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
🌐
Wood and Beyond
woodandbeyond.com › home › 10 disadvantages of loose lay flooring
10 Disadvantages of Loose Lay Flooring - Wood and Beyond Blog
June 17, 2024 - This can be particularly problematic in commercial settings or busy household areas, leading to increased maintenance costs and the need for frequent adjustments to keep the flooring in place. Quick to Damage From Liquids Loose lay flooring, typically made from vinyl, is vulnerable to damage ...
🌐
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?

Discussions

Loose laid flooring is the bane of my life! 😭
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. More on reddit.com
🌐 r/Flooring
16
4
February 3, 2024
The truth about vinyl plank
We had “click in” LVP put in our basement 7 years ago. It’s installed on concrete. We are in an area with a lot of temperature fluctuations throughout the year. We’ve never had a single issue with it. I have two large dogs that are on it daily. It’s also in their room where they drop hard toys, spill water, scratch etc. It still looks brand new. When the bar countertops were being installed, they dropped a slab and dented a plank. The flooring installer was able to pop it right out and put a new one in so easy. I prefer the look of hardwood which we have in the rest of the house but I’ll take LVP over carpet or tile in the basement any day. More on reddit.com
🌐 r/interiordecorating
38
68
November 14, 2023
Loose lay vinyl install. What does it really need? : Flooring
Temporary carpet options for vinyl floor. ... Life Tips: Never go with the cheapest option. ... Loose lay vinyl install. What does it really need? More on old.reddit.com
🌐 r/Flooring
Loose Lay LVP cons?
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 More on reddit.com
🌐 r/Flooring
42
7
September 9, 2024
People also ask

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.
🌐
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.
🌐
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 that may arise.
🌐
Wood Floor Business
woodfloorbusiness.com › business › inspections › article › 15634421 › what-ive-learned-as-an-inspector-for-luxury-vinyl-flooring
What I’ve Learned as an Inspector for ‘Luxury Vinyl’ Flooring | Wood Floor Business
September 15, 2023 - Think, if you will, about the people who are physically making luxury vinyl and their health risks. More common LVP problems I see: buckling and end peaking (at left) and chunks missing at board edges (at right).
🌐
Aa Floors
aafloors.ca › home › blog › 3 problems with luxury vinyl and their solutions
3 Problems with Luxury Vinyl and Their Solutions - AA Floors
March 17, 2023 - Problems include crumpling at the edges, as the adhesive has loosened, or, as in case of LVT, problems with abatement chemicals which can react adversely with these flooring materials.
Find elsewhere
🌐
Houzz
houzz.com › discussions › 3661159 › loose-lay-vinyl-flooring
Loose lay vinyl flooring
Glue down vinyl planks are OH SO CLOSE to being water proof. Not cheap to install (can be more expensive than sheet). They are NOT easy to lay. They are NOT easy to remove (some are if you use pressure sensitive adhesive...that's another story). Too many variables to work with.
🌐
National Floors Direct
nationalfloorsdirect.com › learn › articles › how-to-fix-luxury-vinyl-flooring-that-is-lifting-addressing-common-issues
How to Fix Luxury Vinyl Flooring That Is Lifting: Addressing Common Issues
May 29, 2025 - Gently Lift the Affected Plank/Tile: Use a putty knife or pry bar (carefully to avoid damage) to gently lift the loose LVF. Clean any old adhesive from the back of the plank/tile and the subfloor.
🌐
Airstream
airforums.com › airstream restoration, repair & parts forums › interior restoration forum › floor finishes
Loose lay vinyl plank flooring, taking the plunge | Airstream Forums
April 26, 2015 - My vinyl floor was a click together type. The joints aren't strong enough to lock together. So I have some gaps open up just from walking on it. I wish I had used adhesive tape on them. I'll use it for a few years and then maybe I'll get a better floor. The cork in the 86 Limited has held up very well. David ... Very nice work Bob. We have the same camper with the same layout as yours.
🌐
EXPRESSFLOORING
expressflooring.com › recent-blogs › blogs › loose-lay-vinyl-plank-flooring-pros-and-cons
Loose Lay Vinyl Plank Flooring – Pros and Cons [Updated]
Loose lay vinyl flooring goes down quickly and it relies on friction to remain in place over time. The planks are essentially thick vinyl rectangles with rubber backing that lay flat over a nice ...
🌐
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?

🌐
YouTube
youtube.com › watch
17 Problems With Loose Lay Vinyl Flooring | Problems With ...
Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.
🌐
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.
🌐
Aa Floors
aafloors.ca › home › blog › top 4 problems with vinyl flooring and their solutions
Top 4 Problems with Vinyl Flooring and Their Solutions
April 27, 2020 - Peeling is a very common problem when the vinyl flooring is aged. You will see loose seams when the adhesive wears off, particularly at the corners. It can curl at the corners and look unsightly as dirt and grim gets deposited underneath.
🌐
MP Global Products
mpglobalproducts.com › home › the reason your vinyl plank floors are buckling (and what to do about it)
The Reason Your Vinyl Plank Floors are Buckling (and What to Do About It)
The reason your vinyl plank floors are buckling could be due to moisture or improper installation. Learn the causes and how to fix them here.
Published   July 22, 2025
🌐
Word of Mouth Floors
wordofmouthfloors.com › en-us › blogs › flooring › looselay-vinyl-no-click-no-problem
LooseLay Vinyl | No Click No Problem!– Word of Mouth Floors
February 16, 2021 - We have had dryback and looselay vinyl products in our industry for years, but they usually are only used by professionals as they require adhesive / gluedown installation and the click lock market is so much easier for the home DIY customer to understand. But this looselay vinyl product launch is perfect for home reno
🌐
The Flooring Forum
theflooringforum.com › threads › general-consensus-on-looselay.18745
General consensus on Looselay | The Flooring Forum - Number 1 Floor Advise forum
Hi all, What's the general consensus looselay? I've seen conflicting opinions in this forum - some recommendations, and some not so complimentary....
🌐
BuildDirect
builddirect.com › blogs › expert-advice-on-flooring › how-to-stop-your-vinyl-plank-flooring-from-buckling
How to Stop Your Vinyl Plank Flooring from Buckling – BuildDirect
February 16, 2024 - Stop the floor between a quarter inch and a half inch shy of the wall to allow for this natural expansion. If the floor is installed flush with the wall there is no room for growth in the hot months and the loose-lay floor can easily buckle.
🌐
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.