A Century Of Craftmanship

Traditional and Alternative Installation Methods for Wooden Flooring:
A Guide for Architects

For over 100 years, Hørning has been synonymous with high-quality wooden flooring, delivering durable and aesthetically refined solutions to prestigious projects worldwide. As an established leader in the industry, we continuously adapt to evolving construction practices while honouring traditional craftsmanship. One such adaptation is the consideration of alternative installation methods, particularly in response to the increasing demand for sustainable building solutions.

Traditional Fixing Methods: Screwing and Nailing

Historically, solid wooden flooring was installed using nails or screws, securing each plank to wooden joists (known as battens or strøer) to create a stable and resilient floor structure. For instance, end grain flooring was once installed in sand or tar. This method remains relevant today, particularly for thicker planks (typically 22mm) designed for installation on joists.

Planks are screwed into the tongue side, ensuring a firm grip while maintaining a seamless appearance. At the borders, screws are counter-sunk and concealed with wooden plugs for a polished finish. This technique not only ensures longevity but also facilitates future modifications or repurposing of the planks.

Fully Glued: The Modern Standard

In contemporary flooring projects, full adhesion using high-performance adhesives has become the dominant installation method for solid floorboards in standard dimensions. This approach enhances stability, reduces movement, and ensures the floor withstands heavy traffic and environmental fluctuations. Fully adhered floors are particularly suitable for large-scale commercial projects and underfloor heating systems, providing a seamless and robust solution.

Sustainability and Reusability: The Case for Screwing and Nailing

With increasing focus on sustainability, architects are exploring alternative installation methods that enable material reuse. By opting for screwing instead of full adhesion, wooden planks can be disassembled without damage, allowing for repurposing in new flooring installations or other architectural applications. This significantly reduces material waste and contributes to circular economy principles.

Architects and flooring specialists are increasingly collaborating to explore solutions that balance aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability. As a result, the interest in mechanical fixing methods such as screwing and nailing is resurging, particularly in projects with a strong emphasis on longevity and environmental responsibility.

Showcasing the Technique

At a Danish trade fair, Byggeri 2025, Hørning demonstrated the screwing method in practice, installing a 20mm solid wood floor with screws. This installation will highlight the precision craftsmanship involved, as well as the potential advantages of traditional fixing in modern architectural projects. This method allows for the flooring to be reused.

Choosing the Right Method

Both screwing and full adhesion offer distinct benefits, depending on the project requirements. While full adhesion remains the go-to solution for high-performance and large-scale installations, mechanical fixing presents a viable alternative for projects prioritising reusability and adaptability.

By understanding the strengths of each method, architects can make informed decisions that align with their design vision, structural needs, and sustainability goals. At Hørning, we remain committed to delivering flooring solutions that not only stand the test of time but also align with the future of sustainable architecture.