Advice
Click PVC vs glue-down PVC: which should you choose?
The main difference lies in the installation. Below you can read when click PVC flooring is the smart choice and when to opt for glue-down PVC flooring, with an honest comparison and tailored advice.
Free advice and quoteClick
Click PVC flooring is fitted as a floating floor, can be taken with you when moving house, and still requires a flat subfloor.
Glue-down
Glue-down PVC flooring is adhered to the floor. On this page, it is the recommended choice for underfloor heating and for herringbone or chevron patterns.
Levelling is part of glue-down installation
For glue-down PVC flooring, the subfloor must be flat. Levelling: €10 to €25 per m².
Read about levellingShort answer
Click PVC flooring is fitted as a floating floor using a click system: quicker to install and reusable, though click PVC flooring also requires a flat subfloor. Ideal for a rental property or a quick renovation. Glue-down PVC flooring is glued down for the sleekest, quietest and lowest-profile result, and works best with underfloor heating and herringbone. Not sure? We offer free advice on which option best suits your subfloor and wishes.
The comparison
Swipe or use the arrow keys to view both columns.
| Click PVC flooring | Glue-down PVC flooring | |
|---|---|---|
| Montage | Floating, click system (no adhesive) | Fully glued down to the subfloor |
| Eindresultaat | Sleek, minor seams possible | Sleekest, seamless and lowest build-up height |
| Sound / underfoot feel | Slightly hollower, underlay dampens sound | Quieter, firmer underfoot feel |
| Vloerverwarming | Often possible | Best efficiency, recommended |
| Herringbone / pattern | Mogelijk | Recommended, less cutting waste |
| Ondervloer | Forgiving, levelling not always required | Must be flat and levelled |
| Herbruikbaar | Yes, can be taken with you when moving house | No, glued down |
| Ideal for | Rental property, quick renovation, DIY | New-build, renovation, underfloor heating, herringbone |
Choose click PVC if...
- you live in a rental property or want to be able to take the floor with you
- it needs to be done quickly and with minimal disruption
- the subfloor is reasonably flat
- you want the option to fit it yourself
Choose glue-down PVC if...
- you have or want underfloor heating
- you want a herringbone or chevron pattern
- you want the sleekest and quietest result
- it is for a new-build or a thorough renovation
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between click PVC flooring and glue-down PVC flooring?
Click PVC flooring is laid as a floating floor using a click system, without adhesive. Glue-down PVC flooring (also known as dryback) is fully bonded to the subfloor. Click is quicker to install and reusable; glue-down gives the sleekest, quietest and lowest-profile finish and works better with underfloor heating.
Is click or glue-down PVC flooring better for underfloor heating?
Glue-down PVC flooring is better for underfloor heating. Because it is fully bonded to the subfloor, it conducts heat more efficiently without an air gap, resulting in faster and more even heat output. Click PVC flooring can often be used with underfloor heating too, but glue-down is preferred.
Which PVC floor is best for herringbone?
For a herringbone or chevron floor, we recommend glue-down PVC flooring. It is tightly bonded, results in less cutting waste for the pattern and creates a seamless, high-end finish. Click herringbone also exists, but glue-down looks more refined.
Does the subfloor need levelling?
For glue-down PVC flooring, the subfloor must be flat and smooth, so levelling is often required. Click PVC flooring also needs a flat subfloor: unevenness puts strain on the click joints. We measure how much tolerance the manufacturer allows during the assessment.
Which PVC floor is cheaper, click or glue-down?
Click PVC flooring is usually slightly more cost-effective to install because no adhesive is required and it often needs less preparation. Glue-down PVC flooring requires a flat, levelled subfloor and more labour, but delivers a more durable and higher-quality finish. Request a free quote for your situation.
Still not sure which PVC floor is the right fit?
Discuss your questions with us. Showroom visits are by appointment; any home visit is agreed in advance. Request a no-obligation quote.