Glue-Down vs. Floating: Which Vinyl Floor Installation Method Is Right for You?
Choosing the right flooring and installation method isn’t something you think about all the time. However, it’s a crucial decision since you, your staff, customers, or guests will stand and walk on it time and time again. You’ll want to find the right fit and stability for your space to ensure a great experience.
Glue-down and floating are the two primary installation methods for vinyl floors, and there are significant differences between the two that you should be aware of before selecting one. For example, the stability you get with glue-down installation is often preferred for commercial flooring. On the other hand, floating options offer an easier installation process.
Glue-down vs. floating, which vinyl floor installation method is right for your space? We’ll break down the pros and cons here to help you decide.
Is It Better To Glue or Float Vinyl Plank Flooring?
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and luxury vinyl tile (LVT) typically come in both glue-down and floating options. To give you a quick answer, glue-down is usually preferred for commercial flooring installation since it’s sturdy enough to hold up against heavy foot traffic. While floating installation is often a better fit for low-traffic or residential spaces.
Here’s a bit more information to help as you’re debating between glue-down vs. floating LVP or LVT.
What Is Glue-Down Vinyl Flooring, and What Are the Benefits?
Glue-down vinyl flooring is installed with a strong adhesive across the subfloor. It offers a secure and sturdy feel throughout your space.
It’s typically seen as the best commercial LVP or LVT installation method because of its:
- Stability with a strong adhesive bond to the subfloor.
- Durability that can resist movement, shifting, and wear and tear in high-traffic areas.
- Moisture protection with a tight seal throughout the floor.
- Longevity to remain in good condition even with heavy traffic and use.
What Is Floating Vinyl Flooring, and What Are the Benefits?
Floating vinyl flooring is designed to cover the subfloor without using an adhesive throughout.
Typically, you’ll see two types of floating vinyl flooring: loose lay vinyl and click vinyl. Loose lay vinyl fits on top of the subfloor and is only adhered along the edges. On the other hand, click vinyl is designed with sections that click or snap into place.
Benefits of floating vinyl options include:
- Easier installation to get flooring in your space faster.
- Easier to repair since individual tiles can often be replaced without disrupting the rest of the floor.
- Flexibility when you want a temporary installation or plan to change your flooring later on.
What Are the Disadvantages of Glue-Down Vinyl Flooring?
While glue-down vinyl is a great option, there are some considerations you should make before choosing it. Some of the main problems with glue-down vinyl plank flooring are:
- Installation is more complex and will take longer. That can increase labor costs and the overall scope of the project.
- You need a smooth subfloor to adhere it properly, so there may be preparation involved to get it ready, depending on your subfloor’s condition.
- It’s seen as a longer-term flooring option, and replacing it after it’s adhered is harder.
Even though glue-down flooring can have a few disadvantages, it’s still a top commercial flooring option. When you consider the durability and longevity of the best glue-down vinyl plank flooring, it’s still a worthwhile option to invest in, even if it takes some extra time to install.
What Are the Cons of Floating Floors?
You can also run into some issues with floating floors that you should be aware of before installing them. Some of the most common problems that can ruin vinyl flooring:
- It usually isn’t seen as commercial resilient flooring. For example, when you’re comparing glue-down vs. floating floors on concrete, the floating vinyl won’t be adhered to every part of the concrete subfloor. That can lead to a higher risk of shifting or wear with heavy foot traffic.
- Your subfloor will need to be very level with floating floors since each tile isn’t directly adhered. Depending on your subfloor’s condition, some floor leveling may be required before installation.
- The seal between tiles isn’t as tight, so you may not get as much moisture protection.
Even though floating floors can have some drawbacks, they’re still a flexible and easy installation option for residential or low-traffic spaces, so there are still great use cases for them.
How To Decide Which Way To Lay Vinyl Flooring
If you’ve been looking through architects’ and designers’ flooring guides and aren’t sure whether glue-down or floating flooring is right for your needs, here are some elements to consider:
- Is your space residential or commercial? This is usually the biggest consideration since the stability of glue-down vinyl is great for commercial spaces, whereas the ease of installation with floating vinyl is great for residential projects.
- Are you looking for permanent or temporary flooring? Glue-down vinyl is a great long-term flooring solution with excellent longevity, while the flexibility of floating options may work better when you need a temporary solution.
- How fast do you need it installed? Glue-down flooring installations will take longer, while floating installations are generally faster and easier. However, glue-down usually offers better long-term results when you need high-quality commercial solutions, and working with professional installers will make the process more efficient.
How Consolidated Flooring Can Help
Consolidated Flooring is a commercial flooring planning and installation team that can help you find the best type and style of flooring for your needs. With our years of expertise, we can guide you throughout the process to make a decision you’re confident in.
When you work with us, we’ll assist you each step of the way to:
- Learn about your space and understand your needs.
- Provide you with an estimate and a clear plan with specifications.
- Help you choose the right flooring style from our wide selection of commercial LVT flooring and other high-quality options.
- Provide professional installation, maintenance, and repairs to make the process easy.
Ready to upgrade the flooring in your space? Contact us today to learn more about our flooring options and services.
