Luxury vinyl – it’s the “in” thing to install when you’re ready for a flooring makeover.
While color may be top of mind when you first start the process, you’ll quickly discover there are other decisions to be made. Luxury vinyl flooring has two methods of installation: floating floors or glue-down.
Both have their benefits and drawbacks. Both make great additions to your remodeling projects. But you will have to select which installation method makes the most sense for you.
Why Luxury Vinyl Is a Great Choice
If you’ve ever looked at luxury vinyl, you’ve probably given it a second look. (And a third.) What are these planks that look like hardwood, but they aren’t? What makes them hard enough to look and feel like hardwood … but you can see they’re different? How can they make water-resistant or waterproof claims? Is all of that for real?
It starts by looking closer at luxury vinyl. Luxury vinyl is crafted using multiple layers of materials for durability, comfort, and style. The base layer is typically made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) for stability, followed by a printed design layer that mimics wood, stone, or tile. This design is protected by a clear, wear-resistant top layer that provides scratch resistance and moisture protection, often coated with urethane for added strength. These layers are fused together through heat and pressure, creating a highly resilient flooring option.
Luxury vinyl is a popular choice for remodels because it combines the aesthetic appeal of natural materials like wood or stone with superior durability and affordability. It’s water-resistant or even waterproof, easy to maintain, and comfortable underfoot. Even a quick look tells you it makes a perfect addition for kitchens, bathrooms, and high-traffic areas.
What Are Floating Floors
Looking for a quick, do-it-yourself flooring solution? If so, you might wish to consider floating floors. Floating floors refer to a flooring installation method where the individual planks or tiles are not nailed or glued down to the subfloor. Instead, the pieces fit together using a tongue-and-groove or click-lock system, allowing the floor to “float” over the subfloor.
This method is popular because it is easy to install, cost-effective, and can be used over a variety of subfloors, including concrete, plywood, or existing flooring. They are more forgiving, and are a great solution if you’ve had problems with installs before. They are known for their flexibility, as they can expand and contract with changes in humidity without causing damage.
What Are Glue-Down Floors
While floating floors are easy to install, they do come with some drawbacks, which we’ll get into in a moment. But first, a little more about the alternative method. Glue-down floors are a type of flooring installation where the flooring material is permanently adhered to the subfloor using a strong adhesive. The glue-down installation creates a stable, solid feel underfoot, as the flooring is directly bonded to the subfloor.
This method is ideal for areas with heavy foot traffic, as it provides added durability and stability compared to floating floors. While the installation process can be more time-consuming and requires precision, glue-down floors are known for their longevity and resistance to shifting or warping over time.
Pros and Cons To Floating Floors
Think you’re set on installing your luxury vinyl one way or the other? Before you settle on an installation method, it’s a good idea to run through a list of pros and cons. We have one for you here.
Pros of Floating Floors
- Easy Installation: Floating floors are typically easier to install than traditional flooring, as they don’t require glue, nails, or staples. This makes them a great option for DIY projects.
- Cost-Effective: Because of the simplified installation process, floating floors can save on both material and labor costs.
- Versatile Subfloor Compatibility: Floating floors can be installed over various subfloors, including concrete, plywood, or even existing floors, without major preparation.
- Flexibility: Floating floors can expand and contract with changes in temperature and humidity, which helps prevent buckling or warping.
- Quick Removal: If you ever want to replace or update the flooring, floating floors can be removed more easily compared to glued or nailed-down options.
Cons of Floating Floors:
- Less Stability: Floating floors can sometimes feel less stable or solid underfoot compared to glue-down or nailed-down floors, especially in high-traffic areas.
- Sound Issues: Without a solid attachment to the subfloor, floating floors may create more noise when walked on, particularly if no underlayment is used to dampen the sound.
- Susceptible to Movement: In areas with high moisture or temperature fluctuations, floating floors can shift or create gaps over time, though proper installation and expansion gaps can mitigate this.
- Limited Material Choices: While floating floors are available in materials like laminate, luxury vinyl, and engineered wood, certain materials, like solid hardwood, aren’t typically installed as floating floors.
Pros and Cons To Glue-Down Floors
Whether that list pushed you closer or further away from floating floors, it’s a good idea to understand the alternative.
Pros of Glue-Down Floors
- Stability: Glue-down floors provide a firm, stable feel underfoot since they are securely attached to the subfloor, reducing movement or shifting over time.
- Durability: This installation method is highly durable, making it ideal for high-traffic areas where stability is key, such as commercial spaces or busy households.
- Noise Reduction: Because the flooring is directly adhered to the subfloor, glue-down floors tend to be quieter when walked on, minimizing creaking or echoing sounds.
- Versatility: Glue-down installation can be used for a wide variety of flooring types, including hardwood, vinyl, and engineered wood, and works well in both residential and commercial settings.
- Moisture Resistance: When installed correctly, glue-down floors offer good moisture resistance, making them suitable for areas like kitchens or bathrooms, depending on the flooring material.
Cons of Glue-Down Floors
- Labor-Intensive Installation: The glue-down method is more time-consuming and complex compared to floating floors, often requiring professional installation to ensure a precise and durable fit.
- Difficult Removal: Once glued down, the floor is challenging to remove. This makes renovations or repairs more laborious and expensive, as the adhesive can be tough to strip from the subfloor.
- Subfloor Preparation: Glue-down floors require a perfectly smooth and clean subfloor, as any imperfections or unevenness can affect the adhesion and overall appearance of the flooring.
- Drying Time: Depending on the adhesive used, there may be a drying or curing period required before the floor can be walked on, extending the installation process.
- Potential for Adhesive Failure: Over time, exposure to moisture or incorrect application can lead to adhesive weakening or failure, causing the floor to come loose in certain areas.
What’s Your Choice, Floating or Glue-Down Floors?
So there you have it, a variety of reasons and drawbacks for both floating and glue-down floors. There isn’t a right choice. Both offer successful options to today’s modern living.
What does matter is your preferences. Which is better for your home? Which is better for your lifestyle?
Have questions? We have answers. Stop by today, or give us a call and ask your questions. We welcome the opportunity to serve you.
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