Is Glue Down or Floating Flooring Right for Your Project?

When you are remodeling, the choices can be overwhelming! Even once you have decided you want to install cork flooring, there is still the question; is glue down or floating flooring best for my home? There are many factors to consider when answering that question. Here is our guide for selecting the right flooring installation type for your home.

Let's start with the questions you need to answer to select the correct flooring! 

Preparation 

Are you planning to install your new floor over an existing floor? 

Is your subfloor or existing floor smooth and level?

If your floor is not level, can you level it using leveling agents or installing a new subfloor?

Are you installing in a basement or on a slab foundation?

End Objectives

Do you already have a pattern in mind?

Are you planning to use more than one pattern to make a design?

What is your budget? 

How quickly do you need your flooring?

Are you looking for maximum insulation?

Installation 

Will you install the flooring yourself, or will you hire a contractor?

Once you answer these questions, use the below guide to decide which installation method is right for you!

Preparation

Are you planning to install your new floor over an existing floor? 

• If you plan to install over an existing floor, you will want to use floating flooring. The existing floor must be smooth and level for the floating flooring to be installed properly. 

Is your subfloor or existing floor smooth and level? 

• If your existing floor is not smooth and level, you will not be able to install the floating flooring correctly.
• If you are installing over a subfloor that is not level and don’t want to install a new subfloor, we recommend using glue-down flooring. You will still want to ensure the subfloor is smooth, as any bumps or ridges will transfer through the cork flooring and be visible on the top. 

If your floor is not level, can you level it using leveling agents or installing a new subfloor?

• Sometimes, you can smooth and level the existing floor by sanding the existing flooring or using a leveling agent. If you cannot make the existing floor smooth and level using these methods, you may not be able to install floating flooring over the existing floor. You will instead need to remove the existing flooring and install it over the subfloor. 

Are you installing in a basement or on a slab foundation?

• If you are installing the flooring in a basement or slab foundation, you will want to install a moisture barrier. You can install floating flooring directly over the moisture barrier. If you are installing glue-down flooring, you must install a subfloor over the moisture barrier before the glue-down is installed. 

End Objectives

Do you already have a pattern in mind?

• Most patterns are available in glue-down or floating flooring; however, our Select Line and cork mosaic tiles are available only in glue-down tiles. 

Are you planning to use more than one pattern to make a design?

• We recommend our glue-down tiles if you plan on using more than one pattern to make a design or a more intricate flooring pattern. You can easily install these tiles in a design such as a checkerboard or a chevron. 

What is your budget? 

• At first glance, glue-down tiles appear more cost-effective as they have a lower cost per square foot. However, you need to factor in contact cement and, if desired, underlayment to the square footage price. In most cases, the glue-down flooring will still be less expensive. 

How quickly do you need your flooring?

• Most of our standard glue-down and floating flooring tiles are in stock and ready to ship within two weeks. 
• Some of our specialty floorings have longer lead times: 
• Select Line Flooring - 10-Week Lead Time
• Rubber Cork Flooring - 6-Week Lead Time
• Mosaic Cork Flooring - 6-Week Lead Time
• Custom Pattern Flooring - 16-Week Lead Time

Are you looking for maximum insulation?

• Floating flooring has an underlayment layer, providing additional thermal and acoustic insulation.
• You can install underlayment under the subfloor of glue-down flooring. Multiple thicknesses available can provide more or less insulation depending on your needs. 

Installation

Will you install the flooring yourself, or will you hire a contractor?

• Anyone can install both glue-down and floating flooring; however, if you are installing the flooring yourself, you may have a preference or installation method that you are more comfortable with. 

Are you still on the fence? Here is a quick break down of the key points for each type of flooring!

Ready to order flooring for your project? Check out our glue down flooring and floating flooring to see the patterns and styles we offer!