Which Installation Method is Right for You: Exploring the Benefits of Glue Down LVP vs Floating LVP

We thought we would take the opportunity to let you know the advantages of a glue down vinyl floor compared to a floating click vinyl floor. 

The sub floor doesn't have to be as level and smooth like it does with  floating flooring. This can save time and money not having to level really unlevel subfloors. 

It's much easier to replace one floor board if damage is caused. We would only have to remove the damaged floor boards. With floating floors we would have to uninstall a portion of the floor and reinstall it. 

Glue down floors are much more durable and are often commercial grade. You can put heavy things on it and not have to worry about it breaking. Floating floors need to be able to expand and contract and if they can't they buckle and break. An example would be the glue down floor can be used in a store with heavy shelves on top of it but a floating floor cannot.

One of our customers has a very heavy wheelchair and it was breaking the floating flooring they previously had. We changed it to a glue down LVP and they are no longer having issues.

The glue down can be put tight up against things because it doesn't need to be able to expand. You can put it tight against the wall under your exterior doors, so you do not need to put a piece of baseboard, which sometimes looks nicer. 

The major benefit to floating LVP is that it is cheaper to have installed and some homeowners are able to install it themselves. However, some of our customers have attempted to install it themselves and changed their minds after getting started. Some floating LVP is easier to install then others(some locking systems are harder then others) and that can make a difference whether a home owner is able to install it themselves. 

Whether you're installing it yourself or hiring someone we highly recommend you read the installation instructions before purchasing product. To find out why please see our other Blog post on this subject. 

We at Jay Martin Flooring are experts at knowing what type of flooring will best suit your needs, style, budget and what will stand the test of time. We would be happy to discuss your flooring needs with you!