I know everyone loves the quick-dry adhesives, but last Thursday in that old Portland craftsman house, the original oak planks shifted overnight and I had to redo 400 square feet.

Sometimes the old ways are better for a reason, so what's the longest you've waited for a traditional adhesive to set before laying the floor?

3 comments

3 Comments

matthewf642mo ago

Honestly, that 72-hour wait is nothing. Saw a guy on a historic restoration swear by a full week for hide glue in a damp basement. Makes you wonder, right? We're so obsessed with speed now, but some things just can't be rushed.

the_oliver2mo ago

My buddy waited a full 72 hours once.

briancampbell1mo ago

Hold up though, 72 hours is way overkill for most modern hide glues unless it's super cold in the shop. I've had plenty of joints set up fine in about 12 hours with the right temp and humidity. Your buddy might've been using an old batch or working in like a literal fridge or something.