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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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 ...
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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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.
People also ask

Which loose lay vinyl plank flooring is the best selling?
The French Oak Sausalito 20 mil x 9 in. W x 60 in. L Waterproof Loose Lay Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring (22.6 sq. ft./case) is one of our best-selling loose lay vinyl plank flooring.
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homedepot.com
homedepot.com › flooring › vinyl flooring › vinyl plank flooring
Loose Lay - Vinyl Plank Flooring - The Home Depot
Which flooring look should I choose for my loose lay vinyl plank flooring?
Consider your home's aesthetic. We offer kitchen, bathroom, and entry way.
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homedepot.com
homedepot.com › flooring › vinyl flooring › vinyl plank flooring
Loose Lay - Vinyl Plank Flooring - The Home Depot
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
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Amazon
amazon.com › Achim-Home-Decor-Vinyl-Plank-Flooring-Wood-Floor › dp › B078Y4FKXH
Looselay Vinyl Plank Flooring, 8 Planks - 9" x 48", Rustic Cherry - No Adhesive Needed, Embossed DIY Flooring - Natural Wood Grain Feel for Kitchen, Dining Room, & Bedrooms by Achim Home Décor - Amazon.com
Looselay Vinyl Planks: Transform your floor for a low cost and no hassle with the Looselay Vinyl Floor Planks. These planks can be used in any room in your home. No messy glue or adhesives needed. Includes 8 vinyl planks. Dimensions: Each plank measures 9 inches x 48 inches and .197 inches thick. There are 8 planks per box, which will cover 24 square feet. Easy Installation: Looselay Planks are made of vinyl and an easy-to-place rubber backing. Lay ...
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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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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
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.
Find elsewhere
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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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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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Fixr
fixr.com › costs › vinyl-sheet-flooring
Cost to Install Vinyl Sheet Flooring | Vinyl Flooring Sheets Price | Fixr.com
The average cost to install vinyl sheet flooring is about $950 (200 sq.ft. of 2 mm printed sheet vinyl flooring, installed). Find here detailed information about vinyl sheet flooring costs.
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The Home Depot
homedepot.com › flooring › vinyl flooring › vinyl sheet flooring
Concrete - Loose Lay - Vinyl Sheet Flooring - Vinyl Flooring - The Home Depot
Shop All Savings Appliances Bath & Faucets Blinds & Window Treatment Building Materials Lumber & Composites Cleaning Decor & Furniture Lighting & Ceiling Fans Doors & Windows Electrical Flooring & Area Rugs Hardware Heating & Cooling Kitchen & Kitchenware Lawn & Garden Outdoor Living & Patio Paint Plumbing Seasonal Decor Smart Home Storage & Organization Tools Automotive Furniture Gift Cards Credit Cards View All Home Services Tool Rental Benefits & Services For the Pro Project Calculators View All DIY Projects Local Ad Store Finder Site Map ... For Vinyl Plank Installation and more, our authorized pros can get the job done right.
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The Home Depot
homedepot.com › flooring › vinyl flooring › vinyl sheet flooring
Modified Loose Lay - Vinyl Sheet Flooring - The Home Depot
Get free shipping on qualified Modified Loose Lay Vinyl Sheet Flooring products or Buy Online Pick Up in Store today in the Flooring Department.
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Hartco
hartco.com › home › commercial flooring
Loose Lay LVT Flooring | Durable Vinyl Flooring | Hartco
Loose Lay LVT flooring is great for commercial environments. It installs over existing floor coverings and removed easily. It's ideal for raised access floors.
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Happyfeetinternational
happyfeetinternational.com › resources › loose-lay-resources
Loose Lay Resources | Happy Feet International | Luxury Vinyl Plank & Laminate Flooring
Learn more about Happy Feet's loose lay LVP products that make quality installation as easy as 1, 2, 3. With style, quality, and lightning fast installation, this is a fitting option for light traffic spaces.
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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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Floor & Decor
flooranddecor.com › vinyl
Vinyl Flooring | Floor & Decor
Beautiful, affordable, and durable vinyl floors are low maintenance, making them the perfect option for high-traffic areas of your home or business.