solid oak t+g onto concrete..........float or glue???

[aflemi]

Firstly, as a new member, thanks to all contributors for the advice I have read so far. I would like to get some of your views on the above.
I have bought B and Q solid oak flooring. 18mm x123mm to lay on a soundish concrete base in a hallway, 5.5m x 3.5m. The planks are smaller than I would like, each pack of 1.2 sqm contains the following: 1 x 1200mm, 7 x 700mm, 7 x 500mm.
The existing flooring is engineered oak panels 2400mm x 200mm which is floating and although has been trouble-free, looks dated.
I would prefer the floating option, are the planks too short to do this, and would it help if I laid them widthways rather than lengthways?
I would prefer to avoid laying ply and secret nailing if at all possible, having done it before and taken ages.
I have not started the job, and reading previous posts, am unsure that this product can be laid with stability. Despite it's attractive finish, I would take it back for refund if necessary.
Finally, if floating and glueing t+g, would normal pva adhesive be ok or is there a better product anyone recommends?
Thanks in advance for the advice.

 

[WoodYouLike]

Hi Aflemi

It seems you're one of the more lucky ones buying solid B&Q offers, the shortest length is 500mm. Too many of these kind of offers have many boards of 300 or 400mm in them.
So, you can install this floor floating, glueing the T&G properly.

Regards installing them width or length ways, the end result always look better when you install them parallel the longest wall. Reading your info about the existing floor (T&G connection I presume), as long as those boards are still level you don't have to add any other sheet material first before you lay your foam underlayment (DON'T use underlayment that contains a DPM).

 

[aflemi]

Thanks WYL, that's reassuring. I thought I was ready to go then until I read about the Non-DPM part. I am taking up the existing t + g flooring and replacing it, on concrete base, so would I not need a DPM?
I have bought the following Combilay underlay which was recommended at B + Q:

http://www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/nav/n...refview=search&ts=1199443680085&isSearch=true

Also do you have a view on the adhesive for the new t+g, would any pva (ie Screwfix basic stuff) do or should I get something more expensive?
Many thanks again

 

[WoodYouLike]

That product looks fine to me.
As for wood-glue, any proper type will do. Make sure you use it properly

 

[aflemi]

Thanks again, I'll leave it to acclimatise for 2-3 weeks then get on with it.
Just to check, the reason you said no dpm was because you thought I was laying the new flooring on top of the existing floating floor, rather than replacing it, yes?
Sorry to be pedantic, I am just very wary of B + Q advice and want to be double sure. TBH I generally avoid the place but my partner fell in love with the finish on this stuff and I have to admit it does look very good (in the showroom anyway). Cheers WYL.

 

[WoodYouLike]

If the wood was stored properly at B&Q and now safely in the room you
intend to install it in, 4 -5 days will be enough for it to acclimatise.

Yes, that was the only reason for suggesting not to use a dpm. Since you're
laying it onto a concrete base (my mistake, should have read better) a
combi-underlayment with dpm is recommended.

 

[aflemi]

Many thanks WYL. I'll check out your website for my next flooring job.

 

[aflemi]

This relates to the post below as I am now getting round to the job, having had the hall decorated etc this is the finishing touch. Situ is I had hall extended so now have new concrete (dry enough by now) and original concrete sub-floor. The old part, particularly at front foor has had a few bits crumble away from cracks etc, although nothing serious and the level is fine.
I am ready to lay solid oak flooring over combilay underlay over sub floor. Should I seal the old concrete with pva/water mix to stabilise it a bit before laying the flooring or is there another product to do this which will make it rock-solid and not take too long to dry?