Are you in the market for a new flooring option and curious about luxury vinyl flooring? Maybe you’re wondering if glue down or click installation is the best choice for your home.
Glue-down installation is the more traditional method and is less likely to show wear and tear over time. The downside is that it can be messy and time-consuming. Click installation, on the other hand, is much easier and quicker. However, it’s not as durable as glue-down and may not be as suitable for high-traffic areas depending on your specific needs.
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the pros and cons of both installation methods to help you decide which is right for you.
What is Luxury Vinyl Flooring?
Luxury vinyl flooring is a type of flooring that is made from synthetic materials designed to resemble natural materials such as stone or wood, but it is more cost-effective, more durable and easier to care for than the higher priced counterparts.
Luxury vinyl flooring is available in a variety of colors and designs, and it can be installed over any type of subfloor.
Luxury Vinyl Plank vs. Luxury Vinyl Tile Flooring
Luxury vinyl plank flooring (LVP) and luxury vinyl tile flooring (LVT) are two popular options that can give your home an updated, stylish look. Both types are excellent for rooms where you want to make a statement. But what’s the difference between the two? And which one is right for your home? It really comes down to the look and tone you are trying to achieve as well as how long you want it to last.
LVP comes in long planks that are meant to have the look of natural wood. It is waterproof and scratch resistant which makes it a great alternative to real hardwood flooring at a lower price point.
LVT, on the other hand, comes in squares meant to look like stone tiles. Luxury vinyl tile is also resistant to water damage, so they are often used in kitchens, bathrooms or laundry rooms where a tile is often used.
As far as installation, luxury vinyl planks are typically easier to install than luxury vinyl tile since the tiles are heavy and bulky and require special tools for installation.
Click vs. Glue Down Luxury Vinyl Flooring Installation
There are two ways to install luxury vinyl flooring: glue-down or click. Each has its own pros and cons, so it’s important to know which one is right for your home before making a purchase.
The biggest difference between these two types comes down to how they’re installed; any vinyl that requires adhesive, whether it’s pressure-sensitive or hard set will take twice as long as a click product since you have to wait for your glue gun before continuing with construction.
Click Installation
Click luxury vinyl flooring that is installed with interlocking pieces. The click-together tongue and groove system on the edges of these vinyl planks makes them easy to attach in a continuous way that allows them to hover just above your subfloor. The floating nature makes it a suitable choice if you have some imperfections with said surface, making this an ideal do-it-yourself installation process at home.
Click installation is generally less messy and also usually cheaper than glue down installation. However, some people find that click luxury vinyl floors are less durable than their glued-down counterparts.
Glue Down Installation
Glue-down vinyl flooring is a great option for those who want their floors to be permanent and don’t mind putting in some extra time. This installation method is best with some professional help, though.
It utilizes an adhesive tape or liquid glue product for adhering the planks or tiles to your subfloor, making this type of installation messier and more time-consuming but also guarantees they’ll stay put.
With this added durability comes added cost. Though Glue-down vinyl floors are usually less expensive per square foot than click options, that cost savings is offset by the additional tools and installation supplies that are needed. Professional installers will have all the tools and experience necessary for this type of job, ensuring that you get your new floors in as quickly as possible. The cost of having a professional install the floors will far outweigh the cost of possible installation accidents or issues that could not only hurt your wallet but waste valuable time.
3 Factors To Consider
There are a few key things to consider when trying to choose between glue down and click. The long-term durability, room it’s being installed in and available warranties are all important factors to keep in mind and to discuss with a flooring expert.
Durability
Vinyl is known more for being thick and resilient but how you install it can add even more durability. If you’re looking for a permanent installation, generally speaking, glue down luxury vinyl flooring is going to be higher quality and thus more expensive. This is because it’s made to withstand more wear and tear and last longer overall.
Click luxury vinyl flooring, on the other hand, can be taken up and moved more easily, making it a more budget-friendly option. However, with a click product you are taking the risk of the flooring lifting, rolling or unclicking in spots during furniture moves and so on.
Location
Which rooms the flooring is going in is a big part of the decision. Luxury vinyl flooring is a popular choice for large rooms like bedrooms and living areas because they can span continuous distances without limiting the visual space with threshold lines that break up its configuration in smaller spaces.
Both click and glue-down options work great for bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms. Do keep in mind that a glue down option might be best for more expansive areas that will endure a lot of foot traffic, furniture adjusting or heavy play from kids or pets.
Warranty
Finally, consider the warranties offered by each type of flooring. Glue down typically comes with a longer warranty than click. This is because it’s a more durable product and less likely to experience problems over time. If you’re looking for peace of mind, then a longer warranty may be worth the extra cost.
3 Quick Luxury Vinyl Flooring Maintenance Tips
Whether you go with the glue down product or a click product, luxury vinyl flooring is an easy-to-care-for flooring option. However, like all floors, it will eventually show signs of wear and tear. Here are some tips to help you keep your luxury vinyl flooring looking its best:
- Vacuum or sweep your floor regularly to remove dirt and dust.
- Mop your floor regularly with a damp mop or cloth.
- Use only cleaners that are specifically designed for flooring—No harsh chemicals.
Click or Glue Down Installation—Which is Right for You?
So, which is the best luxury vinyl flooring installation method for you? It really depends on your needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a more durable luxury vinyl floor that will last for years to come, glue down might be the way to go. If you’re looking for a quality product with easy and quick installation, click might be the way to go.
If you’re still unsure which installation is best for you, don’t worry. The professionals at Floor It 41 can help make the decision easier. We want to make sure that you walk away with all the knowledge you need to make an informed decision about your flooring choice and installation.
We offer both click and glue down options. Our team will work with you to find the perfect flooring solution for your needs and budget. Let us take care of everything—from choosing the right product to installing it perfectly. Contact us today to get started on your journey to finding the right luxury vinyl flooring within your budget!
