“Floating floor vs glued “tile is a hotly debated topic for many customers. An ultimate installation guide can help many customers with a selection of the proper one. When it comes to home improvement projects, homeowners often choose between floating or glue down installation methods for floors. Choosing the right technology is essential because the success of a project depends on how it is installed in the building. So, should you glue down the floor of your house or float it? The installation technique used in flooring is almost as important as the flooring material itself. There is no easy answer between these two options as there are several factors to consider such as installation process, durability, ease of replacement, noise, flooring, cost, and possible problems. One important thing to consider when choosing the right flooring for your home is how it should be installed. Vinyl remains the most popular flooring choice for 35% of homeowners nationwide because it's inexpensive and durable. Hardwood floors are also a great addition to any home due to their longevity and aesthetic value.
Both flooring options are installed by gluing or floating the material. Although each option has different advantages and disadvantages, it is up to the homeowner to decide which installation technique works best for them. To help you decide whether to stick or float, here's a side-by-side comparison of the two based on different factors: Installation process: glue Bonding flooring consists of applying an adhesive to a concrete substrate. This assembly technique gives the material excellent dimensional stability while ensuring that its natural qualities are maintained. There are two types of adhesives used in the glue installation technique:
- Hardset – Hardset adhesives are applied along the subfloor to firmly hold the flooring in place. It is best used in high load and high traffic areas. The main characteristic of hard adhesives is that they absorb heavy loads from light fixtures, appliances, and furniture. It also helps reduce dents that appear on vinyl or hardwood surfaces.
- Pressure Sensitive - Pressure sensitive adhesives are more commonly used because they are versatile and easy to replace. They are usually reserved for commercial spaces and hospitals that require frequent floor renovation.
floating floor Floating vinyl installations generally fall into two categories: loose lay and snap vinyl. Floating floors mean that there is virtually no adhesive used to install on the pads. Floating is a relatively old installation technique, but it is still the most popular method.
- Loose Lay - As the name suggests, loose lay vinyl installation involves placing the floor directly over the subfloor. The installation process is quick and easy, but once the project is complete, it leaves a nice finish. The detailed steps vary by product, manufacturer, or installer, but the main idea is to glue the planks to the edge of the room first, then loosely lay the rest of the floor.
- Click - Click vinyl has slowly gained popularity in residential and commercial construction over the years because it is easy to complete. Just click and use the floor product's click-lock feature to snap the planks into place.
Durability Another factor to consider when choosing the right installation technique is how it helps maintain the durability of the material. This factor is closely related to the consideration of the room where the floor is to be installed and how the room will be used. 
Glued floors physically adhere to the concrete sub-floor, holding it firmly in place. This is the ideal installation technique for rooms requiring heavy loads and foot traffic. Strong adhesives prevent floors from lifting and peeling, so homeowners can be sure that glued floors are very durable. Although floating floors do not completely adhere to the padding, they are still very durable. However, it is not the right choice for rooms with high traffic, because there is a good chance that the floor will lift from the sub floor. easy to replace Whichever installation technique a homeowner chooses, they are sure to renovate the home and replace the floor at some point in the future. It probably won't happen in the first few years, but it's best to be prepared for it. Replacing plywood floors requires very little effort and labor, as homeowners can easily place new floors over old layers. Loose tile and plank removal is a painless process, as the professional simply picks up the affected plank or tile, rather than lifting the surrounding area. Replacing a floating floor, on the other hand, is a bit more complicated, as each piece fits together. If you remove or replace a single plank or tile in a room, you will need to lift the other tiles or planks in that section or its path. noise Noise is one of the most overlooked factors when choosing floor installation technology. Most homeowners are often unaware that the type of floor also affects the sound and acoustics of the room in which it is installed. The sound generated in the room is either absorbed by the floor or reflected. Both installation methods are ideal for room acoustics because they absorb noise and other sounds well. If requested by the client, the contractor can even add acoustic support to the floor padding to help reduce noise. Another determining factor when it comes to room acoustics is the shape of the subfloor where the material is installed. A flatter subfloor provides better glue adhesion, and even floating planks are great for noise reduction.
Popular Material Options Different flooring options require different installation methods. Here are the best flooring options for each installation technique: glue Solid Hardwood - This flooring option can be high maintenance and expensive, but nothing beats the look and feel of classic solid hardwood. It also lasts for decades with thorough care and maintenance. Solid wood installations often require the contractor to glue or nail the boards to the concrete subfloor. Ceramic and porcelain tiles - Tiles are usually attached to the subfloor with mortar. Ceramics and tiles are high quality and durable, and are available in a variety of designs. Natural stone tiles have unique finishes, but they are also often glued to concrete substrates. floating floor Laminate - This affordable and durable flooring option mimics the look of natural wood, tile, or stone. It is also a great example of a floating floor, as almost all laminate products on the market are installed this way. This specific installation technique allows the laminate to better respond to different humidity levels. Luxury Vinyl Tiles - Vinyl tiles were developed to replicate the look of different floor coverings while providing practical benefits to homeowners. Most luxury vinyl tiles on the market usually have a tongue and groove feature that allows each piece to fit together easily. Interlocking luxury vinyl tiles do not need to be glued to the subfloor. Engineered Hardwood - Engineered hardwood is similar to solid wood, but it does not shrink or expand as easily with small changes in humidity and temperature. Homeowners need not worry about the warping and warping of engineered hardwoods as long as they are installed via the floating method.
Floating floor installation guide
The installation of the floating floor method seems a cumbersome task for some customers. A guide can help them to find the proper one as there are some factors to help them. Here we mentioned some of the factors for choosing the right one. It is also important to consider in which room of the house the floor will be installed. Some important factors to consider are room load, foot traffic, and heat and humidity levels. Laminate floors are more suitable for rooms with heavy loads and high traffic because they are more stable. Floating floors, on the other hand, have more room for warping and warping caused by changes in temperature and humidity in the room. Vinyl floors and tiles are the best materials to install in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms. They are durable and moisture resistant. However, it is also important to remember that vinyl floors and tiles require different installation techniques. Vinyl floors should be installed using the floating technique, while tiles should be grouted with mortar. Cost Both floor installation options are very affordable. The total cost of the project largely depends on the price of the specific flooring materials used. Vinyl floors are generally inexpensive, while hardwood floors are at the other end of the price range. The glue method is slightly less expensive than the float technique, at around $1.70 per square foot. Laminate floor installations typically cost around $2.99 per square foot.
possible problems It's also important to understand the issues that can arise with each option early on, before finally deciding on the best way to install flooring for each room in your home. Here are some of the different ways flooring problems can arise depending on the installation technique used: glue Laminate floors provide excellent stability for flooring installed in any room. The adhesives used for floors make this possible, but it is also the source of possible problems with glued floors. Here are some of the most common adhesive-related issues when installing plywood in the home:
- Bleeding adhesive
There are three main reasons why the adhesive bleeds after the floor are installed: When too much adhesive is used to bond the floor to the substrate, it leaves a visible film that is too thick. Excess adhesive can also flow to other parts of the part when constant foot traffic and rolling loads are applied. The adhesive is not dry or properly developed. Professional flooring contractors should know how to estimate an adhesive's drying time by considering the water absorption, humidity, and temperature of the substrate. Humidity in the room can cause the adhesive to re-emulsify after drying. This causes the material to bleed and a thick film to appear.
- Adhesive Incompatibility
Residues left on the surface of the subfloor often cause various adhesion problems such as peeling, discoloration, and deterioration. Here are some of the most common residues found on substrate surfaces and how they react with adhesives:
- Oily residue - discoloration and adhesion problems
- Curing Compounds and Sealants - Adhesive Compatibility and Adhesion Issues
- Heating Oil Leaks - Adhesive Deterioration and Discoloration Issues
- Dissolvable Spills - Adhesive Weakening and Discoloration Issues
- Gypsum Wall Texture - Bonding Problems
- Removing the adhesive
Contractors and homeowners should pay close attention to the material when removing the adhesive from the floor. Some adhesives can be completely removed, while some of them leave a slight residue on the floor. It is also important to be extra careful when removing the adhesive, as the old adhesive contains asbestos. floating floor Floating floors have become popular because they are easy to install and require no special tools. Instead of nailing down the flooring material, the friction between the boards holds it in place. But since they just float on the subfloor, over time homeowners can experience the following issues:
- Chipping
Floating floors are usually made of a thinner material, which makes it easier to chip. Mallet and hammer blocks used to lock planks and tiles in place can dent and damage the surface of the flooring. Chipping can also occur naturally due to gradual wear.
- warping
If the floor is installed over a subfloor without a moisture barrier on the underlayment, water vapor can accumulate below the surface. This can cause water damage, which can lead to warping and warping of the edges. Surface water can also cause warping and warping, so be sure to avoid cleaning laminate floors with an overly damp mop or cloth.
- Peaking
A peak is a high point in the ground caused by the pressure between two floors. This usually happens when there is not enough room for expansion between the boards or surrounding walls. The best way to deal with floor spikes is to cut a small section of the floor to relieve the pressure and replace the molding. The glued and floating mounting options have their pros and cons. After considering their detailed differences, homeowners can choose considering installation cost, flooring type, and existing conditions of the room.
- Mold
The first sign of mold and mildew contamination on the floor is a strong musty smell in the room. These creatures grow on the ground when the environment is too humid. Before installing flooring in a room, make sure the area is free of any existing mold or mildew. Always remember to install a moisture barrier first to prevent mold from growing on the floor. If you are still unsure of the proper flooring installation technique, it is best to consult a professional flooring contractor before making a final decision. On our website, we are more than just sellers of high quality flooring options. We're also your partner when it comes to renovating your home, so you can trust us to guide you every step of the way, whether it's choosing the right flooring material or asking for advice on different installation techniques. Take the first step and share your vision with our design experts by visiting our website today. You can also fill out a form and our technicians will contact you within 24 hours.