Click-Lock vs. Glue-Down Luxury Vinyl Plank: Which Is Right for You?
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) has become one of the most popular flooring options thanks to its durability, water resistance, and realistic wood-like appearance. However, when choosing LVP, you’ll need to decide between two primary installation methods: click-lock (floating floor) and glue-down. Each has distinct advantages and best-use scenarios, so let's break down the differences to help you make the right choice.
Click-Lock Luxury Vinyl Plank (Floating Floor)
What Is Click-Lock LVP?
Click-lock LVP uses a tongue-and-groove system that allows planks to snap together, creating a floating floor that isn’t permanently attached to the subfloor. This method is designed for quick installation and is often used in residential applications.
Pros of Click-Lock LVP
✔ Faster Installation – Because it doesn’t require drying time for glue, installation is quicker than glue-down.
✔ More Forgiving on Imperfect Subfloors – Can be installed over slightly uneven surfaces with the help of an underlayment.
✔ Comfortable Underfoot – Many click-lock LVP products include a built-in underlayment or can be paired with an additional underlayment for extra cushioning and sound absorption.
✖ Difficult to Replace Individual Planks – If a joint breaks, multiple planks, or even the entire floor, may need to be removed to make repairs.
Cons of Click-Lock LVP
✖ Can Shift or Expand/Contract – Because it’s a floating floor, click-lock LVP can expand or contract slightly with temperature and humidity changes, leading to potential gaps or buckling.
✖ Not Ideal for Heavy Furniture or High Traffic – Floating floors may not hold up as well under heavy furniture, rolling loads, or in commercial settings.
✖ Less Stable Than Glue-Down – Since it’s not adhered to the subfloor, it may feel slightly less solid underfoot compared to a glued-down installation.
✖ Requires a Perfectly Level Subfloor – If the subfloor is not perfectly level, the joints will crack and break over time with normal usage.
Glue-Down Luxury Vinyl Plank
What Is Glue-Down LVP?
Glue-down LVP is installed by applying adhesive directly to the subfloor and firmly pressing the planks into place. This method provides a secure and stable flooring solution that is common in commercial spaces and high-traffic areas.
Pros of Glue-Down LVP
✔ More Secure and Stable – Since planks are adhered to the subfloor, they won’t shift, expand, or contract as much as floating floors.
✔ Better for High-Traffic Areas – Ideal for commercial settings, retail spaces, and homes with heavy foot traffic or rolling loads.
✔ Thinner Profile – Typically thinner than click-lock planks, making it a good choice for areas where height clearance is a concern (such as doorways and built-in cabinetry).
✔ Easier to Repair Individual Planks – Damaged planks can be replaced without affecting the surrounding floor.
✔ More Water-Resistant – Because there are no gaps or movement between planks, glue-down LVP provides better moisture resistance compared to floating floors.
Cons of Glue-Down LVP
✖ Requires Adhesives – Some homeowners may prefer to avoid the extra chemicals used in the adhesive application process.
✖ Longer Installation Time – Adhesives need time to cure, meaning you may have to wait before walking on the floor.
✖ Harder to Remove – Once glued down, removal is labor-intensive and requires scraping off adhesive residue.
Choosing Between Click-lock and Glue-down LVP
If you need flooring that offers stability and long-term durability, glue-down LVP is the better choice—especially for high-traffic areas and commercial settings. Click-lock LVP is generally more expensive but offers much greater thickness and padding, which can dampen sound more effectively than most glue-down options. Click-lock LVP can be a good choice for residential spaces but requires a perfectly level subfloor and can be difficult to repair if damaged. However, if you need maximum stability, long-term durability, and better moisture resistance, glue-down LVP is the better choice—especially for high-traffic areas and commercial settings.
No matter which installation method you choose, Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring remains a fantastic choice for an attractive, resilient, and low-maintenance surface. Be sure to consider your space, budget, and installation preferences when making your final decision!