Do I Need Adhesive For Vinyl Flooring​?
21/02/2025People often choose vinyl flooring as it is highly durable, water resistant, easy to clean and maintain, and can be installed in high-traffic areas, making it a practical choice. A question people ask is: Do you need adhesive for vinyl flooring? The simple answer is yes, and using the right adhesive for vinyl flooring is necessary.
When Does Vinyl Flooring Need Adhesive?
In many cases, vinyl floor adhesive is required to secure the flooring to the subfloor, ensuring stability and preventing movement over time. Some vinyl flooring options are designed to be installed without adhesive, but others require it for optimal performance. Here are some situations where floor adhesive is typically needed:
Sheet Vinyl Flooring: Most sheet vinyl installations require adhesive, either applied across the entire surface (full-spread) or around the perimeter.
Vinyl Tiles: If you're using adhesive for vinyl tile flooring, it will help keep the tiles in place and prevent shifting.
High-Traffic Areas: For rooms with heavy foot traffic, using adhesive enhances durability and minimises the risk of peeling or curling edges.
Moisture-Prone Areas: Bathrooms, kitchens, and basements may require adhesive to provide additional resistance to moisture and humidity.
Can You Install Vinyl Flooring Over Tile?
Yes, you can install vinyl flooring over tile, but proper preparation is essential. The surface must be clean, level, and free of cracks to ensure the vinyl adheres correctly. If the tile has deep grout lines, you may need to apply a levelling compound before installation to prevent imperfections from showing through the vinyl.
Choosing the Right Adhesive for Vinyl Flooring
If your flooring requires glue, selecting the correct vinyl floor adhesive is crucial for a successful installation. Here is a breakdown of vinyl floor adhesive by brand:
Uzin KE 2000: A versatile adhesive with strong bonding capabilities. It is odourless during and after application and suitable for heavy wear in residential, commercial, and industrial environments.  Uzin KE 2428: Designed for high-humidity areas, this adhesive is easy to spread, offers excellent coverage, has a high final strength, and provides an extended working time.  Uzin KE 49 HT: A high-temperature adhesive ideal for areas exposed to heat, featuring a long working time.  | |
Ardex AF 175 Luxury Vinyl Tile Adhesive: A fibre-reinforced, water-based, solvent-free adhesive with low odour. Designed for luxury vinyl tiles (LVT), it provides strong grip, durability, and high-temperature resistance, making it suitable for underfloor heating systems.  Ardex AF 2365: A universal adhesive suitable for all vinyl floorcoverings, textiles, linoleum, and rubber up to 2.5mm thick. Allows floorcovering installation up to 40 minutes after application.  Ardex AF 165 Vinyl Adhesive: Ensures strong early and long-term adhesive strength, making it ideal for all types of vinyl sheet floorcoverings.  | |
Mapei Ultrabond Eco 380: A solvent-free, ready-to-use, beige-coloured adhesive in water dispersion. Offers a strong initial bond, extended open time, and forms a durable, elastic film.  Mapei Ultrabond Eco V4: A pressure-sensitive adhesive in a light beige paste, designed for bonding stable floor coverings on impervious, non-absorbent substrates.  | |
Tilemaster Eco-3000HT: A high-temperature adhesive suitable for substrates with underfloor heating. Ideal for areas exposed to direct sunlight, such as conservatories and glass-fronted buildings.  Tilemaster Eco-3000PS: A pressure-sensitive, solvent-free adhesive, perfect for LVT installations, especially intricate designs or design floors.  | |
Ultra Floor Stick IT 500: A water-based acrylic polymer adhesive that provides a strong bond for carpets and vinyl. Works well with underfloor heating systems and ensures quick, reliable installation.  Ultra Floor Stick IT 543: Designed for high-temperature areas and direct sunlight exposure, including conservatories and shop fronts. As a pressure-sensitive adhesive, the bond is formed by applying pressure to connect the adhesive with the floor covering.  Ultra Floor Stick IT 640: Suitable for all vinyl floorcoverings, including PVC sheet and tile, PVC-backed carpets, cushion vinyl, rubber sheet/tile with smooth backing, and polyolefin floorcoverings.  |
Always check the manufacturer's guidelines to determine what adhesive for vinyl flooring is best for your specific product.
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Essential Vinyl Flooring Tools
Having the right vinyl flooring tools ensures a professional-looking finish. Some must-have tools include:
Vinyl Cutters: specially designed for cutting vinyl flooring with precision and ease, without requiring electricity. These cutters ensure clean, accurate edges on various vinyl tiles, making the installation process more efficient and seamless.
Tape Measure: Ensures accurate measurements.
Notched Trowel: Distributes adhesive evenly on the subfloor.
Vinyl Floor Roller: Presses the vinyl down firmly, eliminating air bubbles.
Safety Gear: Gloves and knee pads for protection during installation.
LVT and Vinyl Trim: To create a seamless finish to your vinyl floor.
Floor primer: Provides a smooth and even surface for your vinyl flooring.
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Does vinyl flooring need adhesive? Most vinyl flooring requires the right adhesive, using vinyl floor adhesive can improve stability and longevity, especially in high-traffic or moisture-prone areas. Whether installing over tile or a standard subfloor, proper floor preparation and the right flooring tools are key to a successful vinyl flooring project. For any technical advice, you can contact our experienced sales team on 01604 915243 or via email [email protected].