Contract Flooring Adhesives – 5 Manufacturers Account for Around 85% of Market, Says New Report

For nearly two decades, Leading Edge has tracked brand performance and specification trends across the contract flooring adhesives and smoothing compounds markets. The newly published 2025 editions reveal a market defined by loyalty and long-term stability, yet one that continues to shift subtly as contractors refine their expectations.

Adhesives Market: Familiar Names, Evolving Perceptions
The 2025 GB Contract Flooring Adhesives Market Report shows that the market remains highly concentrated, with a few leading brands maintaining dominant positions. F. Ball continues to hold a commanding share, followed by Ardex, Mapei, Uzin, and Kerakoll (formerly Tilemaster). Together, these five manufacturers account for around 85% of the total market.

While the top ranking remains consistent, the research identifies gradual movement in brand visibility and perceptions of strength. Contractors continue to value familiarity, but there is a growing openness to alternative suppliers and specialist systems for LVT and rapid-installation work. Mentions of Kelmore, Bostik and Instarmac highlight a small but diverse group of emerging or niche entrants gaining recognition.

Smoothing Compounds Market: Performance Still Reigns Supreme
In the GB Contract Floor Smoothing Compounds Market Report, performance continues to be the decisive factor in brand preference. F. Ball and Ardex lead, followed by Mapei, Uzin and Kerakoll. Around two-thirds of contractors cite reliability and workability as their key reasons for brand loyalty, with drying time and ease of mixing also ranking highly.

System-based installation remains standard practice. Approximately eight in ten contractors said they now use adhesives, smoothing compounds, primers and DPMs from a single manufacturer, reinforcing the value placed on compatibility and manufacturer support.

What’s New in the 2025 Editions
Both reports introduce new insights reflecting evolving contractor practices, including the use of fine-finishing compounds, continued tracking of anhydrite screeds, and a first look at underfloor heating (UFH) installations in commercial settings. Contractors were also asked about innovation priorities, revealing where they most want manufacturers to focus future development.

A Market Built on Trust
Elly Cousin, Director at Leading Edge, commented, “These markets continue to demonstrate extraordinary brand loyalty. But beneath that stability, there are subtle shifts – in brand visibility, installation systems, and how contractors define value and performance.”

The 2025 Adhesives and Smoothing Compounds reports are based on 100 in-depth interviews with flooring contractors, supported by trend data stretching back to 2007. Together they provide one of the most comprehensive and consistent datasets available for understanding contractor behaviour in this specialist market.

For full details or to request a contents listing, contact Leading Edge here.

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