Glue Down LVT Flooring
Glue down LVT is the original — and still the best — way to lay luxury vinyl tile. Each plank or tile is bonded directly to a fully prepared subfloor with a flooring adhesive, giving a flat, stable, dimensionally rock-solid finish that handles big open-plan rooms, kitchens, hallways and underfloor heating better than any click or rigid core alternative. It is the format every premium LVT brand builds its flagship range around, and the format we specify by default on supply-and-fit projects from our Altrincham showroom.
At Grosvenor Flooring we stock the full glue-down libraries from Amtico, Karndean, Project Floors and Invictus, plus our own-brand GF LVT range. Browse the full glue down collection below, order up to 5 free samples to compare in your own light, or contact us via our enquiry form, WhatsApp or phone to talk a project through.
What Is Glue Down LVT?
Glue down LVT — sometimes written “dryback” — is luxury vinyl tile that is installed by spreading a pressure-sensitive flooring adhesive across a fully prepared subfloor and bonding each plank or tile directly to it. There is no click joint, no underlay, no expansion gap around the perimeter. The result is a continuous, dimensionally stable floor that sits flush to skirtings, doorways and kitchen units, and behaves as a single piece of flooring rather than a floating raft. It is the format that every serious LVT manufacturer treats as their reference product — Amtico Signature, Karndean Art Select, Karndean Van Gogh, Invictus Maximus and Project Floors are all glue-down by design.
The Glue Down Collections We Stock
Amtico Signature is Amtico’s flagship glue-down library and the most-specified premium LVT range in the UK — full design library, 1mm wear layer, 20-year domestic warranty. Amtico Spacia, Amtico Form and Amtico First sit alongside it as more accessible glue-down options.
Karndean Art Select and Karndean Van Gogh are Karndean’s two glue-down flagships, both with 0.55mm wear layers and lifetime structural guarantees on domestic installs. Karndean Knight Tile is the entry point into the Karndean glue-down family.
Invictus Maximus is the heavy-spec European glue-down range we sell when a project needs the toughest possible wear layer in a hospitality or high-traffic domestic build.
Project Floors is the contract-grade German glue-down brand we use for designers, architects and commercial projects — see Wood Plank Collection, Herringbone and Chevron.
GF LVT is our own-brand glue down range — premium European spec, sharp pricing, full online checkout and free samples.
Glue Down vs Click vs Loose Lay
There are three core LVT installation formats and choosing between them is the most important spec decision on any project. Glue down is bonded directly to the subfloor and is the most stable, the best for underfloor heating and the only format premium designers will normally specify. Click LVT is a floating system with a rigid SPC core and a click joint — quicker to fit, good for retrofits where lifting the existing floor is impractical. Loose lay LVT sits on a high-friction backing with no adhesive at all — used in commercial spaces where access to subfloor services has to be preserved. For most homes, glue down is the right answer.
Where to Use Glue Down LVT
Glue down LVT is the strongest performer in kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, utility rooms and conservatories — the rooms where moisture, big temperature swings, heavy point loads and underfloor heating are all in play. It is also the format we recommend for whole-ground-floor projects where you want a single continuous floor running through to the dining room and lounge.
Underfloor Heating
Glue down LVT is the format underfloor heating manufacturers themselves recommend. Because the planks are bonded continuously to the subfloor, heat transfers efficiently and there is no air gap to act as an insulator. All the glue down ranges we stock are compatible with both wet and electric UFH up to a maximum surface temperature of 27°C — follow the supplied installation instructions and acclimatise the boxes in the room for at least 48 hours before fitting.
Installation Notes
Glue down LVT is unforgiving on subfloor preparation. The subfloor must be flat, clean, dry and primed; any imperfection underneath will telegraph through to the surface. For this reason it is the format we strongly recommend using a professional fitter for. Our own teams handle glue down installations across Cheshire and South Manchester from the Altrincham showroom; for nationwide customers we are happy to advise on what to look for when choosing a local installer.
Explore Related Categories
- Other formats: click LVT, loose lay LVT.
- By effect: wood-effect plank, wood-effect herringbone, stone-effect tile, pattern tile.
- By brand: Amtico, Karndean, Project Floors, Nordikka, Brampton Chase, Elements, Textures, GF LVT.
- Wider context: back to luxury vinyl flooring.
How to Buy or Get a Quote
GF LVT is available to buy online with full pricing displayed and up to 5 free samples per order. Amtico, Karndean, Invictus and Project Floors are sold on a Request a Price basis — get in touch via our enquiry form, WhatsApp or phone with the range you have shortlisted, a rough room measurement and any competitor quote you have already received, and we will come back the same working day with a tailored, competitive price. Supply-and-fit is available across Cheshire and South Manchester from our 24/7 smart-lock Altrincham showroom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Glue Down LVT better than Click LVT?
Neither is necessarily "better"; the choice depends on your needs. Glue Down LVT is more stable and durable, especially in high-traffic or high-moisture areas, and is easier to repair. Click LVT is easier and faster to install, making it a better choice for DIY projects and rooms where a more cushioned feel is preferred.
Does Glue Down LVT require a perfect subfloor?
Yes, it is crucial that the subfloor is perfectly clean, dry, and level. Because the LVT is thin and permanently bonded, any imperfections in the subfloor will show through. A professional fitter will typically use a self-levelling compound to create a flawless surface before installation.
Is it easy to replace a damaged plank in a Glue Down LVT floor?
Yes, this is one of its key advantages. A damaged plank can be individually removed using a heat gun to soften the adhesive, and a new one can be fitted in its place without disturbing the surrounding floor. This makes repairs straightforward and cost-effective in the long run.
