Click LVT vs Stick Down LVT: What’s the Best Choice for Your Floor?

Understanding the Two Main Types of LVT

Luxury Vinyl Tile, better known as LVT, has taken the flooring world by storm thanks to its durability, affordability, and versatility. One of the biggest choices homeowners and commercial installers face when selecting LVT is whether to opt for click-fit or stick-down installation. At first glance, the two may seem similar, but they offer distinctly different benefits, depending on where the flooring will be installed and how it will be used.

Click LVT, also known as floating LVT, locks together much like laminate flooring. It sits on top of an underlay without the need for glue or adhesive. Stick down LVT, on the other hand, is fixed directly to the subfloor using a pressure-sensitive adhesive, meaning it’s a more permanent option that requires a stable and prepared surface.

Where Click LVT Makes Sense

Click LVT is a favourite for DIY projects and quicker installations because it doesn’t require adhesive and is easier to lay without professional help. The planks or tiles click together using a tongue-and-groove system, creating a floating floor that can often be laid directly over existing hard floors, provided the surface is level and smooth. For domestic settings such as bedrooms, hallways, and upstairs areas, LVT offers a cost-effective and mess-free solution that looks great and performs well.

Its slight flexibility also helps in newer homes or properties where the subfloor might still be settling. Click LVT has a bit more give, which can reduce the risk of cracking or lifting compared to rigid flooring types. However, it does need a perfectly flat surface underneath, and in some rooms, particularly those exposed to significant temperature changes, an expansion gap around the perimeter is recommended.

Why Stick Down LVT Remains a Professional Favourite

Stick-down LVT is the go-to option for commercial projects and high-traffic zones. It’s fixed in place using adhesive, meaning it won’t shift, lift, or expand the way floating floors sometimes can. Once installed, it becomes a solid part of the floor, which is ideal for rooms with heavy furniture, rolling loads, or underfloor heating.

In bathrooms and kitchens where water resistance is most crucial, stick-down LVT tends to offer greater stability and improved performance over time. Because it is glued directly to the subfloor, there’s less movement and minimal risk of moisture creeping under the surface. It also allows for more intricate patterns, such as herringbone or bespoke borders, which can significantly elevate the room’s finish.

Which One Is More Durable?

Both click and stick down LVT are made from tough layers that resist dents, scratches, and stains. However, in areas with continuous foot traffic, stick-down LVT usually lasts longer without developing visible movement or wear patterns. It sits tighter to the subfloor, making it less prone to bending or flexing under pressure. That’s why retailers, schools, hospitals, and office spaces almost always opt for stick-down versions.

That said, modern click LVT has improved significantly and now includes rigid core options that are extremely hard-wearing. These can be an excellent choice for family homes or rental properties where a quick refresh is needed without committing to adhesive-based fittings.

Considering Moisture and Temperature Changes

When it comes to moisture-prone areas, such as bathrooms, utility rooms, or conservatories, both types of LVT can perform well, provided they are installed correctly. Stick-down LVT typically edges ahead here, as the adhesive adds an extra seal, and there’s no chance of water getting between click seams. However, a click LVT that’s fully waterproof and installed adequately with sealed joints can also work well in these spaces.

Stick down LVT also holds up better under vast temperature changes, such as in rooms with large windows or areas with underfloor heating. Click LVT may expand or contract more noticeably unless it’s designed to cope with such conditions.

Installation and Replacement Factors

Click LVT can be installed quickly, often without the need for professional help. It’s a popular option for homeowners doing renovations or those who want a new floor laid in a day. The floating design also means it can be removed or replaced more easily if a section becomes damaged.

Stick-down LVT requires a properly prepared subfloor, adhesive, and often a skilled installer. It takes longer to lay but delivers a smoother, more secure finish. Replacing a damaged tile or plank can be done, but it’s more labour-intensive and usually requires professional tools or assistance.

Which Is More Expensive?

The materials themselves don’t always vary much in price, although click LVT is sometimes slightly more expensive due to the engineered click mechanism. The main difference lies in the installation cost. Click LVT can save on labour costs, especially for smaller jobs or rooms with straightforward layouts.

Stick-down LVT, by contrast, involves subfloor preparation, adhesive costs, and longer installation times – all of which add to the total cost. That said, it may be more cost-effective in the long term due to its higher resilience in busy areas and longer lifespan under pressure.

Making the Right Choice for Your Space

Ultimately, the choice between click-and-stick LVT and traditional LVT comes down to the room’s intended use, the flooring’s required durability, and the level of control you want over the installation process. For quick, flexible fitting and straightforward replacements, LVT is hard to beat. Stick-down LVT is the preferred choice for commercial spaces, busy households, and long-term durability.

Whichever option you go for, LVT remains one of the most practical, stylish, and versatile flooring choices on the market. With more colours, textures, and finishes available than ever before, both types of LVT offer an innovative and stylish way to transform your space – you need to choose the one that fits your lifestyle best.