If you haven't committed, here's another opinion. I love and prefer loose lay vinyl even though it has disadvantages. Two big positive features are some integrated padding which is awesome, and eventual replacement is easy. When you tire of it or it does wear out or get severely damaged, you can pull it up, cut a new sheet using the old sheet as a template, and easily just put the new sheet down. For installation use a high quality double stick tape in stress areas where appliances like dishwashers and fridges need to move across it occasionally. Also put the tape across where you'll enter and exit the room. True, this tape does have to be pulled up when replacing, but it's NOTHING like removing and repairing after a massive glue job. Remember that you still need to prepare the floor to be smooth before installing, and there are true disadvantages- Lefty is absolutely justified in his concerns, but I would not say you can't ever move things or that you'll always have a hump. Humps depend on protecting the vinyl when moving things, and also how much freedom you can give the sheet to move a little. Before moving appliances, and I would first put down some heavy cardboard or other stiff protection to avoid distorting or wrinkling the vinyl, and keep your weight on that cardboard when you move appliances across it, and you definitely do need to leave other edges untaped so the flooring can expand and contract with temperature. It is best if you have or can install a little trim that is not all the way down to the subfloor so the end of the sheet is protected. Even with that care, it will never be so carefree as glued vinyl, but I still prefer it. You'll probably have to install it yourself because last I looked, most installers won't touch it because the chances of imperfections and little issues are relatively high and installers rightfully dislike call-backs. Spills - it should be waterproof but obviously not at the edges. Water spill? if small, ignore it and it will dry. Larger spills or sticky things or milk? Just pull up the edges and clean directly. I have it in the kitchen cooking area and the laundry room, and I'll replace it soon - after 20 years of use. Fringe benefit - it's soft and flexible, and scraps are great for keeping rolled up in the garage so you can slide around under your car when maintaining. This is a big help in the winter when the garage and concrete are cold. Good luck! Answer from Loose-Vermicelli-744 on reddit.com
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Flordeco
flordeco.ca › en › collections › plancher-vinyle-en-rouleau
Loose lay vinyl sheet | Flordeco
Floating linoleum floors are easy to maintain, warm, quiet, comfortable and resistant to wear and tear.
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Homedepot.ca
homedepot.ca › floors › vinyl flooring
Loose Lay Vinyl Flooring - Planks, Tiles & Sheets - Homedepot.ca
Floors Vinyl Plank Vinyl Sheet ... Resistant (46) Stain Resistant Treatment (45) Underlayment Attached (29) Waterproof (55) Water Resistant (47) $1 - $2 / sq....
People also ask

Which features should I look for in loose lay vinyl plank flooring?
Look for vinyl plank flooring that is phthalate free, skid resistant, and stain resistant.
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homedepot.com
homedepot.com › flooring › vinyl flooring › vinyl plank flooring
Loose Lay - 20 MIL - Vinyl Plank Flooring - The Home Depot
Which loose lay vinyl plank flooring is the top rated?
The Gauntlet Gray 20 mil x 9 in. W x 48 in. L Water Resistant Loose Lay Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring (1,152 sq.ft./pallet) is one of our top-rated loose lay vinyl plank flooring.
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homedepot.com
homedepot.com › flooring › vinyl flooring › vinyl plank flooring
Loose Lay - 20 MIL - Vinyl Plank Flooring - The Home Depot
What are some popular brands of loose lay vinyl plank flooring?
Some popular brands known for high-quality loose lay vinyl plank flooring include A&A Surfaces, ACHIM, and Dekorman.
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homedepot.com
homedepot.com › flooring › vinyl flooring › vinyl plank flooring
Loose Lay - 20 MIL - Vinyl Plank Flooring - The Home Depot
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Better Homes & Gardens
bhg.com › home-improvement › flooring › installation-how-to › how-to-install-loose-lay-sheet-vinyl
How to Install Vinyl Sheet Flooring That's Loose-Lay in Hours
June 7, 2025 - Estimated Cost: $1 to $3 per sq. ft. If you're looking into how to install vinyl sheet flooring to replace an existing floor in your home, loose-lay may be a good choice. Loose-lay sheet vinyl flooring is unique because it doesn't require adhesive.
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Flooring Liquidators
flooringliquidators.ca › home › vinyl flooring › glue down/loose lay vinyl flooring
Glue Down/Loose Lay Vinyl Flooring ☑️ Flooring Liquidators | All Across GTA
August 2, 2021 - Flooring Liquidators: Glue Down/Loose Lay Vinyl Flooring. Committed to bringing you the best in laminate and hardwood lumber products at the best possible price and quality.
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/flooring › loose lay vinyl install. what does it really need?
r/Flooring on Reddit: Loose lay vinyl install. What does it really need?
May 15, 2024 -

I removed the previous glued down sheet vinyl that was from the 90s.

I've been scraping up the residual glue and paper from the felt back the previous vinyl left behind.

Room is 10x12 at best. Kitchen.

I was going to glue down the new vinyl but multiple people keep saying I shouldn't bother and just loose lay it and shouldn't be bothering with all of this prep work I'm doing either.

The nail holes aren't bad but I was going to fill them but have been advised that that doesn't really matter either.

The instructions for the sheet vinyl said for me to prime the floor and I have been unable to find the primer needed.

The vinyl is from Lowe's. Just the cheap carriage point design.

How much prep would you do if you were me?

Top answer
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1
If you haven't committed, here's another opinion. I love and prefer loose lay vinyl even though it has disadvantages. Two big positive features are some integrated padding which is awesome, and eventual replacement is easy. When you tire of it or it does wear out or get severely damaged, you can pull it up, cut a new sheet using the old sheet as a template, and easily just put the new sheet down. For installation use a high quality double stick tape in stress areas where appliances like dishwashers and fridges need to move across it occasionally. Also put the tape across where you'll enter and exit the room. True, this tape does have to be pulled up when replacing, but it's NOTHING like removing and repairing after a massive glue job. Remember that you still need to prepare the floor to be smooth before installing, and there are true disadvantages- Lefty is absolutely justified in his concerns, but I would not say you can't ever move things or that you'll always have a hump. Humps depend on protecting the vinyl when moving things, and also how much freedom you can give the sheet to move a little. Before moving appliances, and I would first put down some heavy cardboard or other stiff protection to avoid distorting or wrinkling the vinyl, and keep your weight on that cardboard when you move appliances across it, and you definitely do need to leave other edges untaped so the flooring can expand and contract with temperature. It is best if you have or can install a little trim that is not all the way down to the subfloor so the end of the sheet is protected. Even with that care, it will never be so carefree as glued vinyl, but I still prefer it. You'll probably have to install it yourself because last I looked, most installers won't touch it because the chances of imperfections and little issues are relatively high and installers rightfully dislike call-backs. Spills - it should be waterproof but obviously not at the edges. Water spill? if small, ignore it and it will dry. Larger spills or sticky things or milk? Just pull up the edges and clean directly. I have it in the kitchen cooking area and the laundry room, and I'll replace it soon - after 20 years of use. Fringe benefit - it's soft and flexible, and scraps are great for keeping rolled up in the garage so you can slide around under your car when maintaining. This is a big help in the winter when the garage and concrete are cold. Good luck!
🌐
The Home Depot
homedepot.com › flooring › vinyl flooring › vinyl plank flooring
Loose Lay - 20 MIL - Vinyl Plank Flooring - The Home Depot
Get free shipping on qualified 20 MIL, Loose Lay Vinyl Plank Flooring products or Buy Online Pick Up in Store today in the Flooring Department.
Find elsewhere
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Really Cheap Floors
reallycheapfloors.com › blog › what-is-loose-lay-vinyl-flooring
What Is Loose Lay Vinyl Flooring? A Loose Lay Vinyl Plank Guide ReallyCheapFloors | America's Cheapest Hardwood Flooring
October 30, 2025 - Trying to keep vinyl sheet flooring verus a non-waterproof floor like hardwood is a night and day comparison. Design trends have kept most visuals weathered or well-worn textures. This keeps the floor looking well-maintained even if you do happen to collect a few scratches or stains along the way. Key Thought: Loose lay vinyl flooring is perfect for a quick DIY floor installation. This vinyl floor is easy to clean and maintain and costs as much as a standard luxury vinyl plank floor.
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Floors To Your Home
floorstoyourhome.com › waterproof › shop by vinyl type › loose lay
Waterproof - Shop By Vinyl Type - Loose Lay - Page 1 - Floors To Your Home
HUGE SALE-SAVE OVER 50%--EVERYTHING 40¢ SQ FT OFF- · Flooring Experts Since 1921 Celebrating 100 Years In Business
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/flooring › loose lay lvp cons?
r/Flooring on Reddit: Loose Lay LVP cons?
September 9, 2024 -

I've been doing some research on flooring while I'm doing a full basement Reno in my house and have settled firmly on LVP. My hang-up now is on the type.

A few years ago we put down loose-lay LVP in my parents basement and it was piss-easy for amateurs like us to install, and has held up amazingly for about 5 years of being a second kitchen/kids play area that gets very regular use.

I have been browsing this sub for a few months now and have seen tons and tons of LVP, but very little loose-lay. Cost and performance-wise, they seem comparable, but installation seems a million times easier, and maintenance is infinitely easier since individual planks can be removed.

I guess my question is, what downsides am I missing? Why isn't loose-lay used more? Have any of you had bad experiences with it?

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FlooringStores
flooringstores.com › home › no glue, no clicks: your guide to loose lay vinyl flooring
Loose Lay Vinyl Flooring: What It Is, Pros & Cons
June 13, 2024 - Though you don’t need fasteners, you still have to be careful when you’re installing loose lay vinyl flooring because any gaps or visible seams will invite water or grime to settle (and potentially destroy your subflooring). If you’re installing it yourself, just be patient and diligent. Worst case: hiring a pro to install loose lay vinyl planks are still likely to cost less than a glue-down LVP installation.
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D & R Flooring
drflooring.ca › home › blog posts › exploring the pros and cons of loose lay vinyl flooring: everything you need to know
Exploring the Pros and Cons of Loose Lay Vinyl Flooring: Everything Yo – D & R Flooring
September 23, 2025 - Our Seoul Loose Lay Vinyl Collection showcases a unique PVC flooring installation technique that eliminates the need for glue or nails. Instead, the planks' weight, along with a rubber backing, ensures a secure fit without any adhesive mess.
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The Home Depot
homedepot.com › flooring › vinyl flooring › vinyl plank flooring
Loose Lay - Vinyl Plank Flooring - The Home Depot
Get free shipping on qualified Loose Lay Vinyl Plank Flooring products or Buy Online Pick Up in Store today in the Flooring Department.
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Source Flooring KW
sourceflooring.com › collections › loose-lay-planks
Loose Lay Planks – Source Flooring KW
We manufacture our own brands of high quality flooring products & we pass the massive savings to you. Mon-Fri 8am-8pm Sat 9am-6pm Sun 10am - 5pm · Phone : (519) 742-9188 E-mail : [email protected] · LUXURY VINYL · Click Vinyl Planks · Loose Lay Vinyl Planks ·
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The Home Depot
homedepot.com › flooring › vinyl flooring
Loose Lay - Vinyl Flooring - The Home Depot
Get free shipping on qualified Loose Lay Vinyl Flooring products or Buy Online Pick Up in Store today in the Flooring Department.
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Tarkett
professionals.tarkett.com › en_EU › node › genius-loose-lay-vinyl-flooring-quick-to-install-easy-to-recycle-10561
Genius loose lay Glue-free solution: quick to install, easy to recycle | Tarkett
Embrace the future with Tarkett’s new Genius loose-lay vinyl flooring in rolls, specially designed for quicker installation and to resist to heavy traffic in commercial buildings.
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The Spruce
thespruce.com › how-to-lay-vinyl-sheet-flooring-5081253
How to Lay Vinyl Sheet Flooring
March 28, 2024 - Vinyl sheet flooring is an economical flooring choice for kitchens and bathrooms. Learn how to lay vinyl sheet flooring like a pro.
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Home Hardware
homehardware.ca › en › vinyl-flooring › c › 16575
Shop Vinyl Flooring Online | Home Hardware
Shop high-quality vinyl sheets, tiles and planks at Home Hardware. Discover durable, waterproof, and easy-to-install vinyl planks and tiles. Perfect for any room in your home. Browse our selection of vinyl flooring today