Vinyl flooring is one of the most popular flooring choices in South Africa because it’s durable, stylish, and easy to maintain. But when choosing vinyl, one big decision comes up:
✅ Should you choose Click Vinyl (floating)
or
✅ Glue-Down Vinyl (stick-down / adhesive)
Both are great options — but they suit different rooms, budgets, and lifestyles. Here’s a clear breakdown to help you choose the best one for your home or business.
What Is Click Vinyl Flooring?
Click vinyl (also called click-lock vinyl or floating vinyl) uses a tongue-and-groove style locking system. The planks click together and “float” above the subfloor without being glued down.
✅ Popular in homes because it’s quick to install and looks like real wood.
✅ Pros of Click Vinyl
1. Faster installation
- No glue mess
- Great for quick renovations
2. Easy to replace
- If one plank gets damaged, it can often be lifted and replaced.
3. Softer and more comfortable underfoot
- Because it’s floating, it can feel slightly warmer and softer than glue-down.
4. Good for DIY (in some cases)
- Many homeowners choose click vinyl for DIY projects.
❌ Cons of Click Vinyl
1. Needs a very level subfloor
- If the floor isn’t flat, you can get movement or clicking sounds.
2. Can feel “hollow”
- In large spaces, click vinyl may sound slightly hollow compared to glue-down.
3. Not ideal for heavy commercial use
- Constant heavy traffic can stress the joints over time.
What Is Glue-Down Vinyl Flooring?
Glue-down vinyl is installed by applying adhesive to the subfloor and sticking the vinyl planks or tiles directly onto it.
This option is commonly used in:
- offices
- retail shops
- high-traffic homes
✅ Pros of Glue-Down Vinyl
1. Strong and stable
- Excellent for high foot traffic
- No movement or shifting
2. Great for large areas
- Perfect for open-plan spaces and long hallways
3. Quieter underfoot
- Because it’s bonded down, it reduces “hollow” noise
4. Better for commercial spaces
- Often the preferred choice for durability in businesses
❌ Cons of Glue-Down Vinyl
1. Installation takes longer
- Adhesive, drying time, and more prep needed.
2. Harder to remove or replace
- Repairs can be more time-consuming than click vinyl.
3. Subfloor prep is critical
- Any bumps or uneven areas can show through.
Click Vinyl vs Glue-Down Vinyl: Quick Comparison
✅ Choose Click Vinyl if you want:
✔ Faster installation
✔ Minimal mess
✔ Easy plank replacement
✔ A great option for bedrooms and living areas
✔ A flooring solution for home renovations
✅ Choose Glue-Down Vinyl if you want:
✔ Extra stability
✔ Better performance in high-traffic areas
✔ A quieter, more solid feel
✔ Vinyl for offices, shops, and commercial spaces
✔ Long-term durability
Best Uses: Where Each Type Works Best
🏡 Best Rooms for Click Vinyl
✅ Bedrooms
✅ Lounges & living rooms
✅ Dining rooms
✅ Flats and rental properties
✅ Renovations where speed matters
Best for: homeowners who want a neat finish and quicker installation.
🏢 Best Areas for Glue-Down Vinyl
✅ Offices
✅ Retail stores
✅ Hallways and entrances
✅ Kitchens (high traffic zones)
✅ Schools, salons, clinics
Best for: high foot traffic and long-term strength.
Which Vinyl Is Better for Kitchens?
Both can work, but it depends on the condition of the floor and how busy the area is:
✅ Click vinyl works well in kitchens if the subfloor is properly levelled and moisture is controlled.
✅ Glue-down vinyl is often better for kitchens with high daily traffic, because it stays firm and stable.
What About Bathrooms?
Vinyl can work well in bathrooms, but installation quality matters.
✅ Glue-down vinyl is often preferred for bathrooms because it sits flat and doesn’t allow movement.
If you choose click vinyl for a bathroom, you must ensure:
- correct moisture-resistant installation
- sealed edges where needed
- good ventilation
Cost Difference: Click Vinyl vs Glue-Down Vinyl
Prices depend on:
- thickness / wear layer
- brand
- installation requirements
- floor preparation
But generally:
💰 Click vinyl can cost slightly more per m²
because it’s thicker and has a locking system.
💰 Glue-down vinyl can be cheaper per m²
but may require more labour and adhesive costs.
So overall cost often comes down to:
✅ product price + ✅ installation + ✅ subfloor prep
The Most Important Factor: Subfloor Preparation
No matter which vinyl you choose, the most important step is:
✅ the subfloor must be clean, dry, level and stable
If the subfloor is uneven:
- click vinyl may lift or shift
- glue-down vinyl may show bumps underneath
Final Verdict: Which Vinyl Should You Choose?
Here’s the simple answer:
✅ Click Vinyl is best for homes where you want quick installation and easy maintenance.
✅ Glue-Down Vinyl is best for high-traffic areas and commercial spaces where long-term performance matters.
Need Help Choosing the Right Vinyl Flooring?
If you’re unsure which option is right for your home or business, it helps to speak to a flooring expert.
✅ We can help you choose the best vinyl flooring for your space
✅ Supply and professional installation available
✅ Serving Gauteng and surrounding areas
Contact us today for a quote or free advice.
