Floating Floors vs Glue Down: The Debate
Luxury Vinyl Plank Floating vs Glue Down… what you need to know.
I get it—you're curious about how I can spill the beans on all this flooring stuff? Being married to a flooring store owner and working right in the midst of it? Let’s just say I’ve been swimming in a sea of textures, colors, and styles. It’s like living in an endless game of Tetris where the pieces are gorgeous planks, tiles, and carpets!
From the silent elegance of hardwood to the cozy embrace of a plush rug, I’ve seen firsthand how flooring can transform a space from "meh" to "mesmerizing
Luxury vinyl – some may say it’s “All the rage” in flooring.
While the first thought your have is the color of flooring you’d like, it’s important to know, Luxury Vinyl has two methods of installation: Floating and glue down. This is why it’s super important to shop for this luxury from a knowledgeable source.
There are pros and cons to both installation methods. While they are both great additives to your remodel project, you need to know which would be most beneficial to YOU and what it’s going on.
Is Luxury Vinyl truly all it’s cracked up to be?
How do these pieces of plastic look so much like real wood?!?! Is it hardwood? NO… it’s actually not AND it’s water resistant?! What?! Although personally I feel why not do the real deal and go with hardwood, but sometimes your budget may not allow the pricing install price tag, so luxury vinyl could be the best way to go. How do they make it look AND feel so much like actual wood?!
Coretec Luxury Vinyl Plank… for this method we did floating. This floor will have your guests guessing… is it wood??
It begins with a closer examination of luxury vinyl. This remarkable flooring is constructed from several layers of materials that combine durability, comfort, and style. The foundation layer is generally crafted from PVC (polyvinyl chloride) to ensure stability. Next, there’s a printed design layer that beautifully imitates wood, stone, or tile. This design is safeguarded by a transparent, wear-resistant top layer that offers scratch and moisture protection, often enhanced with a urethane coating for extra robustness. These layers are bonded together through heat and pressure, resulting in an exceptionally resilient flooring choice.
Luxury vinyl is the ultimate trendsetter for remodels, blending the beauty of natural materials like wood and stone with unbeatable durability and mostly wallet-friendly prices. It’s amazingly water resistant (I do say NOTHING is waterproof as we all should know, what’s your subfloor made of? BINGO… typically a non waterproof substance, so make sure if you do get water, you’ll still need to remove your planking to clean effectively.) Maintenance? A breeze! And it feels oh-so-cozy underfoot. Just a glance, and you'll see why it's the go-to choice for kitchens, bathrooms, and those bustling high-traffic zones.
What is this install method you call floating floors??
Looking for a quick, do-it-yourself flooring solution that’s as fun as a dance party in your living room? Check out floating floors! These fabulous flooring options are perfect for anyone who wants to shake up their space without the fuss.
Floating floors are not your average planks; they're like the cool kids of the flooring world! Instead of being nailed or glued down, they use a clever tongue-and-groove or click-lock system, allowing them to “float” above the subfloor. This makes installation a breeze—just snap them together and voilà! You've transformed your room faster than you can say "Home Sweet Home."
Why are floating floors all the rage? They’re not just easy on the eyes; they’re easy on the wallet, too! Perfect for various subfloors such as concrete, plywood, or even over your old faithful flooring. And if you’ve had your share of installation hiccups, these plucky planks are forgiving and flexible, expanding and contracting as humidity changes without a hint of damage.
So, if you’re ready to create a space you can’t WAIT to go home to, floating floors might just be your new best friend in DIY decor! However if you have ZERO experience in laying out a space or math is just NOT your thing, I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY strongly recommend having these professionally installed. There is so much more to installing than just clicking and locking.
Glue Down? Hmmm…. teach me that way!
Floating floors may be “easier” to install, but let’s not ignore their little quirks—we’ll get to those juicy details in a heartbeat! But first, let’s take a funky detour into the fabulous world of glue-down floors! 🎉
Flooring professionals doing their thang during the glue down method installation.
Picture this: glue-down floors are like the best dance party at your place, where each plank gets super cozy with the subfloor thanks to a strong adhesive buddy. This leads to a rock-solid, stable vibe underfoot that feels oh-so-satisfying! Perfect for areas that see a zillion footsteps, glue-down floors serenade you with their durability and steadfast nature, keeping their cool even during the wildest of dance-offs.
Sure, the installation might take a bit more time and skill—like mastering those tricky dance moves—but once you’ve got that groove down, glue-down floors are here for the long haul. They don’t shy away from shifting or warping, so you can party on for years to come! 💃✨
Beautiful Luxury Vinyl floors using the glue down method. This particular project was for a dance studio where there was plenty of traffic that warranted the glue down method.
Now let’s get to the deets…. floating vs glue down… What should I do?!
Think you’ve got your luxury vinyl installation all figured out? Hold your horses! Before you pick a method and strut your stuff, let’s do a little dance through the pros and cons. Ready? Here we go!
Pros of Floating Floors ✨
Easy-Peasy Installation: Get your DIY groove on! Floating floors are like the laid-back friend of flooring options – they don't need glue, nails, or staples, making installation a piece of cake. Although…. the layout does require quite a bit of skin… just sayin’
Budget Buddy: Who doesn’t love saving a buck or two? With that simplified installation, you’ll save on materials and labor. Cha-ching!
Subfloor Superstars: Whether you’ve got concrete, plywood, or even a funky pattern from last decade’s trendy flooring, floating floors are ready to party without demanding any major prep. I say major… there still may be some so it’s good to check with a flooring expert.
Flex It Out: Floating floors are like a yoga master—able to expand and contract with temperature and humidity changes, keeping your floor in tip-top shape and avoiding any chaotic warps or buckles.
Quick to Update: Ready for a change? No problem! Floating floors slide out faster than your ex at a family reunion, making updates or replacements a breeze.
Cons of Floating Floors 😟
Not So Stable: While they’re great for flexibility, floating floors can sometimes feel a little wobbly, especially in busy spaces. Think of them like that one friend who can’t stand still at a party.
Noise, Noise, Noise: Without a solid attachment to the subfloor, they might just be the loud cousin of flooring. Skip the underlayment or attached pad, and you might hear every little step!
Movin’ and Shakin’: If you’re in a humid or temperature-fluctuating area, these floors can shift and create gaps over time. But don’t fret! Just give proper installation and expansion gaps some love.
Material Mood Swings: While floating floors have a fab selection from laminate to luxury vinyl, don’t hold your breath for solid hardwood. They’re not usually invited to the floating party.
So there you have it—a funky little rundown on floating floors. Let’s dive into the glue down method. 🎶
Pros and Cons To Glue-Down Floors
Whether you're ready to embrace floating floors or not, let’s dive into the fabulous world of glue-down floors – no floaties required!
Pros of Glue-Down Floors
Stability: Picture this: a floor that feels as solid as a rock beneath your feet! Glue-down floors are securely stuck to the subfloor, reducing any wibbly-wobbly movement. Dance away without fear!
Durability: These bad boys are built to last! Ideal for bustling households or busy bees in commercial spaces, glue-down floors can take a beating and keep on looking fabulous.
Noise Reduction: Tired of hearing every little creak? Say goodbye to those pesky echoes! Glue-down floors are your quiet companions, making every step feel like a gentle whisper.
Versatility: Whether you’re in love with hardwood, vinyl, or engineered wood, glue-down installations have got your back! They’re the chameleons of flooring options, fitting right into both residential and commercial spaces.
Moisture Resistance: Who needs soggy floors? When installed perfectly, glue-down floors resist moisture like a champ, making them a fabulous choice for kitchens and bathrooms (depending on the material, of course).
Cons of Glue-Down Floors
Labor-Intensive Installation: Buckle up, because getting those glue-down floors in place can feel like a marathon! This method takes more time and brainpower than floating floors, often calling for a pro to work their magic and ensure a fit that’s both precise and durable.
Difficult Removal: Well, once you’ve said “I do” to glue-down floors, it’s a commitment! Removing them later can be a real headache. Renovating or repairing becomes a laborious endeavor, complete with the sticky struggle of wrangling that adhesive from your subfloor. Yikes!
Subfloor Preparation: Only the smoothest, cleanest subfloors need apply! Glue-down flooring is super picky; any little bump or blemish can leave you with a wonky look that no one wants in their dream space.
Drying Time: Patience, grasshopper! Your new floor might not be ready right away. Depending on the adhesive, you’ll need to twiddle your thumbs for a bit while it dries or cures before taking your first happy steps on it.
Potential for Adhesive Failure: Let’s keep things together, shall we? Over time, moisture or a less-than-perfect application can leave your floors feeling like they’re falling apart at the seams. Nobody wants that flooring drama in their home!
What’s Your Choice, Floating or Glue-Down Floors?
Ta-da! So there was the scoop on floating and glue-down floors! 🤩 Each option brings its own flair to the party, and there’s no single "right" choice—just what’s right for your space and lifestyle! A great piece of advice… consult your local flooring expert.
What truly matters is YOUR vibe. Which style jives with your home? Which one suits your fabulous lifestyle? Which one will work the best with your subfloor?
Got queries swirling in your head? Don't fret! We’ve got the answers you've been hunting for. Check out my husband’s flooring store, Huffman Flooring Design Center or call 507-433-6440. Shameless plug… but what can I say… he truly and honestly cares and wants you to have that perfect floor for YOUR space and needs. We’re totally here to help you on your journey to floor-tastic perfection! 🛠️✨