What’s the difference between floating and glued flooring?

The key difference between floating and glued flooring is how the floor covering is attached to the subfloor. Glued flooring uses an adhesive to fix the flooring to the subfloor. Floating flooring relies on the weight of the floor covering and interlocking system to stay in place.

Installing glued flooring

An adhesive bonding solution is applied to the subfloor, then the floor tiles or planks are pressed onto the adhesive, making the tiles or planks firmly attached to the subfloor. This creates a very stable floor, which is good for high foot traffic areas. If the subfloor is uneven, it should be levelled first.

Installing glued flooring takes skill and time and is best done by professional installers. If the floor is damaged, it is not easy to remove individual planks or tiles to replace them.

Installing floating floors

Floating floor installation involves laying planks or panels on the flooring and joining them using an interlocking system, such as a tongue-and-groove or click mechanism. The planks are not glued or attached to the floor, which allows for limited movement and expansion.

Compared to glued flooring, floating floors are easier to install and can be installed on top of existing floors if they are level. Individual planks are easier to replace if damaged. However, floating floors are susceptible to movement and can be noisier to walk on. Uneven subfloors may require levelling before floating floor installation.

Which method is best?

Which method to use depends on three factors: flooring type, subfloor and personal preferences.

Glued-down floors are stable and durable, making them excellent for high-traffic rooms and underfloor heating systems. Glued flooring is recommended for solid wood and vinyl floors.

Floating flooring is a good option for DIY installations as they are easier to install, and it is simpler to replace sections if damaged. Engineered wood, vinyl, and laminates are suitable for the floating floor method.

If you are uncertain about which installation system is best for your floors, consult with a flooring company in Chester, Wrexham or elsewhere in North Wales for expert advice on the installation of hard surface flooring.