If you are planning to install glue-down LVT flooring, also known as dryback LVT, the subfloor is one of the most important parts of the job.

The flooring itself may look like the star of the show, but the subfloor is what decides whether the finished result looks professional or turns into a bumpy, lifting, gap-opening nightmare. Dramatic? Maybe. True? Absolutely.

At Discount Flooring Superstore, we supply affordable glue-down LVT for homes, landlords, trades and commercial projects across the UK. This guide explains which subfloors glue-down LVT can be installed over and what preparation is usually needed before fitting.

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Why Subfloor Preparation Matters

Glue-down LVT is fixed directly to the subfloor using adhesive. That means the adhesive needs a strong, stable surface to bond to.

If the subfloor is uneven, dusty, damp, cracked or moving, the LVT may not stick properly. Any imperfections underneath can also show through the finished floor over time. This is often known as telegraphing.

Can You Install Glue-Down LVT Over Concrete?

Yes, concrete is one of the most common subfloors for glue-down LVT. However, it must be properly prepared before installation.

Concrete needs to be dry, smooth, level and free from dust. If the concrete is rough or uneven, a suitable levelling compound may be needed before the LVT is fitted.

Do not glue LVT directly onto damp concrete. Moisture can affect the adhesive and cause the floor to fail.

Can You Install Glue-Down LVT Over Screed?

Yes, glue-down LVT can usually be installed over a suitable screeded floor, as long as the screed is dry, smooth, level and properly prepared.

New screed needs enough drying time before flooring is installed. If LVT is fitted too soon, trapped moisture can cause adhesive problems and flooring failure.

If you have an anhydrite or calcium sulphate screed, extra preparation may be required. Always follow the screed, adhesive and flooring manufacturer’s guidance.

Can You Install Glue-Down LVT Over Plywood?

Yes, plywood is a suitable base for glue-down LVT when it has been fitted correctly.

This is commonly used over timber floors to create a smoother and more stable surface. The plywood should be flooring grade, securely fixed and free from movement.

Poorly fitted plywood can show through the LVT, especially at the joints. If the ply moves, the LVT can move with it.

Can You Install Glue-Down LVT Directly Over Floorboards?

Usually, no. Glue-down LVT should not normally be fitted directly onto standard timber floorboards.

Floorboards can move, flex, shrink and expand. They may also have gaps, raised edges or uneven areas. If LVT is glued directly over them, those imperfections can show through and the floor may not bond properly.

Can You Install Glue-Down LVT Over Chipboard or OSB?

Chipboard and OSB can be tricky. They may not always be suitable for direct glue-down installation because the surface can be uneven, absorbent or affected by movement.

In many cases, the safer option is to overboard with suitable plywood or use a manufacturer-approved preparation system before fitting the LVT.

If you are fitting over chipboard or OSB, make sure the surface is stable, dry and free from movement. You should also check that your chosen adhesive and preparation products are suitable.

Can You Install Glue-Down LVT Over Ceramic Tiles?

Sometimes, yes. Glue-down LVT can sometimes be installed over existing ceramic or porcelain tiles, but only if the tiles are solid, fully bonded and level.

The main issue with tiled floors is the grout lines. If these are not filled and levelled, they can show through the LVT over time.

Do not fit glue-down LVT directly over uneven tiles with deep grout lines. It may look fine on day one, then start showing every line underneath later. Annoying, avoidable, and frankly not the vibe.

Can You Install Glue-Down LVT Over Existing Vinyl or Lino?

In most cases, we would recommend removing old vinyl or lino before fitting glue-down LVT.

Existing vinyl may be cushioned, damaged, loose, contaminated with polish or not suitable for adhesive. If the old floor moves, the new LVT can move too.

Removing the old flooring and preparing the actual subfloor underneath usually gives a much better result.

Can You Install Glue-Down LVT Over Laminate?

No, glue-down LVT should not be installed over laminate flooring.

Laminate is normally a floating floor, which means it is not fixed permanently to the subfloor. Glue-down LVT needs a stable base. If you glue onto laminate, you are sticking a fixed floor onto a floating floor — and that is asking for trouble.

Remove the laminate first, then prepare the subfloor underneath.

Can You Install Glue-Down LVT Over Carpet or Underlay?

Absolutely not.

Glue-down LVT should never be fitted over carpet or standard underlay. These surfaces are too soft and unstable, and the adhesive will not create the correct bond.

Can You Install Glue-Down LVT With Underfloor Heating?

Glue-down LVT can often be used with underfloor heating, but the system must be suitable and installed correctly.

The heating should be fully commissioned before the flooring is installed, and temperature limits must be followed. You also need to use the correct adhesive for underfloor heating.

Subfloor Suitability Guide

General Preparation Before Installing Glue-Down LVT

No matter what subfloor you are working with, the same basic preparation rules apply.

What Happens If the Subfloor Is Not Prepared Properly?

Poor subfloor preparation is one of the biggest reasons glue-down LVT installations go wrong.

The frustrating part is that most of these issues are avoidable. A bit of prep at the start saves a lot of stress later.

The Bottom Line

Concrete, screed and correctly fitted plywood are usually the best bases for glue-down LVT. Existing tiles may also be suitable if they are solid and properly levelled. Floorboards usually need overboarding first, and soft or floating floors should be removed.

If in doubt, take the time to prepare the subfloor properly or speak to a professional fitter before installation.