Do You Glue Laminate Flooring?
02/09/2024
With the popularity of laminate flooring increasing, many homeowners are curious about the best practices for installation, particularly when it comes to using flooring adhesive or glue. This blog post will explore whether laminate flooring needs adhesive, the types of laminate flooring adhesive that are suitable, and when it's appropriate to use it.
Do You Glue Laminate Flooring?
Most laminate flooring today is designed with a click-lock system, which allows the planks to snap together easily without the need for adhesive, in certain environments such as dining rooms and living rooms. However, there are situations where using glue for laminate flooring may be necessary, and even highly beneficial in areas that need added stability or that come into contact with moisture, such as a kitchen or bathroom.
Read more: Tools Needed For Laminate Flooring
Does Laminate Flooring Need Adhesive?
When installing laminate flooring in high-moisture areas like kitchens or bathrooms, applying flooring adhesive to the joints can create a more water-resistant seal, reducing the risk of water damage. Additionally, if you're dealing with uneven subfloors, using a laminate flooring adhesive can help secure the planks, preventing movement or lifting over time. It is also advisable to use glue for laminate flooring if you're installing the floor in an area with heavy foot traffic. The extra adhesion provides added durability, ensuring that your flooring remains stable and secure under constant use.
Adhesive for Laminate Flooring: When and Why to Use It
There are a lot of floor adhesives to choose from, but when choosing glue for laminate flooring, it's essential to select the right type. A specialised laminate flooring adhesive is recommended, as it is formulated to work with the specific materials and properties of laminate planks. This type of adhesive is usually applied to the tongue and groove of the laminate pieces, ensuring a strong bond.
Laminate Flooring with Adhesive vs. Floating Installation
| Floating Installation | Installation with Laminate Flooring Adhesive |
|---|---|
| Quicker installation: floating installation tenfold to be quicker in comparison to adhesive curing time. | Glued laminate floors tend to be quieter, as the adhesive minimises movement and reduces the creaking sound that sometimes occurs with floating floors. |
| Easier repair: If a plank gets damaged, it's more difficult and time-consuming to remove and replace it when adhesive is involved. | A glued floor may feel more solid underfoot, offering a more traditional hardwood-like experience. |
| Glue-down laminate requires a properly prepared subfloor, while floating laminate doesn’t in certain areas of a home. | Durability: Glue-down laminate is more durable and can hold up better in high-traffic areas over time. |
| Floating laminate is more DIY-friendly. | Glue-down laminate may be better if the room experiences inconsistent temperatures. |
| Water resistance: Glue-down laminate is more water resistant than floating laminate. | |
| Appearance: Glue-down laminate can create a seamless look without interlocking parts. It can also be installed around existing spaces without leaving an expansion gap. |
Best Adhesive for Laminate Flooring
If you decide to use glue for your laminate flooring, look for a high-quality, moisture-resistant adhesive that is specifically designed for laminate flooring. These adhesives are usually quick-drying and provide a strong, lasting bond.
We stock a variety of brands, including Ardex flooring adhesive, Mapei floor adhesive, Ultra Floor, and UZIN adhesive. We also stock a comprehensive range of flooring trowels, including adhesive trowels to give you even adhesive distribution when laying your laminate floor.
Popular examples of laminate flooring adhesive that we stock are:
It's also worth noting that if you're working with luxury vinyl tile (LVT) flooring, you'll need the best adhesive for LVT flooring, as the requirements for vinyl and laminate can differ. We stock a range of adhesives suitable for use with different types of vinyl flooring, such as luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) and sheet vinyl. Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) is a modern flooring product that combines the durability of vinyl with the realistic look of laminate. It's designed for use in both commercial and residential indoor spaces and is available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and visual looks.
Whether you are working with carpet, vinyl, laminate, wood, or tile, we have the perfect adhesive to suit your specific flooring needs. Here are the different types of floor adhesive that we stock:
Read More:Floor Laminate Glue: Tips for Application
When applying laminate flooring adhesive, follow these tips for the best results:
- Clean the Subfloor: Ensure that the subfloor is clean, dry, and free of debris before applying adhesive. This will help the glue bond more effectively.
- Apply Evenly: Use a flooring trowel to spread the adhesive evenly on the subfloor or the underside of the laminate planks, depending on the product's instructions.
- Work in Sections: To prevent the glue from drying too quickly, work in small sections, laying down the planks as you go.
- Check for Excess Adhesive: Wipe away any excess laminate flooring adhesive immediately to avoid it seeping into the seams or damaging the surface of the laminate.
- Have the Right Flooring Tools and Floor Trims: Laminate floor beading and trim are essential components when adding the perfect finishing touches to your laminate floor installations. Our selection includes products from Dural, Genesis, Schluter, and Premtool in a variety of colours, styles, and finishes to match any laminate flooring.
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Which Flooring Adhesive Do I Need?
Our selection of laminate flooring adhesives caters to a variety of needs, including water-resistant adhesives for bathrooms and kitchens, fast-setting adhesives for time-sensitive projects, and low-VOC adhesives for eco-conscious consumers. Our products are specially designed to provide a strong and durable bond, ensuring your laminate flooring stays in place for years to come. Plus, our range includes adhesives suitable for both concrete and timber subfloors, making it easier to find the right adhesive for your specific project.
If you can't find what you're looking for on the website please do not hesitate to get in touch with our team on 0330 3201223 or email your queries to [email protected], and we can help you with all of your flooring needs.