The differences between a floating and glued vinyl floor?

There's a lot of discussion about the difference between click PVC (floating PVC) and stick PVC (dryback PVC). The distinction between these two types of PVC flooring often causes confusion. Each seller has their own story, but what really are the differences? And which floor is most suitable for your situation?

Trends show that there is an increasing choice for click PVC, but why? Both types of floors have their advantages and disadvantages.

What are the main differences between click PVC and stick PVC?
Click PVC is also called a floating PVC floor. This means that the floor is not glued to the substrate. When installing a click PVC, you always start by laying an underlay and then the floor. The floor and the underlay always form a complementary product. In other words, you cannot lay PVC planks or tiles without using an underlay. A quality underlay is necessary for its leveling power.

Stick PVC is also called a dryback PVC floor. This type of PVC floor is glued directly to the substrate. Here, you do not need an underlay, but rather a layer of glue. In other words, you are going to permanently attach your floor to the substrate. It is important that the substrate is completely smooth.

The advantages and disadvantages of click PVC and stick PVC?
The main difference is that stick PVC uses a layer of glue and click PVC uses an underlay. The underlay will perform the functions of that layer of glue: sturdy (not floating) and quiet. A third function of the underlay is to absorb shocks. A click/floating PVC floor is extremely resistant to shocks. No worries, therefore, when you drop a heavy object on a click PVC floor. Stick PVC, on the other hand, is much harder, with the consequences that entails.

Combination with underfloor heating
A click PVC floor from Floorify is specially designed to easily let through the heat from underfloor heating. It is often claimed that stick PVC is better for heat conduction. If we look at all stick PVC floors, this is true. That's why we developed the Floorify Performance underlay. Thanks to this underlay, you enjoy similar results. The best underlay in combination with click floors. A Floorify PVC floor performs 50% better than the European standard. A difference in heat conductivity will therefore not be noticeable. A click PVC floor is therefore extremely suitable for underfloor heating.

Substrate
A click PVC can be laid on almost any substrate without too much preparation. So you can lay the floor on an existing tile floor, wooden floor, etc. If you opt for a stick PVC then the substrate must be completely flat. This therefore involves additional work and costs. A click PVC is therefore the renovation floor par excellence.

Installation
If you wish to lay the PVC floor yourself, you should look towards a click PVC. Unlike stick PVC, this type of floor has a simple click system that is very easy to install yourself. Installing stick PVC requires a solid dose of skill to lay the floor straight and flat. Want to save money by installing the floor yourself? Then the choice for a click PVC is quickly made!

Problems afterwards?
Do you want to replace a plank, does the floor need to be taken out due to circumstances? The simple click system and the floating installation allow the floor to be quickly taken apart.

Breaking up a stick PVC will not go smoothly. This is very difficult to remove and furthermore, your substrate will also be damaged.

Durable floor
Last but not least, sustainability. Floorify therefore consciously chooses a sustainable solution. That's why the choice was made not to use glues (contains VOCs = harmful substances). Consequently, the Floorify underlay is also not glued to the substrate. If this were the case, it would have a huge impact on the floor's recycling process. With a Floorify click PVC you enjoy 100% of a healthy and sustainable product.

Based on these arguments, Floorify chooses to only bring rigid click PVC with a separate underlay to market. Discover our collection of click PVC floors.

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