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LVT Click Flooring vs Glue Down: How to Choose the Right Fit
Found a floor you love, only to spot that it comes in two versions? You’re not alone. Choosing between LVT click flooring and a glue down format is one of the questions our team hears most. The design can look identical, but the fitting method changes how it performs.
Neither option wins across the board. Each suits different rooms, subfloors and budgets, so here’s how to decide.
How LVT Click Flooring Works
A click floor has interlocking edges that join each plank or tile to its neighbour. The finished floor floats over the subfloor rather than being fixed to it. Many modern click systems are built on a rigid core, which adds stability and helps the planks sit flat.
With no adhesive to spread, fitting is usually quicker and far less messy. That’s why so many homeowners choose LVT click flooring for a weekend DIY project.
Ranges such as Luvanto Click and the Karndean Korlok rigid core range show how realistic click designs have become.
How Glue Down LVT Works
Glue down LVT flooring, sometimes called dryback, is bonded directly to the subfloor with adhesive. The planks are thinner, so the floor sits lower underfoot. That can make all the difference where door clearances are tight.
Glue down also opens up more design detail. Borders, feature strips and intricate herringbone layouts are easier to achieve when every piece is fixed in place.
The main consideration is preparation. The subfloor needs to be smooth, level and primed, or imperfections can show through. Our subfloor preparation guide explains what’s involved.
Most glue down floors are best laid by a professional. Our fitting service can connect you with a local accredited fitter.
Which Rooms Suit Each Option?
Your room often makes the decision for you. Living rooms, bedrooms and upstairs spaces are ideal for LVT click flooring, especially if you’d like to fit it yourself. A click floor can sometimes go over an existing hard floor, provided it’s flat and sound.
Conservatories and rooms with large, sunny windows can see big swings in temperature. Glue down is usually the safer choice here. Each plank is held firmly in place as the room warms and cools.
Kitchens and hallways work well with either format. Busy entrances and commercial spaces tend to favour glue down for its stability under constant foot traffic.
Underfloor Heating, Noise and Comfort
Both formats can work with underfloor heating, as long as you follow the manufacturer’s temperature limits. Glue down floors sit directly on the subfloor, so heat passes through efficiently. Many click ranges are approved for it too.
Living in a flat? Look for a click range with an acoustic backing or a suitable underlay. LVT click flooring with an acoustic layer can feel softer and quieter underfoot than a floor laid without one.
Budget, Fitting and Design Choice
Click planks often cost a little more, thanks to their thicker build and locking profile. Glue down is usually cheaper to buy, but it needs more preparation and professional fitting. If you’re planning to fit the floor yourself, LVT click flooring can work out as the better value overall.
You rarely have to compromise on looks, either. Invictus Maximus comes in a glue down version and as Maximus Click. Karndean Palio offers Palio Core, a click floor on a rigid core, alongside Palio Essenza for glue down fitting. Our Karndean complete buying guide covers its other ranges.
Still torn? Browse our vinyl click flooring and glue down LVT flooring ranges, then order a free sample of each. Seeing both in your own room is the easiest way to decide.
FAQ’S
Yes. Many homeowners fit LVT click flooring themselves with basic tools and a little patience. Careful measuring, a flat subfloor and expansion gaps around the edges are the keys to a neat finish.
It needs to be smooth, level, clean and dry. Any bumps or dips can show through, so a levelling compound is often used first.
Both can work well. Always check the manufacturer’s guidance on maximum surface temperature for the range you choose.
Often, yes. Several brands we stock offer matching designs in both formats. Our team can tell you what’s available for any floor you like.
Find the Right Fit With Floorbay
Click or glue down, the right choice comes down to your room, your subfloor and how you’d like it fitted. As a family-run business with no sales commissions, our advice is always about the right floor at the right price.
Explore our range online or speak with our team to find the perfect flooring solution for your home. Get in touch via email info@floorbay.co.uk or call us for a chat on 01625 876387.
