What Is Gluedown LVT?
Gluedown luxury vinyl tile (LVT) is a premium hard flooring that is permanently adhered directly to the subfloor using a specialist adhesive. Unlike click or loose-lay LVT, gluedown sits completely flat with zero flex — making it ideal for high-traffic areas, underfloor heating systems, and commercial spaces where stability is critical.
Browse our full range: Luxury Vinyl Flooring – Gluedown LVT.
Gluedown vs Click LVT: Which Should You Choose?
Gluedown LVT is the right choice when:
- You want a permanent, ultra-stable installation
- You have underfloor heating (UFH)
- The space is commercial or high footfall
- You're fitting in a room with heavy furniture that won't be moved
Click LVT suits rentals, temporary installs, or rooms where you want the option to lift and relay later. Explore our Click LVT range if that fits your project.
Key Specifications to Check Before You Buy
1. Wear Layer Thickness
The wear layer is the clear protective coating on top of the vinyl. It determines durability and scratch resistance:
- 0.3 mm – suitable for residential use and some light commercial spaces. Not sure if this is right for your project? Speak to us and we'll advise. Browse our 0.3 mm ranges: Brampton Chase New Metro, Karndean Palio Gluedown, Karndean Palio Essenza.
- 0.55 mm – suitable for heavy residential and heavy commercial use. Browse our 0.55 mm ranges: Brampton Chase Studio Designs, Sierra Exempla LVT, ADAMAS Gluedown LVT.
- 0.7 mm and above – the highest grade, suited to heavy industrial, heavy commercial, public spaces, and the most demanding residential applications. Browse our 0.7 mm range: Endura Commercial LVT.
2. Total Plank Thickness
Gluedown LVT is typically 2 mm–3 mm thick. Thinner planks (2 mm–2.5 mm) are more flexible and conform well to minor subfloor irregularities; thicker planks (3 mm) feel more solid underfoot.
3. Size and Format
Plank formats include standard strips, wide planks, herringbone, and tile formats. Larger formats create an open, contemporary feel; smaller tiles and herringbone work well in kitchens and hallways.
Subfloor Requirements for Gluedown LVT
Subfloor preparation is the most critical factor for a successful gluedown installation. The subfloor must be:
- Flat: no more than 3 mm deviation over a 1.8 m straightedge
- Dry: relative humidity ≤ 75% (check with a hygrometer)
- Clean and sound: free from dust, grease, old adhesive, and loose material
See our detailed guide: How to Prepare a Subfloor for Gluedown Vinyl.
Room Suitability
| Room | Suitable? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Living room | ✅ Yes | Ideal; use with UFH for comfort |
| Kitchen | ✅ Yes | Waterproof; choose a textured finish to reduce slip risk |
| Bathroom / Wet room | ✅ Yes | 100% waterproof core; seal edges at thresholds |
| Bedroom | ✅ Yes | Quieter underfoot than tile |
| Conservatory | ⚠️ Check | Temperature fluctuations and high solar gain can stress the adhesive bond. Conservatories and rooms with large volumes of direct sunlight require careful product selection. Contact us before ordering and we'll advise on the right product for your space. |
| Below ground (basement) | ✅ Yes | Waterproof; ideal for damp-prone subfloors vs wood flooring |
Our Recommended Gluedown LVT Ranges
0.3 mm Wear Layer – Residential & Light Commercial
- Brampton Chase New Metro – a contemporary residential collection with on-trend wood and stone effects.
- Karndean Palio Gluedown – Italian-inspired designs with a warm, natural aesthetic; ideal for living spaces and bedrooms.
- Karndean Palio Essenza – the latest Palio collection featuring richer tones and wider plank formats.
0.55 mm Wear Layer – Heavy Residential & Heavy Commercial
- Brampton Chase Studio Designs – design-led patterns and textures suited to demanding residential and commercial environments.
- Sierra Exempla LVT – a robust commercial-grade collection with a strong wear layer for high-footfall spaces.
- ADAMAS Gluedown LVT – engineered for performance in heavy-use environments, combining durability with contemporary styling.
0.7 mm Wear Layer – Heavy Commercial, Industrial & Public Spaces
- Endura Commercial LVT – built for the most demanding environments including heavy industrial, public sector, and high-traffic commercial spaces.
Need Help Choosing?
Not sure which product is right for your project? Visit our homepage or contact our flooring specialists — we're happy to help you find the perfect fit.