stick some oak wooden floorboards onto it. Would you be able to advise on which primer and glue would be the most suitable?
Also, are you able to clarify if there is a difference in the adhesive requirements between solid wood flooring and engineering flooring and what is the difference between the two?
There seems to be a lot of conflicting advice on this subject and a myriad of different adhesives. It would be useful to cut through the noise and understand the definitive answer on how to attach wooden floorboards to asphalt and which primer and adhesives to use.
Hi Jonathan,
Thanks for your question.
Before installing your oak flooring, it is essential to ensure the asphalt surface is in good condition. If the asphalt is sound and solid with no cracks, you can use an Epoxy DPM/Primer, followed by a levelling compound to create a flat, stable surface. When using this method, it is important to prepare the surface by sand-blinding, which ensures the levelling compound adheres correctly to the primed surface. Any cracks in the asphalt must be repaired by a specialist before proceeding or, if significantly damaged, it may need to be professionally removed. The surface must also be thoroughly cleaned to remove dust, debris, and dirt, as this will help to create a strong bond. Since adhesives do not bond directly to asphalt, a suitable primer must be applied first. We recommend using Mapei Eco Prim Grip +, which provides an effective base for adhesion.
Once the primer has fully dried, following the manufacturer’s instructions, a levelling compound should be applied to create a stable and even surface. Mapei Latexplan Trade No Ammonia is a reliable option, as it can be used to level differences in thickness between 3mm and 10mm. This product is also suitable for application over most existing adhesive residues, including bitumen.
After the levelling compound has fully cured, the wooden flooring can be bonded to the surface using a high-quality adhesive. We recommend Mapei Ultrabond Eco S948, which is a strong, flexible STP adhesive with very low VOC emissions. Alternatively, Pallmann P5 or P6 adhesives are also excellent choices, though the specific product and application process should be confirmed directly with Pallmann.
In terms of adhesive requirements, both solid and engineered wood flooring can be installed using the same adhesives. We typically use Pallmann P5/P6 or Mapei Ultrabond Eco S948, as these adhesives are strong and flexible, allowing for the natural movement of the wood. They are also suitable for use with underfloor heating and varying humidity conditions, ensuring durability and stability over time. Additionally, these products are solvent-free and have very low VOC emissions, making them an environmentally friendly choice.
Hope this helps!
Ian Tomlinson (managing director of Chauncey Timber Flooring)