The rep swears up And down loose lay is fine BS. I've fixed so many over the years and refuse to do them. Full spread glue is the way Answer from Monkmastaa on reddit.com
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?
Top answer 1 of 11
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The rep swears up And down loose lay is fine BS. I've fixed so many over the years and refuse to do them. Full spread glue is the way
2 of 11
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Don't loose lay them. Full spread of pressure sensitive adhesive. Other than that... No real cons. In several situations they are the best LVPs you can do.
Home Improvement Forum
house-improvements.com › home improvement forum › forums › interior
Loose Lay Flooring - Does It Suck? - Home Improvement Forum
I just can't imagine how tight the seams could possibly be when loose, they can't be TIGHT and perfect like a click system. A couple years ago I installed some flooring from Home Depot, it was not click together. It was loose lay that used some type of tape to secure one piece of flooring to the next.
Videos
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Let's Talk Loose Lay Vinyl - Installation, Pros/Cons, Stair Nosings, ...
17 Problems With Loose Lay Vinyl Flooring | Problems With ...
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How to loose lay sheet vinyl flooring - YouTube
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10 Beginner Mistakes Installing Vinyl Plank Flooring - YouTube
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Install Free-Floating Sheet Vinyl Flooring Kitchen (Grayson sheet ...
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How to Install Vinyl Flooring Without Adhesive - YouTube
Is loose lay flooring durable?
Loose lay flooring generally offers less durability and a shorter lifespan compared to more permanently fixed flooring options. It is susceptible to punctures, tears, wear patterns, and buckling.
woodandbeyond.com
woodandbeyond.com › home › 10 disadvantages of loose lay flooring
10 Disadvantages of Loose Lay Flooring - Wood and Beyond Blog
Is professional installation necessary for loose lay flooring?
Yes, professional installation is often necessary to ensure loose lay flooring is laid correctly. The expertise of a professional ensures that each piece is accurately placed, preventing issues such as buckling or gaps.
woodandbeyond.com
woodandbeyond.com › home › 10 disadvantages of loose lay flooring
10 Disadvantages of Loose Lay Flooring - Wood and Beyond Blog
Does loose lay flooring save money over click-type flooring?
While loose lay flooring may seem cost-effective initially, considering the entire lifecycle and maintenance requirements, it often does not present real savings over click-type flooring systems. Click flooring tends to offer better durability and stability.
woodandbeyond.com
woodandbeyond.com › home › 10 disadvantages of loose lay flooring
10 Disadvantages of Loose Lay Flooring - Wood and Beyond Blog
BuildDirect
builddirect.com › blogs › expert-advice-on-flooring › the-pros-and-cons-of-loose-lay-vinyl-plank-flooring
The Pros and Cons of Loose Lay Vinyl Plank Flooring – BuildDirect
Here are a few disadvantages of loose lay vinyl plank flooring to consider when deciding which installation method is right for you: Since loose lay vinyl planks aren’t stuck to the ground, they may move or slide apart.
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 - Luckily, you can install loose lay vinyl flooring right on top of many other surfaces! Just make sure the surface is even and moisture-free; otherwise, seams or other problems could develop.
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 - This exceptional installation style guarantees remarkable durability and stability for your floors. Before diving deeper into the wonders of loose lay vinyl flooring, it's essential to grasp the concept of luxury vinyl (LVP or LVT). Comprising multiple layers of hardened plastic with a protective wear layer, LVP serves as an impressive alternative to traditional hardwood.
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?
Houzz
houzz.com › discussions › 3661159 › loose-lay-vinyl-flooring
Loose lay vinyl flooring
Once you have pin-pointed that characteristic, work with the appropriate product. Once you know the product, you can go shopping. Loose lay is not water proof. Cheap to install. Easy to lay.
Reddit
reddit.com › r/flooring › loose laid flooring is the bane of my life! 😭
r/Flooring on Reddit: Loose laid flooring is the bane of my life! 😭
February 3, 2024 -
Hi everyone, we have loose laid sheet vinyl in our kitchen and bathrooms.
My issue is not with the vinyl but with how it has been fitted. We were not given a proper consultation on what to expect and not told it was loose laid and it has cause some issues.
My main question is: should it be caulked around the edges? Currently it is not and I worry with the gaps around the skirting boards, toilets and showers etc we are opening ourselves to some damp and mould issues underneath the flooring?
Also, in the kitchen around the end cupboard there is a lump where it looks like the floor has been possibly cut incorrectly so it can’t lie flat. How do we fix this?
Top answer 1 of 5
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If everything is cut in already you could simply glue it down now and then caulk around everything. If you aren’t comfortable doing that, tell the store to send someone back and do it. No one should just loose lay sheet vinyl like that.
2 of 5
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You will need to hire an installer to come in and either- relief cut the vinyl at the end cabinet (and anywhere else the vinyl is cut long/too tight), install quarter round along the baseboards and caulk where appropriate (tub, toilet, etc.) OR pull back the vinyl and install a 1/4" layer of plywood and then glue down the vinyl to reinstall it.
Vinylmajesty
vinylmajesty.com › problems-with-loose-lay-sheet-vinyl-flooring
7 Problems With Loose Lay Sheet Vinyl Flooring - Vinyl Majesty
December 19, 2023 - From installation issues to maintenance ... Problems can range from damage due to heavy foot traffic and furniture movements to flaws resulting from subfloor imperfections, and even repair difficulties....
Wood and Beyond
woodandbeyond.com › home › 10 disadvantages of loose lay flooring
10 Disadvantages of Loose Lay Flooring - Wood and Beyond Blog
April 25, 2024 - This can be particularly problematic ... Loose lay flooring, typically made from vinyl, is vulnerable to damage from liquids if not promptly cleaned up....
EXPRESSFLOORING
expressflooring.com › blog › articles › Loose-Lay-Vinyl-Plank-Flooring-Pros-and-Cons-Updated
Loose Lay Vinyl Plank Flooring – Pros and Cons [Updated]
But one of the major drawbacks of this flooring is that it is not available in tile format which is easier to install. Loose lay vinyl planks are a unique product that doesn’t rely on any fasteners, adhesive or even tongue and groove mechanisms ...
DoItYourself.com
doityourself.com › doityourself.com community forums › interior flooring, floor coverings and coatings center › vinyl and linoleum flooring › no-glue vinyl sheet questions
No-Glue Vinyl Sheet Questions - DoItYourself.com Community Forums
May 16, 2007 - Old Vinyl Flooring Must be noncushioned-backed and firmly bonded. Check for loose vinyl, gapped seams, cuts, tears, rips, or other damage. Do Not Install Over: Particleboard, waferboard or single-layer STURD-I-FLOOR panels Existing resilient ...
Flooristics, LLC
flooristics.com › home › blog › causes of buckling in loose lay vinyl floors
Causes of Buckling in Loose Lay Vinyl Floors - Flooristics, LLC
February 8, 2017 - However, like most flooring material, ... cause problems. Flooring inspectors may be called in to check out loose lay vinyl floors that are buckling. Loose lay vinyl plank flooring is a relatively new material that doesn’t glue down to the subfloor, nor does it rely on the click lock system of resilient flooring. Instead, it is a system of vinyl tiles or sheets of vinyl with ...
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 - You can also roll it up and move it—something you might want to do if the washing machine overflows, for example. Consider loose-lay vinyl flooring on concrete which is a material that adhesives don’t adhere to well. Sheet vinyl flooring has a heavy fiberglass backing, allowing the sheet to lay flat on the floor without glue.
The Flooring Guys
theflooringguys.com.au › home › what is the problem with loose lay vinyl planks
What is the Problem with Loose Lay Vinyl Planks - The Flooring Guys
July 3, 2023 - Scratches and dents: Use protective felt pads on furniture legs and avoid dragging heavy objects across the floor. Conclusion: Loose lay vinyl planks offer several advantages in terms of installation ease, flexibility, and reusability. However, it’s important to be aware of potential challenges ...
Contractor Talk
contractortalk.com › home › forums › trade talk › flooring
Loose Lay Vinyl ? | Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum
If is is IVC is is perfectly acceptible to loose lay. I have installed many yards with no problems. Your installer got it tight somewhere. You will have to remove the trim, find where it is tight and trim it.http://vinylflooring.org/movie.html ... That said, even though I do not understand why, qualified flooring professionals still do loose lay installations.
Fine Homebuilding
finehomebuilding.com › forum › clarification ie. “loose lay” vinyl
Clarification ie. "loose lay" vinyl - Fine Homebuilding
April 13, 2013 - Loose-lay vinyl has a heavy fiberglass backing that allows the sheet to lay flat on the floor without glue.(Standard sheet vinyl is not heavy enough to be installed in this fashion -- it will slip and curl over time).
Physics Forums
physicsforums.com › other sciences › diy projects
Anyone tried "loose lay" vinyl plank flooring? • Physics Forums
August 27, 2019 - This discussion centers on "loose lay" vinyl plank flooring, highlighting its waterproof design and the importance of a smooth underlayment for successful installation. Users emphasize that the floor's installation requires precise flatness tolerances of ¼ inch in 10 feet to avoid visual discrepancies compared to promotional materials.
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.