When it comes to vinyl flooring, homeowners have two main installation options: click lock vinyl plank flooring or traditional glue down vinyl sheet flooring. Both have their advantages and disadvantages in terms of cost, installation, durability, and aesthetics. This article will compare the pros and cons of click lock vs glue down vinyl flooring to help you decide which is the better choice for your home.
What is Click Lock Vinyl Flooring?
Click lock vinyl plank flooring, also known as floating vinyl plank flooring, is a version of luxury vinyl plank flooring that locks together using a tongue-and-groove system. Each vinyl plank has a click locking mechanism on all four sides that allow the planks to be securely connected to each other without being glued down to the subfloor.
Click lock vinyl flooring is a floating floor, meaning it is not anchored to the subfloor below. The planks are simply clicked together and often laid over an underlayment pad or vapor barrier. This allows the floor to expand and contract naturally with changes in temperature and humidity without warping or buckling.
Vinyl plank flooring comes in a wide variety of wood and stone looks including oak, hickory, limestone, and slate. The planks are typically 4-6 inches wide and can range from 12-60 inches long. Thicker wear layers and layered composite vinyl construction make luxury vinyl plank flooring very durable and scratch resistant.
Benefits of Click Lock Vinyl Flooring
- Easier DIY installation without adhesive
- Can be installed over existing flooring
- Floats on underlayment and is not attached to subfloor
- Planks can be taken up and replaced if damaged
- Very durable and scratch resistant surface
- Waterproof and moisture resistant
- Wide variety of realistic wood and stone looks
- Softer and warmer underfoot than tile or laminate
- Helps insulate against sound transmission
- Lower cost than hardwood or stone
What is Glue Down Vinyl Flooring?
Glue down vinyl sheet flooring has traditionally been the most common type of resilient flooring. It comes in large vinyl sheets, typically 6 or 12 feet wide, that are spread out and adhered directly to the subfloor with flooring adhesive.
Glue down vinyl is available in solid colors and patterns such as speckled, marbled, or stone looks. It can mimic the look of materials like linoleum, terrazzo, or ceramic tile. Vinyl sheet flooring is waterproof and very durable.
Full spread installation with adhesive is the standard for glue down vinyl. A notched trowel is used to spread adhesive evenly over the subfloor, then the vinyl sheet is laid in place and rolled to adhere it firmly.
Perimeter gluing is another option, where adhesive is applied just around the outer edges of the sheet and 1-2 feet in toward the center. This allows the vinyl sheet to expand and contract more naturally.
Benefits of Glue Down Vinyl Flooring
- Very durable and scratch resistant
- Seamless appearance
- Can cover large spanse without seams
- Classic and traditional look
- Extremely waterproof when fully adhered
- Can be refinished and coated for renewed look
- Typically cheaper material cost than vinyl plank
- Wide range of color and pattern options
Comparing Durability: Click Lock vs Glue Down
One of the biggest considerations when choosing new flooring is how durable it will be. Both click lock and glue down vinyl floors are very durable options that will hold up well in any room.
Glue down vinyl is known for its longevity and all-around durability. It can last for decades with proper care and maintenance. The critical factor is the thickness of the vinyl wear layer, which can range from 6 to 20 mil for residential use. Thicker wear layers are more scratch and dent resistant.
Modern click lock luxury vinyl plank flooring is engineered to be just as durable and scratch resistant as glue down vinyl. The planks have a transparent wear layer on top that protects the vinyl image layer underneath. Wear layers typically range from 20 to 28 mil thick.
While very durable, click lock plank flooring may be more susceptible to damage if heavy appliances or furniture are dragged across it without protection for the floor. The floating planks can also be more prone to separation if they get very wet.
Advantages of Glue Down Vinyl for Durability
- Can have very thick wear layers up to 20 mil
- Fully adhered floor can’t lift or warp
- Seamless sheet has no weak points
- Proven track record over decades
Advantages of Click Lock Vinyl for Durability
- Wear layer comparable to top vinyl sheets
- Rigid composite core prevents indentation
- Interlocking system resists planks lifting
- Easy to replace individual planks if damaged
Overall, glue down and click lock vinyl floors have similar durability for residential use as long as you select wear layers of at least 20 mil. Proper installation and floor protectors on furniture are also key for longevity.
Comparing Costs: Click Lock vs Glue Down
Flooring costs will always depend on the type of material and quality you select. However, click lock vinyl plank flooring tends to have lower material costs on average compared to traditional vinyl sheet flooring.
Here is a typical cost comparison of click lock planks vs. glue down vinyl per square foot installed:
| Flooring Type | Average Cost Per Sq. Ft. Installed |
|---|---|
| Click Lock Vinyl Plank | $3 – $5 per square foot |
| Glue Down Vinyl Sheet | $2 – $7 per square foot |
Vinyl sheet flooring has a wide range for material costs, but tends to average $2-4 per square foot for residential sheet vinyl. Basic glue down vinyl starts around $2 per square foot. More premium vinyl sheet flooring can range from $4-7 per square foot.
Click lock vinyl planks also have a range, but tend to average between $3-5 per square foot installed. Vinyl plank material costs are impacted by the thickness and quality of the wear layer.
However, glue down vinyl will incur additional costs for the adhesive used during installation. This helps close the gap in material costs between vinyl plank and vinyl sheet flooring.
Cost Factors Favoring Click Lock Vinyl
- No glue needed, lowering installation costs
- Competitive material costs
- Easy DIY installation to save labor fees
- Can be installed over existing floors
Cost Factors Favoring Glue Down Vinyl
- Very affordable basic vinyl sheet options
- No underlayment required
- Low cost maintenance and repair
For the best value, look for quality click lock vinyl planks in the $3-4 per square foot range. Avoid the cheapest planks as they likely have thinner wear layers. Glue down vinyl remains one of the most budget friendly flooring options for those looking to save.
Comparing Installation: Click Lock vs Glue Down
One of the biggest differences between these two vinyl flooring options is the installation process required.
Click lock vinyl plank flooring is designed to be installer-friendly and straightforward to lay down. The tongue-and-groove interlocking system allows the planks to click together quickly. No glue or nails are required. Installation can often be completed by the homeowner as a DIY project.
Glue down vinyl sheet installation requires a bit more skill and technique. The vinyl must be cut to size, fitted properly, and then rolled to adhere it firmly to the adhesive beneath. Specialized tools are needed, including a utility knife, straight edge, vinyl roller, and notched trowel for the adhesive.
Due to the expertise required, glue down vinyl installation is generally best left to flooring professionals. DIY is possible but much more challenging. The flooring must also be allowed to cure and set before regular foot traffic.
Installation Advantages of Click Lock Vinyl
- Floating floor not glued to subfloor
- Interlocking planks click together easily
- Ideal for DIY installation
- No adhesive curing time required
- Can be walked on immediately after install
Installation Advantages of Glue Down Vinyl
- Professional installation recommended
- Creates seamless floor
- Vinyl adheres tightly to subfloor
- No risk of planks coming apart
For those wanting an easy install, click lock vinyl wins hands down. But glue down vinyl ensures your flooring will be tightly adhered and seamless when installed correctly by a knowledgeable flooring crew.
Comparing Look and Feel: Click Lock vs Glue Down
Deciding between vinyl plank or vinyl sheet often comes down to personal preferences on aesthetics and feel underfoot.
Click lock luxury vinyl plank flooring is designed to mimic natural wood and stone. The plank shape and visibility of seams adds to the realistic look. Modern printing technology allows very convincing variations in grain, knots, color, and texture.
Glue down vinyl comes in a wide range of solid colors and abstract patterns. Seamless sheets create a uniform look. It has a classic feel reminiscent of historical linoleum floors. However, glue down vinyl lacks the dramatic visuals possible with vinyl plank.
Underfoot, vinyl plank flooring feels warmer, more textured, and softer. The planks have enough give to create a quieter floor that is comfortable to stand on for long periods.
Glue down vinyl feels harder and firmer underfoot. Thinner vinyl wears down over time and can become noisy. Thicker vinyl sheets offer better sound insulation and a more cushy feel.
Look and Feel Advantages of Click Lock Vinyl
- Mimics hardwood and stone visuals
- Varied plank shapes and sizes
- Textured surface looks more realistic
- Softer and warmer underfoot
- Helps absorb sound in rooms
Look and Feel Advantages of Glue Down Vinyl
- Classic, uniform vinyl look
- Can mimic stone, terrazzo, linoleum
- Seamless sheet
- Easy to keep clean appearance
- Colder, firmer feel underfoot
Ultimately the look and feel you prefer comes down to personal taste. Click lock vinyl offers more realistic textures and visuals while glue down has a classic vinyl appearance. Try large floor samples of each before deciding.
Comparing Waterproof Properties
An important benefit shared by both click lock and glue down vinyl flooring is waterproof construction. This makes vinyl ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, basements, and other areas prone to spills or moisture.
With click lock vinyl plank flooring, the waterproofing comes from a dense composite core and solid vinyl wear layer on top. The planks are resistant to water sitting on the surface. However, they can be damaged by excessive moisture getting in between planks and soaking into the subfloor beneath.
Glue down vinyl sheets are considered highly waterproof when professionally installed. The vinyl cannot warp or swell when firmly adhered to the subfloor. This prevents water from penetrating underneath. Perimeter gluing provides less moisture protection.
Neither flooring option should be subjected to standing water. Excess water should always be quickly cleaned up. Routine maintenance is key for any vinyl flooring.
Waterproof Advantages of Click Lock Vinyl
- 100% waterproof vinyl wear layer
- Resists surface spills and moisture
- Core adds moisture resistance
- Allows subfloor to breathe unlike sheet vinyl
Waterproof Advantages of Glue Down Vinyl
- Impervious vinyl sheet
- Adhesive creates waterproof seal
- No seams for water penetration
- Can install over concrete for moisture tolerance
Both vinyl flooring types offer sufficient waterproofing for home use when properly installed. Glue down vinyl provides the most complete waterproof protection when fully adhered.
Comparing Maintenance: Click Lock vs Glue Down
All vinyl floors require some regular care and maintenance to look their best. Click lock and glue down vinyl floors have slightly different maintenance needs.
Dry mopping is recommended for both floors to remove surface dust and dirt. Occasional wet mopping with vinyl floor cleaner keeps them shiny. The textured surface of vinyl plank flooring means it can hide scratches and scuffs better than smooth vinyl sheet.
Click lock vinyl should never be exposed to excessive moisture. Standing water can damage planks or loosen them. Swiffer wet mops are ideal for vinyl plank floors.
Glue down vinyl can be cleaned with a damp mop using more water. Harsh cleaners may dull the finish over time. Watch for scratches, scuffs, staining, or worn areas and address promptly.
Glue down vinyl can be restored by stripping and recoating the protective finish. This requires professional resurfacing. Click lock planks can simply be replaced as needed.
Maintenance Advantages of Click Lock Vinyl
- Dry mopping usually sufficient
- Textured finish hides wear better
- Easy to swap out damaged planks
- Avoid excessive moisture
Maintenance Advantages of Glue Down Vinyl
- Can be damp mopped
- Recoatable to restore finish
- Seamless for easy cleaning
- Lower cost waxing and buffing
Glue down vinyl is slightly easier to clean and maintain thanks to the smooth seamless finish. Click lock vinyl requires less intensive maintenance overall but may need plank replacements over time.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the choice between click lock vinyl plank flooring and traditional glue down vinyl sheet comes down to your needs and preferences.
Those wanting an affordable, easier to install DIY flooring that looks like natural wood or stone should opt for click lock luxury vinyl planks. Just take care to keep them dry and well-protected.
Homeowners who want a budget-friendly seamless floor with a classic timeless vinyl look will appreciate the pros of glue down vinyl. Hire professional installers to ensure full adhesion and waterproofing.
While click lock vinyl plank floors have gained huge popularity, don’t count out durable and reliable glue down vinyl yet. Many homeowners still appreciate the softer feel, nostalgic look, and waterproof security of a professionally installed vinyl sheet floor.
Whichever route you choose, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation and maintenance. With proper care, both click lock and glue down vinyl can provide many years of satisfaction underfoot.