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Do I Need to Glue Vinyl Flooring?

by Bestlaminate
Published: Last Updated on 38 comments 4 minutes read

“Do I need to glue vinyl flooring,” is a very common question we receive. There are a few types of vinyl flooring, each with a unique installation process. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the manufactures’ installation instructions and installation options prior to purchasing and installing. Let’s explore the common types of vinyl flooring and when you need to glue it down.

Click Lock Vinyl Flooring

Click Lock vinyl flooring is a floating floor that has a locking system – making installation as easy as simply clicking the planks together. This installation method does not require any glue. Installation will only require a vapor barrier underlayment (depending on your subfloor) and possibly some installation tools.

Glue Down Vinyl Flooring

As the name states – glue down vinyl flooring does require glue. This installation method can be cheaper but is not as quick and simple as click lock vinyl flooring. Every plank needs to be glued down to the subfloor. Glue down planks can be used with both plywood and concrete subfloors and is a good option for places where the subfloor may not be perfectly even.

Feather Lodge Knock Out Del Mar Plank glue down vinyl flooring

Loose Lay Vinyl Flooring

Loose Lay vinyl flooring does not require any glue, but also does not have a locking system. This vinyl offers the easiest installation, as you simply just lay the planks down-one directly next to another –  and keep moving forward. It is the simplest method of installation as there is no need for an expansion gap. You must be meticulous in your cuts, however, as the floor planks need to fit to the walls in order to stay properly.

Benefits of Glue Down Vinyl

There are a few reasons why you would want to opt for a glue down vinyl vs. the other two options. Glue down is a popular option in commercial spaces and large spaces, as these planks do not need the same expansions needs as a floating floor. You will also need transitions with a floating floor, which are eliminated with a glue down option.

Glue down vinyl flooring can also be used in areas where the subfloor may not be perfectly even. You also will not need an underlayment with glue down vinyl flooring.

Shop Glue Down Vinyl Flooring From Bestlaminate

Choose your vinyl flooring based on your subfloor’s condition and which installation method sounds most suitable to you. If you have any questions as to which vinyl floor installation method will work best for you, call our representatives at 1-800-520-0961!

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38 comments

Vickie May 7, 2020 - 12:20 am

Hi. My husband is in a wheelchair and when I researched Vinyl Plank Flooring, it looks like I should get the glue down flooring. However, they are not as popular – harder to find. How will I know it’s a quality floor? What should I be looking for when buying?

Thank you,

Reply
Alana Kane May 15, 2020 - 7:35 am

Hi Vickie, great question! The wear layer will be your best durability factor. 12mil or higher will be great for you. You may want to check out COREtec brand, as most of them can be floated or glue down. You can shop them here: https://www.bestlaminate.com/search-by-brand/coretec/

Reply
Dan April 24, 2020 - 2:07 pm

Hello, I put a floating floor in a small camp trailer and results are not good (buckling, joint separation) for several reasons. Floor shop wrongly said I should be in good shape but because cabinets and trailer body put weight on certain parts, plus temperature variations make floating the floor unworkable. I am experimenting with glueing it down instead but I tested a piece for fading and general durability by leaving it in the direct sun all summer. Flooring performed perfectly on all counts but when it gets hot the foam backing will detach so I plan to remove the backing and sticky adhesive. One potential problem I will have is since I will still have the locking edges, will I be able to join them while sitting on dried STIX 2230 adhesive? I will do a test with scrap pieces but am interested in any other insights you may have. Even if I am able to do a nice installation is there any reason why it may fail later? Thanks!

Reply
Alana Kane April 27, 2020 - 2:45 am

Hi Dan, thanks for the question. Sorry to hear about the issues you have. First of all, it was designed to be floating, so there is always a chance that a glue down install will not work out ideally. However, some floors can be installed both ways, so it depends on which brand you installed. For the installation, the easiest way will probably be the drop lock installation shown here: https://youtu.be/Bt1CwGvEgiU. Best of luck!

Reply
Dan April 27, 2020 - 12:29 pm

Yes, that would work after removal of the foam padding so I could glue it down. I conducted an experiment over the weekend. Since the floor I bought is not drop lock the planks must be laid down and slid into place end to end. This is just not happening with pressure sensitive adhesive on the floor. I think I will remove the flooring and use it in the back porch of the house, and go another direction in the trailer. Thanks very much for your help!

Reply
Alana Kane April 29, 2020 - 1:12 pm

Ahhh I see. You should be able to find some good glue down planks for your project that are not super expensive. Best of luck!

Reply
Karen Jennings February 17, 2020 - 2:12 pm

Which liquid nails product do we use to glue luxury vinyl floor stair treads? It can’t be solvent based. So many choices, I am confused

Reply
Alana Kane February 24, 2020 - 11:32 am

Hi Karen, our molding company recommends using: Premium Polyurethane Construction Adhesive. Hope that helps!

Reply
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