Glue Down Vinyl Plank Flooring: Installation and Benefits

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There are many ways to install LVPs and one of the most well-known ways of placing these floors is to glue down vinyl plank flooring. Georgia Carpet is here to help you navigate your flooring options. Whether you prioritize a permanent bond for high-traffic areas or a DIY-friendly interlocking system, we have the expertise to see your flooring project through to the end.

Benefits of Glue Down Vinyl Plank Flooring

One of the most established methods for installing luxury vinyl planks is gluing them down. This method uses an adhesive tape or liquid glue to bond the plank directly to the subfloor and offers these benefits:

Stability: For high-traffic areas like entryways, hallways, and kitchens, this is generally the better option because you don’t risk the planks shifting under frequent use.
Durability: Gluing your LVP is more permanent, making it a great choice if you are not planning to redo your floors frequently.
Easier Repairs: It is less of a hassle to replace damaged planks. You simply remove the individual plank and seal a new one in.

Types of Adhesives for Vinyl Plank Installation

There are two primary types of adhesives used for glue down vinyl plank flooring:

Hard Set: The glue is spread on the subfloor and you lay the planks on top. This is most commonly used for sheet vinyl but creates a very rigid bond for LVP.
Pressure Sensitive: These adhesives can be applied manually or come pre-applied to the planks. You simply press the plank down to stick it to the subfloor.

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Comparing Glue Down vs. Floating Floors

The glue-down planks themselves are cheaper than floating ones like loose lay or click but this price is offset with the extra supplies needed to install it. If you are looking for a quick and easy installation process, floating floors might be a better fit for you. They are slightly less permanent but they still hold all the same qualities of glue down planks.

Click/Tongue and Groove: Planks fit together like puzzle pieces and snap into place, which is convenient for DIY projects.
Loose Lay: This method relies on friction to stay in place rather than an interlocking mechanism or glue.

Repair Differences: Repairing floating floors can be time-consuming. Since the planks interlock, you often have to take out multiple planks before you can replace a single damaged one.