Best Vinyl Flooring Adhesive (Sticks Like Rock)

The best adhesive for vinyl flooring is the one that keeps it in place and does not bubble or ripple.

Different vinyl flooring glues offer various benefits; some may feature a highly aggressive feel. You can use these products for the interior as well as garage flooring.

Using quality adhesives will make your project a lot simpler, and so, we’re here to recommend only the best!

Best Vinyl Flooring Adhesive (Top 9 Picks) List:

Model

Volume

Usage

Price

Henry 356 MultiPro Vinyl Adhesive

1 Quart

Works on concrete, wood, vinyl, etc

RH Adhesives HH-66 Industrial Strength Vinyl Cement Glue with Brush

8 oz.

Suitable for vinyl-coated and vinyl-laminated materials

Red Devil 0497 Tile Paste Adhesive

160ml

Suitable with most tile types

Gorilla 8212302 Max Strength Clear Construction Adhesive

255ml

Compatible with foam, fiberglass, metal, glass, stone, etc

DAP 7079825053 25053 Weldwood Cove Base Adhesive

1 Quart

Non-staining product

Cal-Flor GL82114CF Eurobond D3 Floating Floor Glue

16 oz.

Suitable for groove flooring

ROBERTS 50-540 Double-Sided Acrylic Adhesive Strip for Vinyl

-

Suitable for installing loose vinyl flooring

ARDEX LLC Henry, WW Company 12220 6 oz Vinyl Repair Adhesive

6 oz.

Compatible with rubber

ROBERTS 7350-1 Flooring Adhesive

1 Gallon

Ideal for LVT, LVP, and WPC flooring

1. Henry 356 MultiPro Vinyl Adhesive

Henry makes glue for multiple kinds of flooring, and after trying their vinyl flooring glue, we ought to list it here:

  • Weighs 2.77 pounds
  • Made in the USA
  • Works on concrete, wood, vinyl, etc.

Apply a layer on the floor, let the glue dry first to a sticky texture, and do not apply it while wet.

I would suggest that you use the glue on the back of the vinyl flooring to give the flooring adhesive an extra push. It worked wonders for me!

The instructions were significantly helpful, and I would suggest that everyone reads it first.

After reading them correctly, I was able to glue 25 rows in just 2 hours! After the glue had dried, it was a piece of cake.

Also, the adhesive is powerful, so once glued, it stays there.

Since my linoleum floor had holes, this flooring glue filled those and made the floor even, which was an added plus for me. My vinyl planks are sticking well for now.

However, I have learned that if you use it for retiling over existing vinyl, you have to apply a thin layer of glue. The manufacturer should have mentioned it on the container. 

Pros

  • The vinyl adhesive comes with instructions
  • Powerful adhesive that sticks nicely
  • Can fill holes in the floor
  • Vinyl floors settle nicely with the adhesive
  • Works perfectly on any type of floor material; wood, concrete, vinyl, etc
  • Weighs less
  • Is made in the USA

Cons

  • If you are retiling over an existing vinyl, you need to apply a thin layer of glue

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You might like: Best Vinyl Fences

2. RH Adhesives HH-66 Industrial Strength Vinyl Cement Glue with Brush

RH specializes in vinyl flooring glues, and this one is their best-selling. Let’s look at some of the features of this product:

  • Clear in color
  • Volume is 237 millimeters
  • Creates liquid-proof seal
  • Suitable for vinyl-coated and vinyl-laminated materials
  • Resistant to extreme weather conditions and temperatures
  • Suitable for general patching
  • Includes a brush

This product worked great for me for both dry and wet applications. I patched one hole with dry application and 3 with water, all sealed well around the edges.

You may roll out the flooring with a lacrosse ball to press out any remaining air for the application.

The adhesive also dries up quickly, primarily if used outdoors. For me, the glue dried in 20 seconds maximum, and once I applied it, there was no peeling off, and it’s been two months. The adhesive is holding well.

Also, if you are applying the glue underwater, do not wait for the flooring adhesive to dry out; lay the flooring immediately.

For leaky pools, apply the glue only to the patch, fold it and open it when underwater.

One slight issue with this product was that the remaining flooring glue dries out quickly, so only order as much as you need for instant use or shortly.

Pros

  • Is clear in color
  • Creates a liquid-proof seal for the flooring to settle in nicely
  • The adhesive is suitable for vinyl-coated and vinyl-laminated materials
  • The adhesive is resilient and is resistant to harsh weather conditions and temperature
  • Favorable for general patching
  • The adhesive comes with a brush
  • Works well with dry and wet products
  • Dries up quickly and doesn’t peel off
  • Adhesive can also be applied in underwater applications

Cons

  • Doesn’t have a good shelf life
  • The adhesive dries up quickly if remained opened

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3. Red Devil 0497 Tile Paste Adhesive

  • White in color
  • Available in tube
  • Volume is 160mm
  • Troweling for an application is not necessary
  • Paste consistency
  • Suitable with most tile types
  • Mildew resistant and easy cleanup
  • Low odor

I had some loose vinyl tiles lying around, and this tube did the work for me; I applied it on my bathroom floor, let it dry overnight, and they haven’t moved since. The bathroom looks new!

The adhesive works well, even on vertical tiles. I have also used this for backsplashes that got loose and countered tiles as well.

Thus, for me, this is my go-to adhesive for minor repairs. However, there is the issue of matching and replacing the grout that is a separate issue.

The tube is more convenient than the adhesives that come in buckets; it makes the application a smooth ride, and you can control the amount you squeeze out. 

Also, the water cleanup was a plus since I always apply more than I need to!

One problem I came across was the flooring glue’s durability, but that is also not recommended by the manufacturer if you try to use it on flooring.

Pros:

  • It is white in color
  • It comes in a tube
  • It is quite suitable for most tile types
  • It is mildew resistant
  • Can easily be cleaned up
  • Has a very little smell
  • The adhesive dries up overnight
  • It is consistent with paste
  • The adhesive comes in a tube which makes it easier to pour it out
  • It is a water-cleanup adhesive

Cons

  • You have to replace the grout and clean it up before applying the adhesive to your tiles
  • The durability of the product is not that good
  • Has a volume of 160 mm which is lesser in quantity
  • The color of the glue turns grey

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4. Gorilla 8212302 Max Strength Clear Construction Adhesive

Gorilla is a name known to many who are familiar with flooring adhesives. Let’s find out how this is one of the best for vinyl flooring:

  • Clear in color
  • Volume is 255mm
  • Compatible with foam, fiberglass, metal, glass, stone, etc.
  • Waterproof and works underwater as well
  • Suitable for all weather conditions
  • Easy to dispense

What I admired the most about this product is that it can sustain any amount of weight and still not come off. I used this adhesive to apply vinyl flooring in my lounge and weighed heavy furniture on it, and it is still intact.

Since it had no offensive odor, we did not have to empty our garage area, where we applied the flooring while it was drying up.

With other adhesives, the smell is so strong that you can’t be anywhere near it.

This premium glue remains sticky even after you have opened it, which I found a rare quality; I used it again after five months and was pleased to find out that it had not turned dry. Thus, a good deal!

However, keep in mind that the flooring glue is sometimes delivered hardened. You can contact the manufacturer, and they will replace it for you.

Pros

  • The adhesive is clear in color
  • It is compatible with foam, fiberglass, metal, glass, and stone
  • The adhesive is waterproof and can be used in underwater applications as well
  • Is suitable for any type of weather conditions
  • It can withstand any weight without it being peeled off
  • It has no odor compared to other adhesives
  • Has a good shelf life and doesn’t dry out after the container is opened
  • Can easily be dispensed

Cons

  • The glue delivered is at times hardened and you might want to get it replaced

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5. DAP 7079825053 25053 Weldwood Cove Base Adhesive

 

  • White in color
  • Non-staining
  • No bracing needed
  • Volume is 1 quart

The adhesive was easy to work with; it was easy to spread on the flooring, and the vinyl patches as the consistency are thick and frosting-like.

Although I was applying it on old glue, it still adhered well and filled gaps.

Also, I quickly wiped off the excess with my finger, and it came right off! Unlike some adhesives, it was a no-mess product and did not buckle.

Although it wasn’t sticky, that didn’t affect its quality as flooring glue.

The quantity is great too! At first, I thought this container would not suffice for my use based on my experience, but I was surprised to see that I had used only half the container.

One slight issue I noticed with the product was that shippers delivered the bucket with loose packaging, and thus, the adhesive was all over the packing. 

Pros

  • It is white in color
  • Great quantity around the volume of 1 quart
  • It doesn’t need any sort of bracing
  • For a beginner, the adhesive is ideal
  • Consistency of the vinyl patches are thick and frosting-like
  • Sticks well even with old glue
  • The adhesive can easily be cleaned up if used in excess
  • It creates no mess

 

Cons

  • The shelf life isn’t that good
  • The packaging of the product is not feasible and it started leaking

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6. Cal-Flor GL82114CF Eurobond D3 Floating Floor Glue

This floor glue comes in a cartridge with a nozzle. Listed below are its advantages, disadvantages, and features:

  • Effective barrier against water
  • Flexible when dry
  • D3 certification
  • Suitable for groove flooring
  • Volume is 16 fluid ounces

The quantity impressed me with the product; I needed the flooring glue for around 350-400 square feet, and I preordered more since I thought this wouldn’t be enough.

Surprisingly, only one bottle was used, with some of it still left.

The setting time also makes it stand out; cure time for foot traffic in just 24 hours.

After a full day, we walked, jumped, and dragged furniture on it, and the vinyl flooring did not come off at all from anywhere. No popping sounds came either.

I would suggest that you use the tiniest opening marked on the cap and cut an angle. The glue runs efficiently, and you would be able to control how much of it comes out. Also, keep a few towels nearby for occasional drips.

However, there have been some complaints about large chunks of coagulated flooring adhesive inside. You can get it exchanged, though.

Pros:

  • Proves to be an effective barrier against water
  • It is quite suitable for groove flooring
  • Has a great quantity of around 16 fluid ounces
  • Is certified by D3
  • It dries up nicely after only 24 hours
  • Can withstand pressure and doesn’t peel off
  • Is flexible when it gets dry

Cons:

  • The Glue starts leaking
  • Has larger chunks of coagulated glue
  • The glue runs easily and is hard to control the amount

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7. ROBERTS 50-540 Double-Sided Acrylic Adhesive Strip for Vinyl

This strip is not a regular glue in a tub or a container; it comes as tape with an adhesive strip. The following are its characteristics

  • Compatible with wood and glass
  • Size is 1-7/8-Inch X 50 Feet
  • Suitable for installing loose vinyl flooring
  • Bonds instantly
  • Odor-free
  • Double-sided

I used it to apply vinyl flooring in my garage, and it has held up well so far! It is driven over multiple times during the day, and I have heavy machinery lying on it at all times, but no corners have come off.

One of the things I liked about the tape was how easy it was to un-glue it; I accidentally put down a patch of my vinyl flooring incorrectly and was anxious about taking it off. To my surprise, it was easy to un-glue it with a knife.

Also, the tape works well with irregular surfaces, which is not the case with other types of flooring glue.

I quickly put down my flooring on my terrace, which had a rugged and uneven texture.

One problem is that the tape wrinkles easily and sticks to itself, so it is difficult to cut it and apply it on the surface.

Pros

  • The adhesive is compatible with wood and glass
  • The product makes installing loose vinyl flooring
  • Has no odor
  • Can instantly bond nicely
  • Can withstand heavy weight and pressure
  • It is easy to unglue it
  • The tape works with irregular dimensions and surfaces
  • The adhesive tape is double sided
  • Size is around 50 feet which can cover a feasible area

Cons

8. ARDEX LLC Henry, WW Company 12220 6 oz Vinyl Repair Adhesive

  • Compatible with rubber 
  • It comes in a cartridge
  • Volume is six fluid ounces

Several sections of the middle of my vinyl floor were coming off, and the corners were curling as well.

This glue came to my rescue; I made a 0.5 inch cut in the vinyl, used a screwdriver to lift it, inserted the glue tip, and injected a reasonable amount.

After that, I put the vinyl back on the surface and smoothened it out.

After a day, the cut was not even visible, and the vinyl was attached perfectly! I would suggest putting some weight on it for the first 24 hours to help it settle into place.

The glue was convenient to clean afterward as well, so there was not a lot of mess. The trick is to do it within minutes of it dropping it.

Otherwise, it may leave some stain, and we don’t want that. One slight issue with the product was that shipping was not as good as I had expected; the cap on the bottle was loose when it was delivered, which created some mess.

Pros

  • It comes in a cartridge so it is easy to use
  • Good quantity of around 6 fluid ounces
  • It is compatible with rubber
  • Can easily fill corners of vinyl floor and smoothen it out
  • The adhesive dries up nicely within 24 hours and can withstand heavy weight
  • The glue can easily be cleaned after the installation is done

Cons

  • The delivery was not reliable
  • The cap of the product was open which created a mass

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9. ROBERTS 7350-1 Flooring Adhesive

  • Ideal for LVT, LVP, and WPC flooring
  • Bonds with most types of tiles
  • Suitable for indoor use
  • Re-bondable pressure-sensitive
  • Moisture control adhesive

This flooring glue is one of the best adhesives I have found for gluing vinyl plank on a concrete surface.

Once it is dry, it gets tacky and sits down on the floor well; there will be no floating floors. 

One tip I would like to give is that clean your concrete properly before applying vinyl planks on it; use a floor grinder to clean paint overspray, old carpet adhesive, drywall mud, etc.

Using glue on cleaner concrete allows for maximum bond.

The glue sticks for extended periods; I laid down my flooring two years ago, and it sticks the same! No edges are curling up or no patches coming off. 

Pros

  • The adhesive is ideal for LVT, LVP, and WPC flooring
  • It is compatible with most types of tiles
  • Ideal for indoor usage
  • Considered an ideal choice for gluing vinyl plank on concrete surfaces
  • Dries up nicely and settles in
  • It is durable and can last many years
  • The adhesive can easily control moisture
  • The adhesive is re-bondable

Cons

  • It is sensitive to pressure and weight

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Factors to Consider:

  • Dry time: This is regarding the speed at which you’ll need to work and how long you cannot step on the flooring. Also, this will tell you how quickly you need to prepare adhesive.
  • Consistency: a thin layer can be hard to work with and might not stick as well. On the other hand, thick consistency is difficult to spread relatively but bonds well.
  • Shelf-life: some adhesives can be stored for years while others only remain in good quality for a couple of days. Thus, it depends on the kind of project you’re upholding and how much flooring glue you require for it.
  • Cleanup: Installing vinyl floors and dealing with adhesives can get messy and potentially ruin your base if you spill too much. Water-based glues are easier to clean.

Buying Guide for Vinyl Flooring Adhesives

Flooring adhesives come in handy when you have performed flooring in your house to make it look attractive. However, for a beginner, understanding the technicalities of Flooring Adhesives is quite confusing and hard to manage.

That is where Vinyl Flooring comes into play. The best glue for vinyl flooring can be determined by its feature of keeping the floor in place and preventing bubbles and ripples.

Vinyl Adhesives provide a lot of benefits; not only do they make your floor look more attractive, but they also make sure the floor is kept in place. Quality adhesives make your project look attractive, and make the job much easier.

However, I would recommend taking certain factors into consideration before purchasing a suitable Vinyl Floor Adhesive.

Vinyl Benefits

The main reason why I would recommend you to go for Vinyl is because of its durability and functionality.

Not only is it durable, but it is the perfect versatile choice when it comes to flooring adhesives. If you are a family man such as myself, I would recommend getting vinyl flooring because it is a suitable and ideal choice for people with families, kids, and pets.

Apart from it being versatile, it is very easy to clean, fits in perfectly, and comes in all shapes, sizes, patterns, and colors.

Shelf Life

If you are a workaholic such as myself who only gets time during the weekends, I would recommend buying vinyl flooring adhesives.

Not only are they feasible for your project, but the shelf life of these adhesives can last up to years and you can work on the project whenever you feel like it.

However, certain adhesives can only last up to several days so I would recommend doing the research before making your purchase.

Life Time Requirement

Before using Vinyl Flooring adhesives, I had heard that no such flooring can last a lifetime, but the purchase of adhesives proved me wrong.

Using vinyl flooring adhesive for my project is the best decision I have ever made. Not only does the adhesive make the vinyl flooring last 15 years, but it prevents the flooring from peeling or warping.

Installation Process

If you ask me, I consider this as a key factor before making your purchase. The installation process is where you will be using the most adhesive and it has an impact on the result of your vinyl flooring.

If you have hired a worker for the installation, I would highly advise that you let him use whatever adhesive he is comfortable with.

However, if you are doing it for yourself, I would recommend researching the type of adhesives and the most suitable choice which is compatible with the type of project you are dealing with.

The installation is a single-time attempt so I would advise you to choose the correct adhesive before planning your project so you would have a favorable outcome.

Dry Time

I recommend buying the type of adhesive that would suit the work you want to carry out. If you want your project to be completed in a shorter period, I would highly advise you to purchase the type of adhesive which dries early.

The temperature and humidity of the room highly impact the drying time of an adhesive. The humidity of the room plays a vital role in drying out the glue on the flooring.

It takes an average of 12 to 20 hours for the glue to be dried completely, however, I would advise you to give your floor at least 24 hours before you keep heavy furniture on it.

I would advise you to determine at which speed you need to work by calculating the drying time and making sure how quickly you must prepare the adhesive so that the process is smooth.

Location

Before buying an adhesive, I would recommend you study the location of where your project is being carried out.

Some adhesives are highly compatible with larger areas, while some are with smaller areas. The location has a vital role in affecting the type of flooring, and how clean and permanent is it going to look.

I would recommend you figure and measure out the distance of the location where your project is carried out so you can accurately determine the amount and the type of adhesive glue which is going to be used. Not only is it going to save your time, but is going to save your money as well.

Types of Adhesives

There are many types of adhesives. I would prefer researching the type of adhesives which is suitable for your project before making your purchase.

I prefer a water-based adhesive that is suitable for the air quality in a home because it has less volatile organic compounds. If you are a beginner such as myself, I would recommend purchasing them since they are quite easy to install and can easily be cleaned up.

If you have spilled some substance while installing, you can easily clean it up. However, if it gets in contact with moisture, the bond seems to break.

If cost is not a problem for you, I would highly advise purchasing an acrylic-based adhesive. They seem to mend well with vinyl, moisture has no impact on them, and are made up of resin.

FAQs

What adhesive should I use for vinyl flooring?

You can use any type of adhesive when it comes to vinyl flooring. However, acrylic-based adhesive is considered the best of the lot when it comes to using adhesives in vinyl flooring. The features that they possess make them an ideal choice. They are resistive to heat, they can manage temperatures, and they do not mend in moisture – making them an ideal choice

How long do you let floor adhesives dry?

Many factors are involved during the drying stage of a floor adhesive. Urethane flooring adhesives can dry up nicely if around 20 hours if the humidity levels of the environment are suitable. However, 24 hours of dry time is advisable.

Do I need adhesive for vinyl flooring?

Vinyl floor requires an adhesive so they can settle in nicely into the surface. A full-bond floor requires adhesive to be applied to the entire surface area, however, a perimeter-bond floor requires adhesive to be applied on the edges

How long does vinyl adhesive take to cure?

They can take up to 12 to 20 hours depending on the temperature, humidity level, and quality of the adhesive

How long after laying vinyl can you walk on it?

You need to avoid walking for at least 24 hours. Keep the room temperature at 68 F or greater after the installation of vinyl flooring

Do glue-down vinyl flooring expand?

Fluctuating temperatures can cause vinyl flooring to expand.

Last Words

Adhesives for vinyl flooring and widely available; you have to pick the one that suits your needs when it comes to the factors mentioned above.

Going for older reliable brands might tempt you, but there’s no harm in trying out new and improved flooring glues by emerging brands.

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