Glue down Solid SYP
Gluing down solid wood flooring such as Southern Pine is easy, no secret that it is all about the adhesive. For years, the answer was that the normal shrinkage and swelling cycle that occurs with changes in moisture content (such as seasonal humidity) may weaken and eventually break any glue bond between the planks and subfloor. Second, a proper vapor barrier cannot be installed when gluing directly to concrete. But wait, in 2019, technology allows us to glue down 3/4 solid flooring, including wide planks.
Bostik’s BEST® urethane glue has very low moisture vapor permeability and is not adversely affected by moisture vapor. As a result, it will reduce moisture vapor transmission through concrete. When applied as directed as a moisture vapor membrane, it will prevent damages caused by subfloor moisture beneath dimensionally stable, engineered wood flooring only.Furthermore, the urethane based glue allows for those tiny movements and shifts that can occur during climate changes.
No you do not nail and glue
Most installers will argue this point for one of two reasons; number one they do not understand the concept of ‘movable’ glue with a moisture barrier instead of nails, or they don’t understand real wood. The purpose of nailing real wood flooring is so that it can make tiny seasonal moves, this is true with any species. This movement is another reason traditional glue does not work, it must move.
Why not both?
It is a waste of money and could certainly affect the performance of your floors. Face nailing for aesthetics is not about stability but more about the look you want for your home. The truth of the matter is that very few installers want to install solid wood on concrete, they will sell you engineered flooring- this is a fact you should always keep in mind when floor shopping.