Adhesive vinyl

Buy glue-down vinyl: Glue-down vinyl is glued to the entire surface of the subfloor, resulting in an especially thin, stable, and quiet flooring structure. We offer over 1,000 designs from Gerflor, Moduleo, Tarkett, Forbo, Project Floors, IPC, and Quick-Step, as well as adhesive, primer, and leveling compound all from a single source.

• 🎯 Samples conveniently delivered to your home: 3 for €19.95, with the amount credited toward your purchase.
• 💬 Personal advice from industry experts.
• 🚚 Fast freight shipping with schedulable delivery.

What is glue-down vinyl?

Glue-down vinyl, often called dryback, is a designer vinyl flooring that is not clicked together, but rather glued to the entire surface of the subfloor. The planks and tiles are thin and flexible, which is why glue-down vinyl requires a smooth, leveled subfloor. In return, the floor sits firmly, has a solid sound, and can be installed over large areas without expansion joints.

When glue-down vinyl is the right choice

• Large areas without expansion joints: Glued-down flooring does not shift, allowing you to install it seamlessly across multiple rooms.
• Underfloor heating: Due to direct contact with the screed, heat reaches the surface faster than with floating installations.
• High-traffic rooms: The floor does not give way under wheelchairs, office chairs, or heavy furniture.
• Low installation height: Glue-down vinyl is significantly thinner than click vinyl, which is ideal when keeping doors and thresholds as they are.
• Quieter footfall: There is no hollow space beneath the floor, so it sounds much more solid than click vinyl without underlayment. It is even quieter with Forbo Allura Decibel, a glue-down vinyl with an integrated acoustic backing.

What you need for installation

The subfloor must be level, dry, firm, and absorbent. In practice, this usually means: prime, then level, then glue. On screed, you should check for residual moisture beforehand; on old tile, you must smooth out the joints. You can find suitable adhesive, primer, and leveling compound in our accessories section.

Glue-down vinyl is the more demanding installation method. If you are unsure about the subfloor, give us a call before you order. We will tell you honestly whether the effort is worth it or if click vinyl is the better choice for you.

Glue-down vinyl on tiles and in the bathroom

You can install glue-down vinyl over existing, stable tiles if you first fill the joints completely; otherwise, they will show through later. You can find step-by-step instructions in our guide: Glue-down vinyl on tiles. In bathrooms outside of the shower area, glue-down vinyl is a good choice if the subfloor, adhesive, and edge seals are correct. Learn more in our guide Glue-down vinyl in the bathroom and in our selection of vinyl flooring for bathrooms.

Frequently asked questions about glue-down vinyl

What is the difference between glue-down vinyl and click vinyl?

Glue-down vinyl is glued to the entire surface and sits firmly on the subfloor. Click vinyl is installed as a floating floor and simply clicked together. Glue-down vinyl has a lower installation height, is more stable over large areas, and conducts heat better. Click vinyl is faster to install and can be removed, but requires an expansion joint at the wall.

What kind of subfloor does glue-down vinyl require?

It must be level, dry, firm, and clean. You can compensate for unevenness of more than 2 mm per meter with leveling compound, and absorbent subfloors must be primed beforehand. On old tiled floors, you must fill the joints, otherwise, they will show through the vinyl later.

Can I install glue-down vinyl on tiles?

Yes, if the tiles are stable. You must fill the joints completely beforehand, or they will show through. After that, you prime the surface and glue the floor down just as you would on screed.

Which adhesive do I need for glue-down vinyl?

A solvent-free dispersion adhesive for designer flooring. Pay attention to the manufacturer's recommendations for the specific flooring and whether a wet-set or pressure-sensitive adhesive is required. If you have underfloor heating, use an adhesive that is expressly approved for that purpose.

Is glue-down vinyl suitable for underfloor heating?

Yes, and it is actually the better choice. Without an air gap or insulation layer, heat reaches the room faster. Be sure to follow the heating protocol and stay within the maximum surface temperature limits.

Can I install glue-down vinyl myself?

If the subfloor is in good condition and you work carefully, yes. The critical part is the preparation, not the gluing itself. For large areas, underfloor heating, or uncertain subfloor conditions, it is worth hiring a professional.