Glue Down or Floating Flooring? Choosing the Right Installation Method

Holy smokes. If y’all were around in March you know the struggles we have had with our flooring. And you know we weighed all of the pros and cons for all of the installation types. I got many questions on the installation process we went forward with so I thought I’d do a deeper dive on it.

When it comes to installing new flooring, particularly with materials like luxury vinyl plank (LVP), engineered hardwood, or laminate, homeowners often face the choice between glue-down and floating installation methods. Each approach has its own set of advantages and considerations, and the right choice depends on various factors including the subfloor condition, room usage, and personal preferences.

Glue-Down Installation

This method involves adhering the flooring directly to the subfloor using a strong adhesive.

PROS:
1. Stability: Glue-down floors feel solid underfoot and don't shift or move over time.
2. Durability: The adhesive provides an extra layer of protection against moisture from below.
3. Noise Reduction: There's less hollow sound when walking on glued-down floors.
4. Versatility: Can be installed over various subfloors, including concrete and wood.
5. Longevity: Typically lasts longer due to its stable installation.

CONS:
1. Installation Complexity: Requires more skill and time to install properly.
2. Permanence: Difficult and potentially damaging to remove or replace.
3. Subfloor Preparation: Requires a very clean, dry, and level subfloor.
4. VOC Concerns: Some adhesives may emit volatile organic compounds.

Floating Installation:

This method involves connecting the flooring planks to each other, rather than adhering them to the subfloor. The floor "floats" over the subfloor, usually with a thin underlayment between.

PROS:
1. Ease of Installation: Generally quicker and easier to install, often DIY-friendly.
2. Flexibility: Can be installed over existing flooring in many cases.
3. Easier Replacement: Individual planks can be replaced more easily if damaged.
4. Subfloor Imperfections: Can hide minor subfloor imperfections better than glue-down.
5. Eco-Friendly: Often uses less adhesive, reducing potential VOC emissions.

CONS:
1.Potential Movement: May shift slightly or feel less solid underfoot.
2. Sound: Can produce a hollow sound when walked on, especially if not installed properly.
3. Moisture Concerns: More susceptible to moisture issues from below in some cases.
4. Thickness: The required underlayment may raise the floor height slightly.

Choosing Between the Two:

1. Subfloor Condition: If your subfloor is uneven, a floating floor might be better as it's more forgiving of imperfections.
2. Moisture Levels: In areas with high humidity or moisture concerns, glue-down might provide better protection.
3. Traffic: For high-traffic commercial areas, glue-down is often preferred for its stability.
4. Underfloor Heating: Both can work with underfloor heating, but floating floors are often recommended as they allow for expansion and contraction.
5. DIY vs. Professional: If you're planning a DIY installation, floating floors are generally easier to manage.
6. Long-term Plans: If you anticipate wanting to change the flooring in the near future, a floating installation is easier to remove.
7. Budget: Floating installations are often less expensive due to reduced labor and material costs.
8. Room Usage: For areas requiring frequent cleaning or prone to spills, like kitchens, glue-down might be preferable for its water resistance.
9. Acoustics: If sound transfer is a concern, especially in multi-story homes or apartments, glue-down installations typically offer better noise reduction.
10. Environmental Concerns: If you're worried about VOCs, a floating installation with a low-VOC underlayment might be the better choice.

It's worth noting that some modern flooring systems offer a hybrid approach, using a click-lock system for ease of installation but with the option to glue for added stability in high-traffic or moisture-prone areas.

Ultimately, the choice between glue-down and floating installation depends on your specific circumstances, priorities, and the particular product you're installing. Consulting with a flooring professional can help you make the best decision for your space, ensuring a beautiful and long-lasting result regardless of the method you choose. We opted for floating floors JUST IN CASE our house ever experienced any water damage. It’s incredibly easy to pop out floating wood floors where as glue down is an absolute mess to demo.

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WE SHAPE OUR HOMES AND THEN OUR HOMES SHAPE US