Verdict
Choose glue-down LVT for the most stable floor in large, open or busy areas, and often over underfloor heating. Choose click LVT for a floating floor with no adhesive in small and medium rooms. Both demand a very flat subfloor, and product suitability always comes from the manufacturer.
LVT comes in two main installation types: click (planks or tiles that lock together and float, usually over an underlay) and glue-down, also called dryback (bonded directly to the subfloor). It's a fitting-method decision that affects stability, preparation and repairs.
Both can look similar once down, so the choice is about how the floor is used and what's underneath it.
Side by side
| Factor | Click LVTFloating, no adhesive | Glue-down LVTBonded, very stable |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Small and medium rooms | Large areas and underfloor heating |
| Stability | Floats, so needs expansion gaps; can move with big temperature changes | Very stable once bonded |
| Underfloor heating | Some products suitable; check the manufacturer | Often well suited; check the manufacturer |
| Subfloor needs | Very flat base, with the specified underlay (separate or pre-attached) | Very smooth, clean, dry base for the adhesive |
| Repair | May be lifted to replace a plank, though joints can be damaged | Individual planks can sometimes be cut out and replaced; more involved |
| Large areas | May need expansion breaks beyond the manufacturer's maximum run | Usually laid continuously across large and open spaces |
| Explore | Click LVT | Glue-down LVT |
Best for
Click LVT
- Smaller and medium-sized rooms
- Situations where avoiding adhesive is preferred
- Over sound, flat subfloors where a floating floor is suitable
Glue-down LVT
- Large, open-plan areas needing maximum stability
- Rooms with underfloor heating (check product suitability)
- Busy spaces and designs with borders or patterns
Potential drawbacks
Click LVT
- Can move with large temperature changes, such as in sunny conservatories
- Large or long areas may need expansion breaks
- Still needs a very flat subfloor
Glue-down LVT
- Needs a smoothing compound and a clean, dry base for the adhesive
- Repairs are more involved than with a floating floor
- Preparation must be thorough, as faults show through
Preparation implications
- Both need a very flat subfloor: levelling over concrete, or plywood over timber where needed.
- Glue-down additionally needs a smooth, clean, dry, dust-free surface (usually a smoothing compound) so the adhesive bonds properly.
Maintenance implications
- The same once installed: sweep and damp-mop and keep grit off the surface.
- Follow the manufacturer's guidance for cleaning products on the wear layer.
Fitting implications
- Click LVT locks together as a floating floor, over the underlay the manufacturer specifies, with expansion gaps at the edges.
- Glue-down LVT is bonded to the prepared subfloor with the adhesive the manufacturer recommends.
Questions to ask before choosing
- How large is the area, and is stability a priority?
- Is there underfloor heating, and is the product rated for it?
- Does the room get strong sun or big temperature swings?
- Is the subfloor flat, clean and dry enough for glue-down?
Frequently asked questions
Is glue-down LVT better than click?
Neither is simply better. Glue-down is more stable and suits large areas and underfloor heating; click floats without adhesive and suits many smaller rooms. The right choice depends on the room, the subfloor and the product. Both need a very flat subfloor.
Can I use click LVT with underfloor heating?
Some click LVT products are suitable for underfloor heating, but you must check the manufacturer's guidance, including temperature limits and the underlay to use. Glue-down is often preferred over underfloor heating in larger areas.