The Two Ways to Install LVT
Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) is available in two fundamentally different installation formats: glue down and click. Both deliver a high-quality finished floor, but they suit different situations, budgets, and skill levels. Understanding the distinction before you buy will save time, money, and potential frustration.
This guide explains exactly how each system works, where each excels, and how to decide which is right for your project.
How Glue Down LVT Works
Glue down LVT is adhered permanently to a prepared subfloor using a specialist pressure-sensitive adhesive. The tiles or planks — typically 2mm to 3.5mm thick — are pressed firmly into the adhesive and held in position as it cures. Once set, the floor is completely fixed: it will not lift, shift, or buckle under heavy use.
Preparation is the critical step with glue down installation. The subfloor must be:
- Level: Any deviation of more than 3mm over 1.8m must be corrected with a self-levelling compound
- Clean and dry: All grease, dust, adhesive residue, and contaminants must be removed
- Structurally sound: Any loose boards, crumbling screed, or hollow tiles must be repaired or replaced
- Within moisture limits: Concrete subfloors must meet relative humidity and moisture content thresholds; a DPM (damp proof membrane) may be required
Once laid, a glue down floor cannot easily be removed — it is designed to be a long-term, permanent installation. For professional results, we recommend using an experienced flooring installer rather than attempting a DIY glue down fit.
Browse Flooring Monster's glue down LVT collection for a full range of premium options including Amtico Spacia and Karndean glue-down ranges.
How Click LVT Works
Click LVT uses an interlocking tongue-and-groove edge profile to connect planks or tiles together without any adhesive. The floor "floats" above the subfloor, sitting on top of a suitable underlay (either integrated into the plank or laid separately beneath it). Modern click LVT almost universally uses a stone plastic composite (SPC) core — a rigid, dimensionally stable base that resists expansion and contraction far better than older flexible LVT cores.
Click installation is generally DIY-friendly and does not require specialist adhesives or extended drying times. A typical room can be completed in a day, and the floor can be walked on immediately after installation. If needed, click LVT can be taken up and relaid elsewhere — making it a flexible choice for renters or those who plan to move.
Discover the Flooring Monster click SPC LVT range including popular brands and formats for fast, straightforward installation.
Underfloor Heating: Which Is Better?
This is one of the most common questions when choosing between glue down and click LVT — and it has a clear answer.
Glue down LVT is the preferred choice for underfloor heating systems. The adhesive bond creates direct contact between the LVT and the subfloor, maximising heat transfer and eliminating the air gap that a floating floor creates. This results in a more responsive, efficient heating system. Most UFH manufacturers and LVT brands specifically recommend glue down installation over underfloor heating for this reason.
Click SPC LVT can also be used with underfloor heating, but with additional considerations:
- The maximum surface temperature must not exceed 27°C
- The total thermal resistance (tog) of the LVT and any underlay combined must be within the manufacturer's specification — typically below 0.15 tog
- The floor must be allowed to acclimatise to the room before installation, with the UFH system running at a moderate temperature for 48–72 hours beforehand
If you have underfloor heating and want the best possible performance and energy efficiency, glue down LVT is the stronger choice.
Permanence and Flexibility
Glue down and click LVT sit at opposite ends of the permanence spectrum:
- Glue down: Permanent installation — planned for the long term. Removal is possible but requires time and effort; some adhesive residue will remain on the subfloor
- Click: Reversible — planks can be unlocked, lifted, and relaid. Ideal for rental properties, temporary installations, or situations where future flexibility is important
DIY vs Professional Installation
Glue Down
Glue down installation is best carried out by a qualified flooring professional. The subfloor preparation requirements are exacting, the adhesive has a specific open time and application method, and errors are difficult and costly to correct once the floor is set. For a premium brand like Amtico or Karndean, professional installation also typically preserves warranty validity.
Click
Click LVT is designed with DIY installation in mind. Provided the subfloor is reasonably level and the instructions are followed carefully, a competent DIYer can achieve excellent results. The tools required are minimal — a tape measure, utility knife or jigsaw, rubber mallet, and pull bar are sufficient for most rooms.
Cost Comparison
- Glue down LVT product cost: Generally slightly lower per m² than equivalent click SPC — thinner product requires less material
- Glue down installation cost: Higher — professional labour plus adhesive cost typically adds £10–£18 per m²
- Click LVT product cost: Slightly higher per m² due to thicker SPC core
- Click installation cost: Lower — DIY is realistic; professional fitting is still available at a similar labour rate to glue down
In most cases, the total installed cost of glue down and click LVT is comparable. The choice should be driven by suitability for the specific situation rather than cost alone.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose glue down LVT if:
- You have underfloor heating
- You want a permanent, ultra-stable floor
- You're fitting in a commercial environment or high-traffic area
- The room has an irregular shape or lots of door thresholds
Choose click LVT if:
- You're planning a DIY installation
- You want flexibility to lift and relay the floor in future
- You're renovating a rental property
- Speed of installation is a priority
Shop Both Formats at Flooring Monster
Flooring Monster stocks the UK's leading LVT brands in both formats. Whether you've decided on glue down for a UFH project or click SPC for a straightforward DIY fit, you'll find premium products at competitive prices. Explore our glue down LVT range and our click SPC range to find the right product for your project — or speak to our team for expert guidance.