Glue down LVT – Floors for life

glue down LVT

Glue down LVT (luxury vinyl tile) is often considered better than click-lock (floating) LVT for several reasons:

Stability and Durability

Glue down LVT is more stable because it is adhered directly to the subfloor, which minimizes movement. This makes it a better choice for areas with heavy foot traffic or where furniture is frequently moved.

Because glue-down LVT is firmly attached to the subfloor, it tends to be more durable and longer-lasting. This type of installation can handle more wear and tear without coming loose.

Sound absorption and Feel

Glue down LVT tends to produce less noise because it is solidly adhered to the subfloor, reducing the hollow sound that can sometimes occur with floating floors.

Glue down LVT generally feels more solid underfoot because there is no air gap between the flooring and the subfloor. This can provide a more authentic feel, similar to natural materials like wood.

Versatility and Performance

Glue down LVT can be installed in a wider range of environments, including areas with fluctuating temperatures and humidity levels, such as sunrooms or basements.

Performance in Moist Areas

Because it is adhered directly to the subfloor, glue-down LVT is less likely to trap moisture underneath, which can be beneficial in moisture-prone areas like bathrooms and kitchens.

Cost and Installation

In case of damage, individual glue-down tiles can be replaced without disturbing the surrounding tiles, which is not possible with click-lock systems.

Aesthetics

Glue down LVT does not need scotia against skirting boards as it does not shrink and contract so you can have a neat finish in all rooms.

Conclusion

Glue-down LVT is often favoured for its stability, durability, better sound absorption, solid feel underfoot, versatility in various environments, performance in moist areas, and ease of repair. However, it requires a more complex installation process compared to click-lock LVT, which is generally easier and quicker to install. The best choice depends on the specific needs and conditions of the space where the flooring will be installed.

The importance of choosing glue down LVT over click-lock for dog owners is that it is fully waterproof against doggy accidents ad water bowl spills.

Pet-friendly LVT from Floors for Paws

Our luxury vinyl flooring range offers customers a choice of 6 stone-effect finishes and 6 wood-effect finishes to appeal to all tastes. To help you narrow your choice, order up to three free samples today.

Floors for Paws Luxury vinyl range

 

LVT Vs. click flooring – Which is best for dog owners?

LVT vs Click

At Floors for Paws, we supply and fit luxury vinyl flooring which we know is the best flooring for dogs.

 

LVT flooring can be installed in two ways – glue-down or click. At Floors for Paws, our product ranges are glue down but here we look at the alternative, click vinyl flooring, to see how it compares.

What is vinyl click flooring?

As its name suggests, vinyl click flooring is made up of interlocking tiles that ‘click’ together thanks to a tongue and groove style system where the edge of one tile will lock into the next. Also known as floating vinyl flooring, click flooring is not permanently fixed to the floor but rather sits or ‘floats’ on top of it.

The disadvantages of vinyl click flooring

  • Many people think that because click flooring requires only underlay and no preparation of your sub-floor, that it is preferable to glue-down. However if your subfloor is not up to standard, it will need some work before an underlay product can be fitted. With glue-down LVT, there is no need for underlay and preparing your sub-floor for luxury vinyl plank flooring is straightforward.
  • Where noise and sound levels are important, click vinyl is not ideal – the adhesive bond in glue-down LVT provides increased stability and noise reduction.
  • Glue-down LVT is completely waterproof and ideal for any room in the home. Click vinyl, however features joints that can be easily penetrated by high levels of moisture, resulting in warping and damage. Additionally where water and other liquids like dog pee are able to penetrate the joins, this can lead to the integrity of the flooring being compromised, and smells.
  • When exposed to fluctuating temperature conditions, click flooring will have movement. The tiles or planks will expand and contract with the heat which will lead to the floor rising over time. It will also need expansion gaps around the perimeter to help with this which add to its overall lack of water resistance and require beading trim or skirting boards.

The benefits of LVT flooring from Floors For Paws

Working closely with CAM, our priority at Floors For Paws has always been to deliver the best flooring for dogs and their owners.

Our flooring has the highest slip rating of any vinyl currently on the market, making it super safe for young, gangly puppies and older, unsteady dogs.

A soft, comfort cushion layer makes it comfortable underfoot for pet owners and offers a kinder cushioning for pets to lie down on.

When professionally installed LVT flooring is completely waterproof and comes with a 30-year domestic guarantee.

Our Pawsafe Domestic range comes in a choice of 12 realistic, wood-effect vinyl planks, allowing home owners to create the look of traditional solid wood flooring. Of course, this kind of choice can be overwhelming, so let us send you up to three free samples (or more for a small charge) to help you decide.

If you are still undecided, consider the options carefully, but before making your final choice, read what one of our trusted installation experts has to say. If you have any further questions after that, we’re here to help. Contact us at info@floorsforpaws.com or on 01522 300218.

LVT flooring for pet owners. You’ll love the results

LVT for pet owners

The choice of flooring available in today’s market can be daunting but, for pet owners, it’s vital to choose the best flooring for dogs. Here, we look at the pros and cons of LVT flooring in particular.

 

What is LVT flooring?

LVT flooring is the abbreviation for luxury vinyl tile flooring, a synthetic flooring solution that, thanks to advances in production techniques, mimics the look of natural wood, stone, and ceramic.

The benefits of LVT flooring

Beautiful designs – LVT flooring offers the look and style that discerning homeowners demand. Innovative 3D printing techniques produce tiles that replicate the aesthetic of natural wood and stone, making this flooring suitable for anywhere in the home.

Strength and durability –  at Floors for Paws, our luxury vinyl range comprises several layers, including a high density fleece backing, a reinforcement layer and a coated anti-slip wear upper layer. Layers are heat fused together and this composition ensures maximum strength and durability, while protecting the design integrity of the floor.

Low maintenance –  stain and scratch resistant, LVT flooring is easy to maintain and will continue to look its best with a basic level of care. How to clean vinyl floors includes lots of dos and don’ts for regular maintenance as well as deep cleaning advice.

Waterproof – luxury vinyl repels moisture and when professionally installed it is virtually waterproof.

LVT lifespan

The average lifespan of LVT is around 25-30 years and at Floors for Paws, we are so confident in the quality of our products that, when they are professionally installed, they will come with a 30-year domestic guarantee. Manufactured to stand the test of time, luxury vinyl is a great option for busy homes.

The cons of LVT flooring

Compared to the benefits it offers, luxury vinyl flooring has relatively few cons. It can be difficult to remove once it has been glued down, and it can dent easily so furniture coasters/floor protectors should be used under heavy furniture.

Luxury vinyl flooring is the best flooring for dogs

Our luxury vinyl range is offered in a choice of finishes to suit every home and offers all the features and benefits outlined above. However, it is where a home has pets that this flooring really comes into its own. The range is endorsed by CAM (Canine Arthritis Management) and has been designed with your pets’ comfort in mind. With a non-slip surface and extra layer for comfort, our LVT also features a textured surface to enable older, infirm dogs or even gangly puppies, to maintain their footing and therefore reduce the risk of injury, allowing them to move safely.

Free samples available

If you would like to see for yourself what our luxury vinyl range can offer you and your pets, order up to three free samples, or more for a small charge. If you like what you receive, ordering with us couldn’t be simpler. Send us an email to info@floorsforpaws.com or give our friendly team a call on 01522 300218, and we will do the rest.

Questions to ask about vinyl flooring

Floors for paws at Rigsby holiday cottage

Customers always have lots of questions – these are the ones we are asked the most at Floors For Paws.

When making the decision to invest in new vinyl flooring for your home or business premises, it is only natural to ask lots of questions before making such a considered purchase. Here, we have put together some of the most frequently asked questions to help you.

What is vinyl flooring?

Vinyl flooring is a synthetic flooring solution made up of several layers with the uppermost surface giving the flooring its final look. Vinyl flooring can be manufactured to resemble natural stone, real wood and ceramic tiles. It can have a textured surface, and is often backed with plastic or felt.

How do you buy vinyl flooring?

Vinyl flooring can be bought by length (usually in metres) off the roll, exactly like carpet. Alternatively, it can be supplied as tiles or planks which can be pieced together to create patterns, some of which can replicate the traditional patterns found in solid wood flooring.

How to lay vinyl flooring

This is not something we would recommend, especially for the novice DIY-er to attempt, as vinyl flooring requires experienced fitters. At Floor For Paws, we work with a network or professional fitters who can install your new floor for you. When you have a Floors For Paws vinyl floor installed by one of our approved contractors, we offer a 30-year domestic guarantee or a 10-year commercial guarantee. However, for those who would like to lay their flooring themselves, it is important to know how to prepare your sub-floor correctly.

What to put under vinyl flooring

Sheet vinyl and vinyl flooring that is installed using the glue down method, require no underlay, as the flooring is bonded directly onto the sub-floor. However, in these cases it is imperative that the sub-floor is correctly prepared with flooring grade plywood or smoothing compound.

Is vinyl flooring waterproof?

Vinyl flooring is waterproof. However, where vinyl flooring is installed as planks or tiles with numerous joins, it may be less waterproof than vinyl sheet flooring, if it has not been installed by a qualified contractor. Our guide to the best waterproof flooring for pets examines the difference between waterproof and water resistance. 

How to clean vinyl flooring

Vinyl flooring is relatively low maintenance, requiring little more than regular sweeping and mopping, although all spillages should be dealt with immediately. For areas of heavy traffic, a deeper clean can be carried out to maintain the appearance of the vinyl and to prevent it from becoming dull and tired.

What’s the difference between vinyl flooring and luxury vinyl flooring?

Vinyl flooring is supplied by length in rolls and can be laid with the minimum of seams or joins, depending on the area to be covered. Available in a choice of colours, patterns and designs, vinyl flooring should be professionally installed. Any repairs that become necessary might lead to the whole floor being replaced.

Luxury vinyl flooring, often referred to as LVT (luxury vinyl tiles) is available in tile or plank shapes, allowing the creation of different patterns and designs. LVT flooring is often finished in a choice of hardwood-, stone-, or ceramic-effects. Repairs can be carried out by simply replacing the affected sections.

Is vinyl flooring pet friendly?

Vinyl flooring from Floor For Paws is extremely pet-friendly and all our ranges have been endorsed by CAM (Canine Arthritis Management). Non-slip, and therefore kinder on older joints and young, under-developed bones, our vinyl flooring features a soft upper layer that is more comfortable for our four legged friends to lie on.

Vinyl flooring from Floors For Paws

At Floors For Paws, we offer three ranges of vinyl flooring. Our luxury vinyl range is available as planks or tiles and is perfect for anywhere in the home, our Pawsafe Domestic range is ideal for creating the look of a traditional herringbone solid wood floor in any room, and our Pawsafe Commercial range, available as vinyl sheeting is hardwearing enough for high traffic commercial premises such as veterinary clinics and doggy day care.

If you have any other questions not covered here, our friendly sales team is waiting to help. Simply call us on 01522 300218 or email us at info@floorsforpaws.com

Preparing your sub-floor for luxury vinyl plank flooring

Man prepares sub-floor

When preparing your subfloor for luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring, it is important to ensure that the surface is level, clean, and free of any debris or obstacles.

Here are some steps you can take to prepare your subfloor for LVP, if your subfloor is concrete:

1. Remove any existing flooring: This includes carpeting, tile, or hardwood. Be sure toremove any nails, staples, or adhesive residue left behind.

2. Inspect the subfloor: Look for any cracks, holes, or uneven areas that need to be repaired. If the subfloor is made of concrete, check for moisture issues by using a
moisture meter.

3. If the moisture reader shows a relative humidity (RH) of over 75% the use of a damp proof membrane is necessary (unless you wish to wait to install your floor until the
concrete is completely dry.

4. A damp proof membrane (DPM) is a layer of material that is installed between the subfloor and the final flooring to prevent moisture from penetrating the surface of the
flooring. It is relatively easy to install and can help to extend the lifespan of your flooring.Remember to also check if the manufacturer of the LVP you choose specifies any other requirement for installing the flooring, such as a vapor barrier.

5. Clean the subfloor: This is important to ensure that there is no dust or debris that can interfere with the application of the latex smoothing compound. Use a broom or vacuum to remove any dirt, dust, or debris.

6. Repair any damage. Use repair mortar or a crack repair kit to repair any uneven areas or cracks in the subfloor.

7. Before installing the LVP, it’s important to make sure that the subfloor is level and dry. Use a self-levelling smoothing compound to smooth them out. 2-3mm of smoothing compound will dry to walk on within 2 hours however will need at least 24 hours to dry sufficiently for the LVP to be adhered to it. With most levelling compounds you need to apply a primer to the subfloor before putting the levelling compound down.

8. Test the subfloor: Before installing the LVP, it’s important to make sure that the subfloor is level and dry. Use a self-levelling compound to smooth them out. 2-3mm of latex will dry to walk on within 2 hours however will need at least 24 hours to dry sufficiently for the LVP to be adhered to it.

By following these steps, you will ensure that your subfloor is properly prepared for the installation of LVP flooring. This will help to ensure that the flooring is installed correctly and will last for many years to come.

Our Pawsafe Domestic range and our Luxury Vinyl range are supplied in a choice of plank or tile options in a range of attractive wood- and stone-effect finishes to satisfy the most house proud amongst us.

How does LVT compare with Laminate?

LUXURY vinyl tiles (LVTs) and planks have sometimes been compared with laminate flooring. So what’s the difference?

Laminate flooring is considered to be easy to install, but moisture or high humidity can easily affect the product if not controlled. The key point is successful control of relative humidity. The core of a laminate has been described as acting like a sponge, absorbing moisture causing it to expand. If there is not enough expansion in a room, the floor will buckle, or the joints of the laminate will squeak as you walk across it.

The biggest issue is when water is repeatedly applied to the seams they swell and lift, causing one ugly looking floor and permanent damage.

LVT, on the other hand, is a heavy duty vinyl floor, produced in individual tiles or planks. Think of it as a laminate floor without the major issues that water and moisture cause.

LVT products are generally made of highly moisture resistant PVC or virgin vinyl. This results in a floor that is easy to maintain and clean, highly durable and easy to install. An LVT can be fully glued down, or installed with glue less self-locking edge just like a laminate.

Laminate flooring and LVT are similar in that both have cost and durability advantages over such other solid-surface flooring choices as hardwood, ceramic or stone. Both imitate natural surfaces like wood or stone – or other flooring types for that matter.

Both are easier to maintain than wood or tile. For example, hardwood or engineered-wood floors may need refinishing, and some tile types may need resealing or re-grouting. Both can allow for repair by replacement of a damaged plank or tile. Both have wear layers. LVT may have a clear-vinyl and urethane coating to protect it.

LVT and laminate flooring: The differences:
They’re made out of different materials. Laminate flooring is made of layers.

The primary layer (the core) is made of high-density fibreboard (HFD). This gives laminate flooring its rigidity and strength. LVT is made in layers as well; its primary component is PVC vinyl, which makes LVT dimensionally stable and flexible.

They install differently. Laminate flooring is a floating-floor system that should never be nailed or glued to the subfloor. Some LVT products now offer a floating-floor approach to installation.

LVT installs traditionally as a glue-down system by the application of a separate adhesive or the use of peel-and-stick tiles or planks. They feel different. Because laminate flooring is made primarily from wood, it feels like wood. LVT is made out of vinyl and it feels like plastic.

They handle stains and flame differently. Laminate flooring is highly stain-resistant and will not be damaged by limited flame exposure, like a hot ember tossed through a fireplace screen. Some LVT is very susceptible to staining and will be damaged by limited flame exposure.

Contract Flooring Journal


For more information on our products and to browse our selection, click here to explore our PawSafe Domestic Range.

If you want the best flooring for your dogs, simply call us today on 01522 300218 to find out more, or  drop us an email to info@floorsforpaws.com