Vinyl
Which Type of Vinyl Flooring to Choose: Glue Down, Loose Lay, or Click?
Are you planning to renovate your home and wondering which type of vinyl to choose? Whether it’s for the kitchen, living room, or bathroom, vinyl flooring remains a very popular option — and for good reasons.
However, deciding between glue down vinyl, loose lay, or click requires some careful thought. Let’s explore this together.
First, what is vinyl flooring?
Vinyl flooring is made up of a multi-layer structure composed of PVC and other synthetic materials. It’s a material that offers good insulation and increased comfort. It mainly comes in two forms: rigid and soft planks, also known as tiles or planks, and rolls, also known as sheets.
One big advantage of vinyl planks over rolls is how easy they are to replace if they get damaged.
That said, no matter the type, vinyl fits seamlessly with any decor and is easy to maintain. However, it can be prone to damage from heavy objects, and the quality can vary depending on the manufacturer.
There are three main ways to install vinyl flooring, here they are.
Glue down vinyl flooring: a sturdy fix
Glue down vinyl flooring is often the ideal solution for high-traffic areas such as entryways, hallways, or kitchens. Here, an adhesive is applied directly to the subfloor before laying the planks or sheets.
The pros
- Stability: once installed, it doesn't budge.
- Durability: perfect for areas that get a lot of wear and tear.
The cons
- Installation: you'll often need a professional to avoid any glue-related issues.
- Replacement: difficult to remove without damaging the subfloor.
Our glue down vinyl options
Loose lay or floating vinyl flooring: practical and innovative
If you're a DIY enthusiast, loose lay vinyl flooring is for you! Adhesive isn’t always necessary, except in some cases around the perimeter.
The planks snap together easily without needing any tools and can be installed over concrete or plywood, as long as the surface is flat. If you're putting them directly on plywood, make sure the screws aren’t sticking out. If the floor isn’t perfectly even, you can use a self-levelling compound to fix it
The pros
- Easy installation: requires little to no glue, so the setup is quick.
- Adaptable: can be installed over various types of subfloors.
- Repairable: replacing a plank is a breeze.
The cons
- Less stability: can lift in high-traffic areas.
Our loose lay vinyl options
Click vinyl flooring: quick and hassle-free installation
If you're looking for something quick and easy, click vinyl flooring is a great choice. The planks snap together using a simple click system. All you need is a rubber mallet and a utility knife.
Make sure your subfloor is completely level to prevent any damage to the planks.
If you love large formats, click vinyl flooring is the star of XXL options!
The pros
- Express installation: as easy to install as loose lay.
- No adhesive: clean installation with no mess.
The cons
- Price: a bit more expensive than other types.
Our click vinyl options
So, which should you choose?
It all depends on what you’re looking for and where you’ll be installing it. If you need something ultra-sturdy for a high-traffic area, glue down vinyl is an excellent choice.
If you prefer a simple, quick DIY installation, loose lay or click vinyl are perfect.
Whatever your choice, there’s a vinyl flooring option for every style.
Looking for a Mediterranean vibe? Choose terracotta patterns!
Prefer a rustic look? Check out aged wood imitations.
Discover our full range in our catalogue.
If you have any other questions about vinyl flooring and installation methods, don’t hesitate to contact us via our website or visit us in-store!