Glue Down Vs. Cushioned Vinyl Flooring

Padding

• Select cushioned vinyl flooring if you want a durable floor material that provides comfort and reduces noise levels in your living space. According to OCV Non-Woven Technologies, a world leading manufacturer of glass-based media, cushioned vinyl flooring provides a "softer and quieter surface." Choose cushioned vinyl if you want to walk, sit or play on a padded surface that provides a soft sound barrier between the pitter-patter of feet and the floor. The soft surface of cushioned vinyl is especially advantageous for families who have small children who are crawling or learning to walk.

Installation

• Opt for cushioned tile if you don't want to mess with glue, or self-adhesive flat-vinyl square tiles are not durable enough for your space. Self-adhesive tiles often shift or slide out of place and can sometimes lose their stickiness. Glue-down vinyl installation is messy and time-consuming. Select cushioned vinyl flooring with double-face tape for quick and easy installation.

Flexibility

• Cushioned vinyl flooring is often designed with a layer of foam padding. OVC Non-Woven Technologies uses a fiberglass non-woven core for comfort and stability. The foam and fiberglass materials add flexibility to vinyl flooring that allow the padded surface to bounce back to its original shape even in heavy traffic areas. Cushioned vinyl is less likely to warp or dent because of its flexible construction.

Durability

• Choose glue-down flat vinyl if you want a permanent vinyl flooring that is durable and long-lasting. Double-face tape is a sturdy and convenient adhesive, but glue is a more powerful adhesive and usually stands the test of time. Opt for glue-down vinyl if you have pets that could puncture cushioned vinyl or dig at corners that are not securely fastened to the floor. Glue-down tile is difficult to remove, so be prepared to chip away at it when it comes time to remove and replace it.