LVT • Glue-down format
Glue-Down LVT, Explained
Glue-down LVT is a luxury vinyl format designed to be fully adhered to the subfloor using a specified adhesive system. This page explains what glue-down LVT is and what specs you’ll see on technical data sheets — reference-only, no product or install advice.
What is glue-down LVT?
“Glue-down” means the LVT is designed to be installed as a bonded surface — the product is adhered to the subfloor using a specified adhesive system. In many glue-down constructions, the material is described as more flexible than rigid core click products.
Glue-down is a format/system. “LVT” is the category. “LVP” is often used for plank shape — so you’ll see glue-down LVT sold as either tile or plank depending on the product line.
Related pages
How glue-down differs from floating (rigid core)
Glue-down LVT documentation often emphasizes the product as a bonded system, where the adhesive is part of the overall assembly. Because of that, technical sheets may include more language about adhesive compatibility and system notes.
Floating rigid core products often emphasize a connected plank system (locking profile, system stability), while glue-down products more often emphasize flexibility and certain indentation/static load style measurements.
Common glue-down terms you’ll see
- Adhesive compatibility (system requirement language)
- Pressure-sensitive / wet-set / dry-set (adhesive method terms; definitions vary)
- Trowel notch (application reference in install docs)
- Dimensional stability (movement under test conditions)
- Indentation / static load (lab measurements, not a guarantee)
Glue-down LVT specs glossary
One-sentence explanations of common data sheet specs, with links to deeper pages.
| Spec | What it means (1 sentence) | Where it appears | Deep dive |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total thickness (mm) | The overall thickness of the tile/plank including all layers and backing. | Product specs / construction | Total thickness explained |
| Wear layer (mil) | The clear protective top layer thickness measured in mil (0.001 inch). | Construction / performance | Wear layer thickness explained |
| Indentation / static load | A lab measurement of surface deformation under a defined load for a defined period. | Performance testing | Indentation & static load explained |
FAQ
What does glue-down LVT mean? ⌄
Glue-down LVT refers to luxury vinyl tile/plank designed to be fully adhered to the subfloor using a specified adhesive system, rather than connected plank-to-plank as a floating floor.
Is glue-down LVT the same as sheet vinyl? ⌄
No. Glue-down LVT typically comes as individual tiles or planks. Sheet vinyl is sold in large rolls and is a different product format.
What specs matter most on a glue-down LVT technical data sheet? ⌄
Common specs include total thickness, wear layer thickness (mil), product size, dimensional stability, indentation/static load testing, and adhesive/system notes that define compatibility and requirements.
Does thicker glue-down LVT automatically mean better performance? ⌄
Not automatically. Total thickness can influence feel and certain lab measurements, but performance depends on the full construction and the specified adhesive/system requirements.
Reference-only note
This page provides general informational reference about glue-down (flexible) LVT terminology and specifications. It does not provide installation instructions, professional advice, or product recommendations.