Debate: glue down vs floating LVP on concrete slabs - what's your call?

Honestly, I’ve been going back and forth on this for a while. Last month in Austin, I had a 1,200 square foot job where the builder insisted on floating LVP over a slab with just a vapor barrier, but I’ve always preferred full spread glue down for stability. Ngl, the floating stuff went in faster and saved a day of labor, but I’m worried about longevity if the slab has moisture issues. What do you guys lean toward for slab installations?

3 comments

3 Comments

willow_garcia1mo ago

Glue down is definitely more stable for slab moisture, but keep in mind the slab has to be perfectly clean and flat for it to stick right. Floating actually handles minor slab unevenness better, so there's a tradeoff either way.

andrew8541mo ago

Heard a flooring installer on a podcast say glue down is basically a one shot deal if the slab isn't perfect. Floating gives you some wiggle room if the concrete has a slight hump or dip. Guess it depends how much you trust your subfloor prep.

miab871mo ago

My last floating floor went down over a slab that looked like someone tried to level it with a shovel. Total disaster. I thought I was being clever saving money on prep. Ended up with a floor that squeaks in three different spots and a hump by the door that makes the dogs slide into the wall. Floating just hid my bad choices enough to make me think it was fine. Should have just fixed the slab proper instead of hoping the underlayment would save me.