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Resource Center
“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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Contact the Bestlaminate Flooring Experts today! Call us at 1-800-520-0961 or send us a quick message to get expert advice and answers.
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Hi. I have decided to put down LVT in our home.
We like the option of glue down vinyl or pressure sensitive vinyl…
Is glue down reusable?
Currently we have perfectly flat cement floors but painted over with showroom floor paint…
Do I need to remove the paint (a lot of work) or is there a easier way to go about? Maybe an adhesive that could do the trick?
Thanks in advance!
Hey Matthys, I hope you had a great weekend. I am not quite sure what you mean by reusable? Once it is glued down it would need to stay in place. If you need to replace anything you can always cut the planks out. I would put a vapor barrier over top of the painted floor just to make sure it would hold up.
I am considering putting down a click lock vinyl floor in our vacation home in Northern Wisconsin. We do not heat the house in winter and I am wondering if this type of flooring is suitable for this application.
Hi Davida, thanks for your question! A few things to keep in mind with this type of application is that vinyls can move with temperature change and it will void any indoor warranty. With that said, the best brands to go with are COREtec or any vinyl that is an SPC core. These vinyls are more rigid and will not show as much movement with temperature change.
Can I use this under tile in my kitchen? It going to be a tough job removing the tile so I’m hoping to avoid it. Thanks
Hi Rose, thanks for your question. Do you mean installing over the tile? Yes, you can install vinyl planks over the tile. You will need to level the tile with quick-mix concrete to become a stable subfloor. Let us know if you have any other questions!
I work in an apartment community and we are installing vinyl plank flooring on the 1st floor right on the concrete. We’re are having problems with glue coming up between the gaps after about 2 – 8 months after someone moves in. What would be the issue? Is it too much glue or not leaving it dry or some kind of moisture issue? It can happen anywhere through out the apartment. It can be in the the living, kitchen or bathroom.
Hi Kim, thanks for the question. I am thinking this would be an overuse of the adhesive, or not letting it properly dry in the first place. If the glue is coming up through the seams, it means the pressure is pushing it from beneath the planks. We would recommend having a flooring inspector come out to assess the installation and see what the root cause could be.
I stumbled on your site, my question is with installing Laminate flooring in an RV (motorhome) which once the carpet and vinyl flooring are removed is simple plywood. I am not sure how to select the type because in a floating floor, which is better for sound deadening and glue down or not. I will have captain chairs, recliner and couch that are all bolted to the floor and wonder if that restricts a floating floor. Using glue down floor, does it allow for the movement of a moving vehicle?
Lastly how best to handle the transition to carpet of front area where, because of engine doghouse would be impossible to install laminate flooring. I also have a small area of steps and how to handle the steps themselves as far as finishing touches.
Hi Carlos, thanks for your question! First things first, you never want to bolt anything to a floating or glue down floor. We’d recommend cutting around where the items will be bolted down. A glue down floor will not provide any sound dampening or cushion under foot, but it will not move as much as a floating floor may. With a floating vinyl, you can potentially have a cushion underneath to help with the sound and hardness under foot. We generally recommend going with a floating floor for a few reasons, including easier to uninstall and re-install if you have damage or want to change it. and it’s a super easy installation with no need to worry about glue or drying.
As far as a transition goes, you would simply need a transition moldings, either T-Molding, reducer or metal t-molding that connects the two areas. You can use vinyl for the stairs and would need to glue them down to the steps. There are stair noses that can cover the edges. Hope this helps! If you have any other questions, give us a call at 800-520-0961.