Glue Down vs. Floating – Luxury Vinyl Flooring or LVP for your upcoming interior design project involves considering both installation and application, in addition to style and design aesthetics.
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If you don’t pick the right installation method for your vinyl floors, they might not hold up well in the long run, even if they initially look beautiful.
When it comes to installing luxury vinyl flooring, you have the option to either glue it down or float it, depending on the type of flooring you choose. Your decision should be based on the specific advantages of each method, which can vary depending on your industry, the environment, and your design preferences.
To better understand the differences between glue down and floating installation, let’s take a closer look at how each method functions:
What is Glue Down Vinyl Flooring?
The adhesive method of glue-down installation requires using special glue to attach your dry-back luxury vinyl flooring to its base. By using this adhesive, you can ensure that your flooring maintains its natural characteristics and stays securely in place. There are two types of adhesives used in the glue-down method: hard set and pressure sensitive.
- Hard Set – In the healthcare or retail industries, hard set adhesive is crucial for keeping vinyl flooring secure against heavy rolling traffic. This innovative product ensures that furniture and fixtures won’t leave unsightly indentations when moved, making it a great choice for luxury vinyl flooring.
- Pressure sensitive – Pressure sensitive adhesive, being the trusted industry standard, offers an installation process that not only ensures the durability of your flooring but also makes it simpler to replace. This type of adhesive is particularly well-suited for the retail and hospitality sectors, as well as for businesses that frequently update their brand. Moreover, pressure-sensitive adhesive is the perfect choice for vinyl tile and plank flooring.
| Hard Set | Pressure Sensitive |
| The floor is coated with adhesive before the flooring is placed on it. | The flooring product comes with adhesive already applied, and it is securely attached to the floor by applying pressure. |
What is Floating Vinyl Flooring?
Derived from the laminate flooring industry, the floating flooring category includes two distinct products with varying installation choices: loose-lay vinyl and click vinyl flooring. Floating flooring used to be the preferred installation method around 10-15 years ago in residential settings. This method, known as “floating,” continues to be a highly favored option, particularly for vinyl flooring.
Depending on the specific floating product, these installations require minimal to no adhesive and can be placed directly over the subfloor or with the assistance of a cushion or vapor barrier system.
- Loose Lay Vinyl Flooring – Loose lay flooring gets its name from the way it is laid on top of the subfloor. This type of floating flooring is known for its easy installation process and stunning outcome. While installation methods may differ based on the brand or person doing the installation, the general process involves gluing down planks or tiles along the edges of the room (for smaller spaces) and using adhesive in a grid pattern (for larger areas) before loosely laying the remaining planks or tiles. Once finished, the flooring will remain securely in place.
- Click Vinyl Flooring – Click vinyl flooring is a flexible choice for both plank and tile flooring. With its rigid core click-and-click options, it offers a versatile solution for any space. Installing click flooring is a breeze – just snap the planks or tiles into place using the convenient click-locking system integrated into the product.
| Loose Lay | Click |
| Vinyl flooring is attached to the perimeter of a subfloor, followed by laying down more planks and tiles without the need for adhesive. | Vinyl flooring is effortlessly installed by simply clicking or snapping the planks together on top of a subfloor. |
Floating vinyl flooring has become increasingly popular in recent years because of the advancements in its manufacturing process and its excellent moisture resistance. This innovative approach is particularly useful when installing flooring over old adhesive residue or dealing with asbestos remnants.
In today’s commercial industry, floating flooring has found its niche, especially in multi-family housing developments.
Let’s Talk More About Luxury Vinyl Flooring!
At AZ Floor Solutions, we provide top-quality material, and flooring solutions for any type of projects, residential or commercial. Our products are user-friendly and boast long-lasting durability.
We have a mobile showroom, give us a call today to schedule your FREE In-Home Consultation. Contact us at 623-336-1707 or via email at co*****@**************ns.com to schedule your consultation.
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