Vinyl Floors - Floating versus Glue Down

Glue down flooring is a permanent kind of vinyl floor that is capable of enduring impacts, scuffs and spills. This type of flooring adheres to the sub-floor underneath it by glue on the backside. Glue down installation is best for heavy traffic situations. This installation is also best if you plan on having rolling conditions such as a moveable kitchen island or wheelchair usage. It isn’t too difficult to replace individual planks if you ever need to do so for any reason. Whenever you decide that it is time for a change, you can lay a completely new floor right on top of your current glued down vinyl floor without having to take anything up.

Floating vinyl plank flooring lays over the sub-floor in a “floating” manner. There isn’t any glue on the back. However, it is still a very durable type of flooring. A floating vinyl plank floor is a little more complicated than glue-down flooring because each plank interlocks with another one. If you need to replace a section of the floor, you’ll need to take out each tile or plank individually in the path of the section that needs replacing.

In conclusion, glue down and floating vinyl plank are both outstanding flooring choices for any room. Rooms with heaver usage and possible moisture - like laundry rooms, kitchens and bathrooms - are ideal for water-resistant and waterproof flooring. I recommend glue down vinyl in bathrooms, kitchens or basements and floating vinyl on wood subfloors in family and living rooms to help keep costs down. Reason being that the added cost of glue and underlayment makes it a little more expensive for a big space. Visit us at Creative Carpet & Flooring to see our wide variety of glue-down and floating vinyl floors. We'll help you select the best option for your flooring needs!