Verdict
Choose glue-down LVT for maximum stability, large areas and underfloor heating; choose click LVT for a quicker, liftable floating floor in rooms that might change. Both demand a very flat subfloor.
LVT comes in two main installation types: click (a floating floor that locks together over an underlay) and glue-down (bonded directly to the subfloor). It's a fitting-method decision that affects stability, cost and repairs.
Both look similar once down, so the choice is about how the floor is used and what's underneath it.
Side by side
| Factor | Click LVTFloating, quicker to fit/lift | Glue-down LVTBonded, very stable |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Rooms that might change | Large areas & UFH |
| Stability | Floats; can move slightly with big temperature swings | Very stable; excellent for large areas |
| Underfloor heating | Some products suitable — check the manufacturer | Generally well suited — check the manufacturer |
| Subfloor needs | Very flat base with underlay | Very flat, clean, dry base for adhesive |
| Repair | Can usually be lifted and relaid, subject to access and matching material | Individual planks may be replaceable, but more involved |
| Best areas | Smaller and medium rooms | Large, open and high-traffic spaces |
| Explore | Click LVT | Glue-down LVT |
Best for
Click LVT
- Smaller or medium rooms
- Situations where you may want to lift the floor later
- Faster installation with less subfloor conditioning
Glue-down LVT
- Large, open-plan areas needing maximum stability
- Rooms with underfloor heating (check product suitability)
- High-traffic spaces where a thin, solid floor is wanted
Potential drawbacks
Click LVT
- Can move slightly with large temperature changes
- Less ideal for very large areas
- Still needs a very flat subfloor
Glue-down LVT
- Slower to fit and needs a clean, dry base for adhesive
- Repairs are typically more involved than lifting a floating board
- Subfloor preparation must be thorough
Preparation implications
- Both need a very flat subfloor — self-levelling over concrete or plywood over timber where needed.
- Glue-down additionally needs a clean, dry, dust-free surface so the adhesive bonds properly.
Maintenance implications
- Identical once installed: sweep and damp-mop and keep grit off the surface.
- Follow the manufacturer's guidance for cleaning products on the wear layer.
Fitting implications
- Click LVT locks together over an underlay as a floating floor.
- Glue-down LVT is bonded to the prepared subfloor with the correct adhesive and left to set.
Questions to ask before choosing
- How large is the area, and is stability a priority?
- Is there underfloor heating, and is the product rated for it?
- Might you want to lift the floor in future?
- Is the subfloor flat, clean and dry enough for glue-down?
Frequently asked questions
Is glue-down LVT better than click?
Neither is simply better. Glue-down is more stable and suits large areas and underfloor heating; click is quicker and can be lifted. The right choice depends on the room and how it's used. Both need a very flat subfloor.
Can I use click LVT with underfloor heating?
Some click LVT products are suitable for underfloor heating, but you must check the manufacturer's guidance and temperature limits. Glue-down is often preferred for underfloor heating in larger areas.