MS or PU parquet adhesive: which to choose?
Parquet is usually glued with one of two adhesive types – MS polymer or polyurethane (PU). Both cure chemically and contain no water, so the wood does not swell. They differ in bond rigidity, working time and use. In short: engineered boards usually do well with elastic MS adhesive, while mosaic and lamparquet need a rigid, shear-resistant bond.
How MS and PU adhesives differ
| MS polymer adhesives | PU (polyurethane) adhesives | |
|---|---|---|
| Components | one, ready to use | two (A+B, mixed) or one |
| Bond | elastic or firm-elastic; MS 292 – rigid | rigid, shear-resistant |
| Working time | about 40 min | 40–130 min (PU 220 – up to 130 min) |
| Underfloor heating | suitable | suitable |
| Price per kg (WAKOL) | €8–12 | €7–13 |
Which adhesive to choose
- Engineered boards – elastic MS adhesives: WAKOL MS 228, MS 230, MS 232. The elastic layer absorbs wood movement and suits underfloor heating. For BOEN engineered boards we recommend WAKOL MS 228.
- Solid planks and solid parquet – firm-elastic WAKOL MS 260, MS 262 or rigid PU adhesives.
- Mosaic, lamparquet, upright lamellas – rigid, shear-resistant adhesives: WAKOL MS 292, PU 215, PU 385.
- Large areas, more working time needed – WAKOL PU 220: up to 130 min working time.
WAKOL parquet adhesives compared
| Adhesive | Type | Use | Pack | Price incl. VAT | € / kg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WAKOL MS 228 | MS, elastic | engineered boards | 18 kg | €145 | 8.1 |
| WAKOL MS 230 | MS, elastic | engineered, solid parquet | 18 kg | €164 | 9.1 |
| WAKOL MS 232 | MS, elastic | engineered, solid parquet | 7.7 kg | €65 | 8.4 |
| WAKOL MS 260 | MS, firm-elastic | engineered, solid, solid planks, cork | 18 kg | €183 | 10.2 |
| WAKOL MS 292 | MS, rigid | mosaic, lamparquet, solid planks | 7.5 kg | €91 | 12.1 |
| WAKOL PU 215 | 2K PU, rigid | mosaic, lamparquet, solid, engineered | 13 kg | €96 | 7.3 |
| WAKOL PU 220 | 2K PU | engineered, solid; working time up to 130 min | 13 kg | €91 | 6.9 |
| WAKOL PU 385 | 1K PU, rigid | upright lamellas, solid planks, wood blocks | 16 kg | €205 | 12.8 |
Coverage is 0.7–1.5 kg/m², so adhesive costs about €7–15 per m². How many packs your area needs – see How much adhesive for parquet and vinyl.
What else to watch
- Subfloor. Both types need a dry, level, primed subfloor.
- Mixing. 2K PU adhesives must be mixed as a full pack – never in parts.
- Cleaning. Remove fresh adhesive from the surface at once: cured adhesive is hard to remove.
All adhesives are in Parquet adhesives. How to glue – Parquet installation: glue down or float?. Not sure which suits your floor? Send us the flooring type and area – we will advise and calculate.
FAQ
Which is better for parquet – MS or PU adhesive?
Engineered boards usually do well with elastic MS adhesive – for BOEN boards we recommend WAKOL MS 228. Mosaic, lamparquet and upright lamellas need a rigid adhesive: PU or MS 292.
Is MS adhesive suitable for underfloor heating?
Yes. The manufacturer lists WAKOL MS 228, MS 230, MS 232 and MS 292 as suitable for underfloor heating.
Why not use water-based adhesive for parquet?
Water makes wood swell. MS and PU adhesives contain no water.
What is the difference between 1K and 2K PU?
2K adhesives (WAKOL PU 215, PU 220) are mixed from two components before use. 1K (WAKOL PU 385) is ready to use.