You probably think about having a vinyl flooring at home, but you are wondering about the quality glue down vinyl plank flooring and the floating type and which one is better. Well, a vinyl floor has many beneficial traits.
First of all, it is durable and also water resistant. It is tough and sturdy perfect for high-traffic and busy areas, like laundry rooms and kitchens.
But you should realize that there are different types of vinyl floors.
Both glue down vinyl plank flooring and floating type has their own benefits and downsides.
Before you make a decision, you need to consider every feature and the condition of the house.
So, be sure to make a thorough and complete comparison before making any decision.
Comparing Both Floors in Side by Side Manner
You need to know that each floor has its own signature style and unique characteristics.
This is why you need to compare things side by side.
- In terms of makeup, the glue down floor needs to have adhesive tape or glue so it can be attached directly to the subfloor. The floating type, however, doesn’t need any tape or glue because it ‘floats’ over the subfloor.
- In terms of durability, the glue down type is perfect for busy areas with rolling traffic. The floating floor, however, isn’t suitable for high traffic areas because of the lift-away possibility, especially with the rolling traffic. Since it isn’t attached to the subfloor, the possibility of lift away is bigger.
- In terms of replacement, the glue down type is pain free and relatively easy to replace whether in a section or as the whole floor. The floating type, however, is simple (and easy) to replace, but it would be more complex (and complicated) than the glue down type.
- In terms of use, the glue down type is better for laundry rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms. It is also great for bigger rooms. The floating type is also good for laundry rooms, bathrooms, and kitchens, but may not be perfect for bigger areas.
- For solid finish, the glue down type is more difficult to work with. You may need to hire a professional installer to do the installation. For the floating type, however, the floor is relatively easy to install, especially for DIY project.
- In terms of cost, the glue down type starts from $1.70 a square foot. But you need professional installer to help you out. The floating type, on the other hand, starts from around $3 a square foot, but it can be included as DIY project.
Overall Makeup Glue Down Vinyl Plank
The glue down vinyl plank flooring is naturally different from the floating type in terms of attachment to the subfloor. With the glue down type, it would be a permanent flooring type.
Because you attach the floor to the subfloor with (double-faced) acrylic tape or the glue, the floor is able to stand against spills, scratches, and impacts.
You have the ability to lay the new floor on top of this flooring type directly. If you don’t want to replace any floor in the future, then choosing the glue down type would be a wise option.
The floating type, on the other hand, simply lays on top of the subfloor. Such flooring doesn’t require any glue or adhesive tape (on the back side part), which makes it a perfect DIY project.
It is surely easy to install, but the floor itself won’t be as sturdy or as solid as the glue down type.
If you want to decide of which floor is the best, try checking the subfloor condition.
If the subfloor has high level of moisture, then it won’t be perfect for the glue down type. For such subfloor, you need to choose the floating floor type.
Read Also: Paramount Flooring Reviews
The Durability Glue Down Vinyl Plank
To check the durability, you also need to consider the function of the room what are you going to use it?
The glue down vinyl plank flooring type would be perfect for busy areas or rooms with heavy traffic.
If the room is having a busy rolling traffic, then the glue down type would be the most perfect option.
When you have to move the wheel chair quite often or when you have to move the kitchen islands regularly, then the glue down type would stay in place. The possibility of lifting away would be slim.
The floating floor type, on the other hand, isn’t directly attached to the subfloor. Although it is durable, it still has the possibility of lifting away. It isn’t the perfect option for busy areas or rooms with high possibility of rolling traffic.
For cleaning, these floors can both be cleaned with wet mop and a vacuum cleaner (as long as it is designed as hard-floor vacuum).
Floor Replacement
Nothing lasts forever, and it also applies to the floor. At some point, you will have to replace the floor. With the glue down vinyl plank flooring, you can do seamless replacement.
Replacing the entire floor is possible either you lay a new floor completely on top of the existing one or you replace them all. You can also re place one tile or one plank quite easily.
The floating floor, on the other hand, also allows easy replacement, but the process would be more difficult than the glue down type. It’s due to the interlocking mechanism from one plank to another.
If you want to replace a section of the floor, you will have to replace the section’s path or each tile or plank. That’s why it is more complicated.
The Matter of Noise
The floor affects the acoustic aspect of the room which means that the floor can bounce the noise or absorb it.
If it bounces the noise, it will result in echo effect. If it absorbs the noise, it will result in quiet room.
In terms of room’s acoustic, the vinyl floor is better than the hardwood floor vinyl floor has better noise absorption feature.
If you choose vinyl floor with extra acoustic backing, you may even enjoy more noise reduction.
So, when it comes to noise, it doesn’t matter whether you go with the glue down or the floating type they can still absorb noise quite well.
However, you may want to consider your subfloor shape. Level or even subfloor has better quality for noise reduction.
The Room
When you install the floor in a room, you need to consider the function. It’s because everything would be related to warmth, moisture, and foot traffic.
In general, both the floating floor and the glue down type are great for laundry rooms, kitchen, and bathroom because they can deal with moisture, busy traffic, and water spill quite well.
But you should know that bigger rooms may not be perfect for the click and lock mechanism of the floating floor type.
If you want to install the floor in bigger rooms, you should go with the glue down vinyl plank flooring.
It’s because bigger rooms don’t offer good joint stability. With the glue down floor, you won’t have to worry about vulnerable (or sensitive) seams or lifting away issue.
The Installation
How do you want to install the floor will also determine the type of floor to choose.
If you don’t want to spend extra money, and you are willing to spend extra efforts and energies, then you should choose the floating type.
After all, this type of floor has its own click and lock mechanism that makes everything easier.
The glue down type can also go as a DIY project, but it is harder and it is more complicated. It isn’t advisable for those without any experience.
If you want a true perfect finish and you don’t mind spending extra money, then the glue down flooring type would be the perfect option.
Price and Cost Glue Down Vinyl Plank
When we are talking about price and cost, you have to admit that vinyl flooring is relatively cheaper.
When you have to compare it to tile or hardwood floor, vinyl floors won’t cost a fortune.
But are there significant differences between the glue down vinyl plank flooringand the floating type?
The glue down type starts from around $1.70 a square foot, while the floating type may be higher starting from around $3 a square foot.
But as mentioned before, the glue down type may need professional installer, which means that you will have to spend extra for the installation. The floating type, on the other hand, can go as a DIY project.
Read Also: Procore Flooring Reviews
Final Verdict Glue Down Vinyl Plank Flooring
When it comes to vinyl planks (whether it is the floating type or the glue down), they are the perfect options for busy areas, including kitchens, laundry rooms, and bathrooms.
The vinyl planks are great protectors against moisture and heavy usage. The main factor that determines the flooring type would be the matter of installation.
If you are confident with your own ability, then you may want to go with DIY project and floating floor type.
But if you want flawless result and you don’t mind spending extra, then you need to hire a professional service.
There are many factors that can lead to the option whether to choose glue down vinyl plank flooring or the floating type you only need to understand the condition of the house and your own personal preference.
