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Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) flooring has taken the home improvement world by storm, and for good reason. It’s stylish, durable, and way more affordable than real wood or stone. But if you’ve been researching LVT, you’ve probably hit a common roadblock: Should you go for Glue Down or Click Vinyl Flooring?
Both click and glue-down LVT flooring types are great for:
- Water Resistance
- Scuff & Stain Resistance
- Long Residential Guarantees
- Realistic natural wood-effect or stone-effect appearance
As you may have already guessed, the main difference between the two is how they are installed. Glue Down LVT needs to be stuck down with a suitable adhesive and requires a completely smooth surface. Click LVT needs a smooth surface too, but it's considered easier to install as the vinyl tiles and planks click together, removing the need for adhesive. (Not to confuse matters, but there is also Rigid Click LVT, featuring a rigid core that is a lot tougher and more forgiving to less-than-perfect subfloors.)
Both have their pros and cons, and making the right choice depends on a few key factors—room size, durability, budget, and how much effort you’re willing to put into installation. So, let’s break it down and help you decide which type of LVT is best for your space.
What is Click LVT?
Click luxury vinyl flooring is exactly what it sounds like—the individual tiles click together using a built-in locking system, meaning there’s no need for glue, nails, or complicated tools. The planks or tiles snap into place, creating a floating floor that sits on top of your subfloor, making the installation straightforward and hassle-free.
Why You’ll Love Click Luxury Vinyl Flooring
- DIY-Friendly – No glue, no mess, no stress. Even if you've never laid flooring before, Click vinyl flooring makes it easy.
- Quick Installation Process – You can have a brand-new floor in just a few hours. No waiting for glue to dry.
- Soft & Comfortable Underfoot – Offers extra thickness than glue-down LVT and requires an underlay, so it has a bit more bounce and warmth.
- Easy to Remove or Replace – A floating installation means if a plank gets damaged, just swap it out. If you’re renting, you could even take it with you when you move.
- Forgiving on Subfloors – If your subfloor isn’t perfectly smooth, floating vinyl flooring can handle minor imperfections better than glue-down options.
What to Consider
- Higher Upfront Cost – Click systems often cost more per square meter than glue-down, but you save on installation. Our most affordable range is the Universal Click Vinyl Flooring.
- Can Expand and Contract – Needs an expansion gap around the edges to prevent buckling, especially in rooms with big temperature changes.
- Less Stable in High-Traffic Areas – If not installed properly, the planks can shift slightly over time.
Click Vinyl Flooring is Best for: Bedrooms, living rooms, rental properties, and quick renovations.
What is Glue Down LVT?
Glue-down LVT is the heavy-duty option. Instead of snapping together, each plank or tile is secured directly to the subfloor with an adhesive, so the installation is more involved. It’s a permanent solution that offers maximum stability and durability, making it a favourite for commercial spaces and increased foot traffic areas.
Why You’ll Love Glue-Down LVT
- Rock-Solid Stability – Since it’s glued down, it won’t move, shift, or bounce underfoot.
- Better for Large Spaces – No need to worry about expansion or contraction issues.
- Underfloor Heating Approved – Because it’s bonded to the subfloor, it works well with heating systems.
- Add Character with Feature Strips – Add design strips to create borders or between tiles for a realistic grout look.
- More Affordable Per Square Meter – Usually cheaper than Click flooring, though professional installation adds to the cost. At Best4Flooring, our glue-down LVT starts from as little as £19.99 per square meter.
- Great for High-Traffic Areas – Perfect for kitchens, hallways, and commercial areas where floors take a beating.
Unlike floating flooring, Glue-Down LVT offers a more permanent and stable solution, ideal for high foot traffic areas.
What to Consider
- Not the Best for DIYers – You’ll need adhesive, precise measuring, and time to let it set properly. Many people hire a professional.
- Difficult to Remove – Once it’s stuck, it’s stuck. Swapping out planks later isn’t as easy as with click flooring.
- Requires a Perfectly Flat Subfloor – Any bumps, dips, or debris will show through.
Glue Down Vinyl Flooring is Best for: Kitchens, hallways, offices, commercial areas, and large rooms where stability is key.
Click vs Glue Luxury Vinyl Flooring: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Click LVT | Glue Down LVT |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | Quick, simple to DIY | Requires adhesive, better for professionals |
| Cost | Higher upfront, lower installation costs | Cheaper per square meter, but higher installation costs |
| Durability | Great for homes, decent for high foot traffic areas | Built to last, even in busy commercial areas |
| Comfort | Generally thicker, softer underfoot | Thinner, requires a perfectly flat subfloor |
| Best For | Bedrooms, rental properties, floating floors | Large rooms, commercial spaces, heavy furniture |
LVT Glue Down vs LVT Click: A Cost Breakdown
Whichever installation method you choose, luxury vinyl flooring is more cost-effective than its natural wooden or stone counterpart.
Click LVT can be slightly more expensive than Glue Down, and you also need to take into account the cost of an underlay. If you choose Rigid Core LVT, you won't need to worry about a separate underlay as it's already built into the floor planks.
Shop Click LVT from £23.99 per m2
Glue Down LVT is generally cheaper than Click LVT, but most people choose to hire a professional to install it, which adds to the overall cost. However, if you have experience with flooring installation or are willing to take on the challenge yourself, Glue Down LVT can be a more budget-friendly option.
Shop Glue-Down LVT From £19.99 per m2
Pro tip: Best4Flooring provides a handy room calculator to help you work out how much flooring you need on all LVT product pages.
Installation of Glue Down Vs Click LVT Flooring: Do I Need a Professional?
Click LVT flooring can be simple to install as a DIY project, as long as you have a smooth subfloor and a suitable underlay.*
Rigid Core LVT flooring is a great choice for those who are new to DIY projects or renovating an older home. Its easy click installation process and thicker design make it easier to install on uneven subfloors.
Glue Down LVT is suited for experienced installers. This method requires a lot of precision and skill, as the tiles or planks need to be accurately placed and pressed down onto the subfloor.
* Always refer to the manufacturer's installation guidelines and use their recommended accessories and underlays.
| Specification | Karndean Knight Tile | Moduleo Roots | Moduleo Layred | Universal Click |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Installation | Glue Down | Glue Down | Click | Click |
| Wear Layer | 0.3mm | 0.4 - 0.55mm | 0.55mm | 0.3mm |
| Thickness | 2mm | 2.5mm | 6mm | 5.5mm |
| Guarantee: Residential | Lifetime | 25 Years | Lifetime | Lifetime |
| Guarantee: Commercial | 10 Years | 10 Years | 10 Years | 10 Years |
| Insulation (Acoustic) | 1dB | 3dB | 21dB | 21dB |
| Cost | From £28.99/m2 | From £28.69/m2 | From £45.49/m2 | £23.99/m2 |
Preparing Your Subfloor for Luxury Vinyl Flooring
Think of your subfloor as the foundation of your new flooring—get it right, and your LVT will look flawless for years. Get it wrong, and you could end up with bouncy planks, lifting edges or floor rising due to visible lumps and bumps. No one wants that.
If you’re installing click LVT flooring, you’ve got a bit of wiggle room. An LVT underlay can help smooth out minor subfloor imperfections, making the surface more even and improving comfort underfoot.
If you’re going for glue-down LVT flooring, things need to be perfectly smooth. Every tiny dip or ridge in an uneven subfloor will show through over time. If you’re working with a concrete floor, a moisture barrier might also be needed to prevent adhesive issues and long-term damage.
Installing on concrete? Check out our full guide where we cover levelling, sealing, and expert tips for a flawless result.
Which One is Right for You?
Still stuck on which LVT floor to choose? Ask yourself these questions:
- Do you want to install it yourself? If yes, go for Click LVT.
- Is this a high-traffic area like a kitchen or hallway? If yes, Glue-Down flooring is the way to go.
- Do you need something that’s easy to remove later? If yes, Click LVT is better.
- Do you want the most stable, professional-looking finish? If yes, go with Glue-Down LVT.
- Is your subfloor a little uneven? If yes, Click LVT can handle it better.
Need More Help? Read Our Ultimate Guide to Choosing LVT.
Feeling Inspired?
Luxury vinyl flooring remains a popular choice for its affordability, durability, and realistic look. Both Glue Down and Click LVT flooring offer endless style, durability, and water resistance. The real question is: What works best for your space, budget, and lifestyle? In the end, your personal preferences and needs should guide your decision.
Looking for Advice? Our friendly team of experts at Best4Flooring can help. We offer a huge range of high-quality Glue Down and Click luxury vinyl flooring to suit every home and budget. Happy renovating!
