Glue-Down LVT Flooring: Pros, Cons and Fitting Explained

Ask a professional fitter which luxury vinyl format they'd put in their own home and most will say the same thing: glue-down. It's the format hotels, shops and showhomes use, and once you understand why, the choice between glue-down and click becomes much easier. This guide explains how glue-down LVT works, where it excels, what the subfloor preparation genuinely involves, and when click is the better call.

What is glue-down LVT?

Glue-down (also called dryback) LVT is a solid vinyl plank or tile, typically 2–2.5mm thick, bonded directly to the subfloor with a specialist flooring adhesive. There's no locking mechanism and no underlay — the floor becomes part of the building. Our glue-down LVT collection is the largest part of our range, including our own Style LVT line sold trade-direct.

Why fitters rate it

Three reasons come up again and again. Feel: because every plank is bonded, the floor is completely solid underfoot — no hollow sound, no movement, no bounce. Profile: at around 2.5mm it's the thinnest floor you can fit, which means doors usually don't need trimming and transitions to carpet or tile stay neat. Repairs: a damaged plank can be lifted and replaced individually without disturbing the rest of the floor — impossible with a floating click floor. It's also the most stable format in rooms with big temperature swings, like south-facing kitchens and conservatories.

The honest downside: subfloor preparation

Glue-down is only as good as the surface beneath it. The subfloor must be smooth, dry, sound and level — every dip and ridge will eventually show ('telegraph') through a 2.5mm floor. In practice that means a levelling screed over concrete, or plywood over floorboards, before fitting starts. Budget for this: preparation is often a third of the total job cost, and it's the step that separates a floor that looks fitted from one that looks poured. This is also why glue-down is usually a professional job rather than a weekend DIY project.

Glue-down vs click: the short version

Choose glue-down for the best feel, thinnest profile, herringbone and pattern work, commercial durability, and rooms with heavy furniture or temperature swings. Choose click vinyl when you want faster fitting, DIY-friendly installation, or you're covering a subfloor that's harder to perfect — the rigid core bridges minor imperfections that glue-down would show. Both are fully waterproof; neither is 'better' universally — they solve different problems.

Underfloor heating and wet rooms

Glue-down LVT performs excellently over underfloor heating — the thin profile transfers heat faster than almost any other floor covering (observe the usual 27°C surface limit and use a heat-resistant adhesive). In bathrooms and kitchens it's fully waterproof, and because it's bonded with no edges to lift, it copes well with the splash zones around baths and sinks.

What does glue-down LVT cost?

Trade-direct, glue-down LVT is usually the cheapest luxury vinyl format per square metre — you're not paying for a click mechanism or built-in underlay. Against that, allow for adhesive, any levelling work, and professional fitting. Allow 5% wastage for straight-lay planks, or around 10% if you're laying a herringbone pattern.

Glue-down LVT FAQ

Can I fit glue-down LVT myself? A confident DIYer can manage a small, simple room, but the subfloor prep and open-time of the adhesive make most glue-down jobs professional territory.

Does it work over old tiles? Yes, if the tiles are sound — they'll need skimming with a levelling compound first so the grout lines don't show through.

How long before I can walk on it? Typically 24 hours for the adhesive to fully cure — your fitter will confirm for the specific adhesive used.

Is glue-down LVT waterproof? Completely — plank and adhesive both. It's the standard choice for kitchens, bathrooms and utility rooms.

Order free samples

We've been in the flooring trade in Worthing since 1993 and sell glue-down LVT trade-direct across the UK — free samples on almost every design, free UK delivery over £200. Browse the glue-down collection, or call the team on 01903 861 474 for straight answers on your room, subfloor and budget.

Related guides

Herringbone LVT: The Complete Buyer's Guide · Click Vinyl Flooring: The Complete UK Guide · LVT Kitchen Flooring Guide · Flooring Calculator — how much do I need?