Luxury vinyl tile flooring, better known as LVT, has become one of the most popular flooring choices for UK homes. It offers the look of real wood, stone or tile while being easier to clean, practical for busy households and suitable for many rooms.
But once you decide that LVT is the right flooring type, you still need to answer one important question:
Should you buy click LVT or glue down LVT?
Both are luxury vinyl flooring options. Both can look stylish. Both are available in wood-effect, stone-effect and modern design finishes. However, they are installed differently and perform differently depending on the room, subfloor and type of project.
Click LVT is usually chosen for faster installation and renovation convenience. Glue down LVT is often chosen for a professional, stable and design-led finish. The best choice depends on your home, budget, lifestyle and fitting requirements.
In this guide, we explain the difference between click LVT and glue down LVT, including the pros and cons of each, where they work best and which option you should buy.
Click LVT is a type of luxury vinyl flooring that uses a locking system. The planks or tiles click together at the edges, creating a floating floor.
A floating floor means the flooring is not glued directly to the subfloor. Instead, the planks lock together and sit over the prepared surface underneath.
Click LVT is popular because it is usually quicker to install than glue down LVT. It can be a good option for homeowners who want a practical floor without the mess of adhesive. Some click LVT products also include built-in underlay or acoustic backing, which can help with sound reduction and comfort.
Click LVT is commonly used in:
Many modern click LVT products are also rigid core or SPC-based, meaning they have a stronger, denser core than flexible vinyl planks.
Glue down LVT, also known as dryback LVT, is fixed directly to the subfloor using flooring adhesive.
Each plank or tile is bonded to the prepared surface underneath. This creates a secure, stable floor with minimal movement when fitted correctly.
Glue down LVT is often used for professional installations because the subfloor needs to be smooth, dry, clean and level. Any uneven areas can affect the final result, so preparation is very important.
Glue down LVT is commonly used in:
One of the biggest advantages of glue down LVT is design flexibility. Because each tile or plank is individually bonded, it can be used to create herringbone patterns, borders, feature strips and more detailed layouts.
The main difference is the installation method.
Click LVT clicks together and floats over the subfloor.
Glue down LVT is fixed directly to the subfloor with adhesive.
This difference affects almost everything else, including floor height, installation time, subfloor preparation, repair options, design flexibility, durability and cost.
Click LVT is usually easier and quicker to fit. Glue down LVT usually gives a more permanent, professional finish.
| Feature | Click LVT | Glue Down LVT |
| Installation method | Floating click system | Adhesive fixed to subfloor |
| Adhesive needed | Usually no | Yes |
| DIY friendly | More suitable for DIY | Usually better for professional fitting |
| Floor thickness | Usually thicker | Usually thinner |
| Subfloor preparation | Needs flat, stable subfloor | Needs very smooth, well-prepared subfloor |
| Design flexibility | Good for straight plank layouts | Excellent for herringbone, borders and patterns |
| Repair | Planks may be harder to replace in the middle of the room | Individual tiles can often be replaced more easily |
| Underlay | Some products include backing or need specific underlay | Normally no underlay |
| Best for | Quick renovations and floating floors | Premium fitted finish and high-traffic areas |
| Feel underfoot | Slightly more floating feel | More solid and bonded feel |
Click LVT is usually quicker to install because it does not need adhesive. The planks lock together, which can reduce fitting time compared with glue down LVT.
This makes it a popular option for homeowners who want to update a room with less disruption.
Click LVT can be more suitable for confident DIY installers than glue down LVT. There is no adhesive to spread, no tack time to manage and no need to bond every plank individually.
That said, DIY installation still requires care. The subfloor must be flat, clean and stable. Door frames, edges, cuts and expansion gaps also need to be handled properly.
Click LVT can work well in renovation projects where you want to fit over a suitable existing hard floor. For example, some click LVT products may be suitable over tiles, timber or other hard surfaces if they are flat and stable.
Always check the product instructions before installing over an existing floor.
Some click LVT products come with an attached backing or integrated underlay. This can help reduce sound and improve comfort underfoot.
This can be useful for upstairs rooms, flats, playrooms and home offices.
Because click LVT does not usually require adhesive, installation can be cleaner and simpler. There is no glue to spread and no adhesive drying time in the same way as a fully bonded floor.
Click LVT is not a shortcut for a bad subfloor. If the surface underneath is uneven, loose or unstable, the click joints can be affected. This may lead to movement, noise, gaps or damage over time.
A flat and stable subfloor is still essential.
Click LVT is usually best for standard plank or tile layouts. Some herringbone click products are available, but glue down LVT normally offers more flexibility for custom patterns, borders and design strips.
If you want a premium herringbone hallway or a detailed patterned floor, glue down LVT is often the better choice.
Because click LVT is not bonded to the subfloor, it can feel slightly different underfoot. Some people like the comfort and slight cushioning, while others prefer the solid feel of a glued floor.
Click LVT is often thicker than glue down LVT, especially rigid core products with attached underlay. This can affect door clearance, thresholds and transitions between rooms.
Glue down LVT is bonded directly to the subfloor, giving it a secure and stable feel. When fitted correctly, it has very little movement underfoot.
This makes it a strong choice for busy rooms and long-term installations.
Glue down LVT is ideal for design-led flooring. Because each plank or tile is individually placed and fixed, it can be used for:
This is why many premium LVT installations use glue down products.
Glue down LVT is usually thinner than click LVT. This can be useful where floor height matters, such as around doors, skirting, kitchen plinths and transitions to other rooms.
Because the floor is bonded down, glue down LVT can perform very well in high-traffic areas when installed correctly.
It is a popular option for hallways, kitchens, living areas and commercial-style spaces.
If one plank or tile is damaged, a professional may be able to remove and replace that individual piece without lifting the entire floor. This can be a practical advantage over some click systems.
Glue down LVT needs a smooth, clean, dry and level subfloor. Any bumps, cracks or imperfections can show through the finished floor.
This means the subfloor may need smoothing compound, primer, plywood or moisture control before fitting.
Glue down LVT is not usually the easiest DIY option. The adhesive needs to be applied correctly, layout planning must be accurate and the planks need to be fitted neatly.
For best results, professional fitting is usually recommended.
Because preparation and adhesive work are involved, glue down LVT can take longer to install than click LVT. The extra time can be worth it if you want a premium, long-lasting finish.
Different rooms and subfloors may require different adhesives. Areas with temperature changes, sunlight or moisture may need specific adhesive types.
Using the wrong adhesive can affect performance, so it is important to follow manufacturer guidance.
Both click LVT and glue down LVT can work well in kitchens.
Click LVT is a good option if you want a faster installation and a practical floating floor. It can be suitable for modern kitchen renovations, especially where the subfloor is already flat and stable.
Glue down LVT is often the better option if you want a more permanent, professional kitchen floor. It is especially useful for open-plan kitchen-dining areas, herringbone designs and high-traffic homes.
For kitchens, always choose an LVT product that is suitable for moisture-prone areas and everyday cleaning.
Bathrooms need careful flooring choices because of moisture, splashes and humidity.
Glue down LVT can be an excellent bathroom option when installed professionally. A fully bonded floor can feel secure and can create a high-end stone, marble or tile-effect look.
Click LVT may also be suitable for bathrooms if the product is approved for that use. However, edges, joins and expansion gaps need to be considered carefully.
For bathrooms, the safest choice is to follow the exact product guidance and use a professional fitter if you are unsure.
Hallways are one of the busiest areas in the home. They need flooring that can handle shoes, pets, prams, shopping bags, wet coats and regular foot traffic.
Glue down LVT is a strong choice for hallways because it feels stable and can be used to create premium herringbone designs. This can make the entrance to your home feel more stylish and considered.
Click LVT can also be practical in hallways, especially if you want a quicker installation. However, the subfloor must be flat and the click joints need to be protected from excessive movement.
For living rooms, either option can work.
Click LVT is a good choice if you want a comfortable, practical floor with relatively quick installation. It is especially useful for straight plank wood-effect designs.
Glue down LVT is better if you want a more bespoke finish, such as herringbone, decorative borders or a continuous open-plan design.
If the living room connects to a kitchen or hallway, glue down LVT may give a more seamless, premium finish across multiple spaces.
Both click and glue down LVT can be good for homes with pets.
LVT is easy to clean, does not trap pet hair like carpet and can cope well with everyday pet mess. For dogs, look for a textured surface and a strong wear layer.
Glue down LVT may feel more stable under running pets because it is bonded to the floor. Click LVT can also work well, but the quality of the click system and subfloor preparation are important.
Durability depends on the quality of the product, wear layer, fitting and maintenance.
Glue down LVT can be extremely durable when professionally fitted because it is fully bonded to the subfloor. This makes it a strong choice for high-traffic spaces.
Click LVT can also be durable, especially rigid core products with strong wear layers. However, the locking system needs a flat, stable base to perform properly.
A high-quality click LVT will usually perform better than a poor-quality glue down product, and a well-fitted glue down floor will usually outperform a badly fitted click floor.
Click LVT may sometimes cost more per square metre because it is usually thicker and may include a rigid core or attached backing. However, fitting costs can sometimes be lower because installation is quicker.
Glue down LVT can sometimes be cheaper per square metre, but subfloor preparation and professional fitting may increase the total project cost.
The real cost depends on:
When comparing prices, always compare the total installed cost, not just the product price.
Choose click LVT if:
Choose glue down LVT if:
Click LVT and glue down LVT are both excellent flooring choices, but they suit different projects.
Click LVT is best for speed, convenience and simple installations. It is a practical choice for bedrooms, living rooms, home offices and some renovation projects where a floating floor is suitable.
Glue down LVT is best for stability, design flexibility and a professional finish. It is often the better choice for kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, herringbone floors and high-traffic areas.
If you want the easiest installation, click LVT may be the right choice. If you want the most premium and design-led finish, glue down LVT is usually the stronger option.
Before buying, order samples, check the product specification and think carefully about the room, subfloor and fitting method. A good LVT floor is not just about the design you choose. It is also about choosing the right installation type for your home.
At Casa Flooring, you can explore a wide range of LVT, vinyl flooring and flooring accessories to help you find the right floor for your space.
Click LVT uses a locking system and floats over the subfloor. Glue down LVT is fixed directly to the subfloor using adhesive.
Click LVT is better for quicker installation and simpler renovation projects. Glue down LVT is better for a stable, professional finish and more detailed designs.
Glue down LVT can be very durable when fitted correctly because it is bonded directly to the subfloor. However, durability also depends on product quality, wear layer and maintenance.
Yes, many click LVT products can be used in kitchens if they are suitable for moisture-prone areas and fitted according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Yes, glue down LVT can be a good bathroom flooring choice when the product is suitable and the installation is carried out correctly.
Some click LVT products have built-in underlay, while others may require a specific underlay. Always check the product instructions.
No, glue down LVT is normally fixed directly to a smooth, prepared subfloor with adhesive. It usually does not use underlay.
Glue down LVT is usually best for herringbone flooring because it offers more design flexibility and a precise bonded finish.
Confident DIYers may be able to install click LVT, but the subfloor must be flat, clean and stable. Poor preparation can cause problems later.
Yes, professional fitting is usually recommended for glue down LVT because subfloor preparation, adhesive use and layout planning are very important.
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