Glue Down LVT Vs Click LVT Which Installation Is Better for Your Project

Glue Down LVT vs Click LVT Which Installation Is Better for Your Project

There are two main types of LVT installation: glue down and click lock. They serve different markets and different budgets. This guide explains the real differences.

Glue Down LVT

Glue down LVT is a thin profile product typically 2mm to 3mm thick. It has no locking mechanism. The planks are adhered directly to the subfloor using full surface adhesive.

Glue down is more commonly used in commercial projects. The main advantage is easier repair. When a single plank is damaged, you cut it out, scrape the old adhesive, apply new adhesive, and install a replacement. No locking system means no need to disassemble half the floor.

Glue down is also a budget option for some projects. Because there is no locking mechanism, the manufacturer does not pay patent royalties on click lock systems. The product is thinner and uses less material. The selling price is lower.

However glue down should not be used in certain applications. The thin profile means it is not suitable for radiant heating systems. The thin material transfers heat unevenly and may warp. Bathrooms are also not an ideal environment for glue down LVT. Moisture can seep through the seams and reach the adhesive layer. Over time the adhesive may fail.

Glue down requires professional installation. The subfloor must be very smooth because thin LVT telegraphs every imperfection. The adhesive needs 24 to 48 hours to cure.

Click Lock LVT

Click lock LVT is often called click LVT. It is a thicker product typically 4mm to 5mm with an integrated locking mechanism. The planks click together and are installed over a foam underlayment or moisture barrier.

Click lock LVT is a floating floor. The planks are connected to each other but not attached to the subfloor. The floor rests on the underlayment. If the floor needs to be removed later the planks can be disconnected and taken up.

Click lock advantages: thicker planks feel more solid underfoot, DIY friendly installation, individual planks can be replaced, can be installed over existing flooring in some cases, easier removal, and suitable for residential use.

Click lock disadvantages: less stable than glue down in commercial settings with rolling loads, clicking or hollow sound is more common if subfloor is not flat, requires expansion gap around perimeter covered by baseboard, and not recommended for bathrooms or rooms with frequent water exposure because water can enter through the locking joints.

Cost Comparison

Glue down LVT is generally cheaper than click lock LVT overall. Although glue down requires adhesive and professional labor, the product itself costs less. Glue down LVT is thinner typically 2mm to 3mm and has no locking mechanism so there is no patent royalty cost. Click lock LVT is thicker 4mm to 5mm and includes a licensed locking system, which adds to the material price.

When you add up product cost plus adhesive plus professional installation, glue down still comes out lower than click lock for most projects. Click lock saves on labor only if you install it yourself. For professional installation click lock is more expensive overall.

When to Choose Each

Choose glue down LVT for commercial projects like retail stores, restaurants, and offices where easy repair matters. Choose glue down for projects where budget is tight and thin profile is acceptable.

Choose click lock LVT for residential rooms like living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways. Choose click lock for DIY projects. Choose click lock for rooms where you may want to replace the flooring later.

Do not choose glue down for bathrooms or radiant heated floors. Do not choose click lock for commercial spaces with heavy rolling loads.

About PROLEADER

PROLEADER offers both glue down and click lock LVT. Contact us for product recommendations based on your project.