Selecting the right luxury vinyl flooring for a project can be intimidating. Besides its aesthetic appeal, there's plenty to consider: sound-rating, moisture resistance, overall longevity. Today, though, we're focusing on one of the most crucial components of any flooring selection: the install.
Our flooring lineup is diverse, and we offer distinct installation types to meet the needs of your clients. First, let's go over what we mean by "glue down" and "click lock" flooring.
What is "Glue Down" Flooring?
Our latest vinyl flooring series, the Foundation Collection, is a type of glue down flooring. This flooring sticks right on top of the subfloor with an adhesive, providing a secure attachment. This provides ample support underfoot, since each plank is held so tightly to the floor. Glue down flooring is a perfect match for busy spaces since it stands up against heavy traffic and won't shift underfoot.
Glue down is primarily used for installations that are meant to be permanent. While glue down is a robust choice, it does require planning time set aside. First, the subfloor must be properly prepared. While glue down flooring is diverse and rugged to begin with, choosing a subfloor that is free of too many dents and blemishes is a good idea. Debris, like old carpet or tile, should be removed to ensure that the subfloor is level and stable. Check for moisture-prone areas, as this may interfere with the gluing mechanism.
Note: Pelican does not sell or endorse any specific adhesive for glue down flooring installations.
Installation types typically take much longer than click lock flooring due to the precision and skill required to lay each plank and secure them to the subfloor. It's also crucial to let the flooring acclimate to the space and to the glue itself, especially if the flooring is coming from a different climate or temperature than the installation site.
Considerations
While an underlayment is not necessary for click-lock flooring, they are a requirement for glue down.
We've partnered with 3M to deliver a robust solution for glue down installations. Utilizing a Scotchgard™ Guardian underlayment brings added comfort and enhanced durability to any install.
The underlayment also delivers added sound protection, with impressive sound-rating qualities:
Impact Insulation Class (IIC): 72
HIIC: 89
∆ IIC: 24
Sound Transmission Class (STC): 64
What is "Click Lock" Flooring?
Click lock flooring, which is utilized in our Metropolitan XL, Coastal, and Woodland Collections, is a tried and tested approach. You might see it referenced as "floating" flooring, since this system snaps into place instead of being glued onto the subfloor. Interlocking edges are used to attach one plank to another, and isn't permanently affixed to the subfloor.
Since each plank "pushes" together, this simple method is great for installations that have more of a time crunch. Like glue down flooring, our click lock series' are built to repel moisture and scratches, while providing ample comfort underfoot. However, proper installation is important. Improper installation might lead to moisture seeping in or planks separating. When installed correctly, clients can reap the benefits of this flooring type for years to come.
Every project differs. It's important to visualize the client type that will be utilizing the flooring, and which environment might be suited best.
Ideal Project Types for Glue Down Flooring
The Foundation Collection is aesthetically appealing, often mimicking real wood and intricate patterns just like click lock, with added durability features.
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A Quick List of Best Glue Down Flooring Environments
- Multifamily living areas
- Nursing homes and assisted living
- Large-scale office buildings
- Busy retail centers
- Cafes and restaurants
Glue down flooring is meant for high-energy, fast-paced situations. Think offices with large-scale conventions and meet ups. Retail centers with busy shoppers. Multifamily homes with active families and some fur-legged friends. Glue down works well with load-bearing, so heavy objects, like furniture, are supported without risk of indents or damage to the floor. In the event that a plank does become damaged or needs to be replaced, glue down is typically easily replaced individually without having to take up large sections of the floor.
Ideal Project Types for Click Lock Flooring
Click lock flooring is truly hassle free. The installation process is intuitive, only requiring minimal tools, like a rubber mallet and tapping block to snugly lay down each plank. Our collections capture each distinct design beautifully, whether you're looking for a more rustic appeal, something chic, or even beach-inspired.
Though glue down is rugged, click lock shouldn't be overlooked! All of our series are crafted with durability in mind. Longevity is the key to any build, and our flooring is built for resiliency. Our 20mil options in particular are especially well-suited for busy areas, like active showrooms and households.
A Quick List of Best Click Lock Flooring Environments:
- Single-family or multifamily homes
- Casual office spaces
- Mobile homes
- Apartments and flats
- Tiny/micro homes
- DIY projects
Our click lock flooring provides ample protection against everyday wear and tear. These collections work well in moisture-prone areas when installed correctly, so laundry rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms are a great choice.
If furniture or heavy appliances need to be moved or traded out frequently, like busy showrooms, use proper precautions. Minimize dragging especially sharp objects and consider felt pads or glides for bulky or cumbersome items.
We hope this article gave some helpful insight on the differences and advantages between glue down and click lock flooring. Have a blog topic request? Submit to our Contact form and we'll deliver more kitchen and bath advice.
