As we prepare to launch our 2025 Flooring Adhesives and Smoothing Compounds Market Reports, now is a good time to revisit some of the standout trends from the last edition. Our 2022 reports, based on 100 in-depth interviews with flooring contractors across the UK, uncovered clear shifts in product usage, specification practices, and buying behaviour — trends that continue to reshape the commercial flooring market.
1. Brand Loyalty and Familiarity Still Lead the Way
When it comes to flooring adhesives, familiarity trumps price. In 2022, a significant 56% of contractors chose their main adhesive brand simply because they had “always used it” and their fitters were used to it. This was followed by quality (37%) and reliability (31%) as key selection criteria.
Notably, just 3% of respondents cited “lowest price” as a deciding factor — continuing a long-term decline in price sensitivity for adhesive selection. This indicates a growing emphasis on performance, reliability, and brand trust in the commercial flooring sector.
2. System-Based Installation Is Now the Norm
Another major shift was the rise in system-based installations. In 2018, only 35% of flooring contractors said they typically used a full system (adhesive, smoothing compound, DPM, primer) from a single manufacturer. By 2022, this had risen to 79%.
Contractors increasingly see value in choosing compatible products from a single brand — reducing the risk of failure and improving confidence in manufacturer warranties and technical support. Both adhesives (91%) and smoothing compounds (99%) were viewed as core elements in successful installations.
3. The Market Leaders Remain Strong, But Competition Is Growing
F.Ball continued to dominate both the adhesives and smoothing compounds markets in 2022. Other leading brands included Uzin, Ardex, Mapei, and Tilemaster, with varying strengths depending on product type and application.
Interestingly, LVT brands such as Amtico and Karndean gained adhesive market share — driven by contractors using branded adhesives to comply with manufacturer warranties. This shows the increasing influence of flooring manufacturers on adhesive choice, particularly in the fast-growing LVT segment.
4. Latex Smoothing Compounds and Anhydrite Screeds on the Rise
Use of latex-based smoothing compounds remained high in 2022, with a large proportion of projects using this format. Contractors said latex provided a “better finish” and “stronger bond,” particularly useful when dealing with subfloor issues.
At the same time, laying floorcoverings onto calcium sulphate (anhydrite) screeds rose from 12% in 2018 to 22% in 2022, suggesting greater adoption of this substrate type in commercial projects — and the need for compatible smoothing and adhesive products.
5. What to Expect in 2025
The 2025 editions of our GB Contract Flooring Adhesives and Smoothing Compounds reports will delve into:
- Updated market sizes and forecasts
- Evolving routes to market
- Specification trends
- Brand performance and perception
- Customer needs around sustainability and technical support
Whether you’re a manufacturer, distributor, or specifier, these insights will help you stay competitive in an increasingly specification-led and quality-conscious market.
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