LVT, which stands for Luxury Vinyl Tile, is a modern flooring option that replicates the look of natural materials, such as wood and stone, while offering the practical and affordable benefits of vinyl.
Available in both tiles and planks, LVT combines style with durability and affordability, making it one of the most popular choices for homes.
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What is LVT Flooring Made Of?
LVT flooring is built from several carefully designed layers that work together to make it durable and comfortable. Many LVT floors are embossed with textures that mimic the natural feel of wood grains or stone finishes.
Backing Layer: This forms the base of the floor and is the thickest part. It gives structure and stability to the LVT, but it also helps absorb sound and gives comfort underfoot.
Design Layer: With a high-quality, photo-realistic print, the design layer mimics the look of natural materials and is where the true beauty of LVT comes into play.
Clear Layer: This adds durability as it protects the floor from deeper damage, like rips or tears.
Protective Wear Layer: The top layer shields the LVT against everyday surface damage like scratches and scuffs.
Benefits of LVT Flooring
There are many advantages to having luxury vinyl tiles in your home. It’s why they’re so popular!
Waterproof: All of our LVTs are waterproof, making them perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, and even utility spaces.
Scratch & Stain Resistant: Built to last, our luxury vinyl flooring stands up to busy homes with pets and children running around.
Comfortable & Warm: Softer underfoot than tiles or stone, our Luxury Vinyl Tiles are compatible with underfloor heating and most are fitted with a comfy built-in underlay.
Low Maintenance: Perhaps the biggest advantage is how easy LVT floors are to clean and maintain. A simple sweep or vacuum and the occasional mopping will keep it looking great for years to come.
Affordable Alternative: LVT flooring replicates the beauty of natural materials without the higher cost or upkeep.
Types of LVT Flooring
There are several styles of LVT to suit a wide variety of needs and budgets, each with its own strengths.
Click-Fit LVT: This DIY-friendly Luxury Vinyl Tile is easy to install with a simple locking mechanism.
Glue-Down: These LVTs are glued directly onto the subfloor with a long-lasting adhesive.
SPC Rigid Core: Stone Plastic Composite (SPC) vinyl flooring is great for busy areas as its rigid core boasts impressive strength and stability.
Herringbone & Parquet LVT: These vinyl floors replicate the beautiful patterns parquet has to offer, such as herringbone and chevron.
With Attached Underlay: Some of our LVTs come with the underlay already attached, offering extra cushioning underfoot and creating less hassle when it comes to installation.
LVT vs Other Flooring Types
LVT vs Laminate: LVT is 100% waterproof, which makes it better suited for kitchens and bathrooms, while laminate can swell with moisture.
LVT vs Vinyl Sheet & Lino: Older-style sheet vinyl tends to look fake, especially when compared to LVT, which offers a more premium and realistic appearance.
LVT vs Real Wood & Stone: Wood and stone effect LVTs are more affordable, easier to maintain and simpler to install, while still capturing the beauty of natural materials
Is LVT Easy to Install?
There are two ways to lay luxury vinyl tiles: floating floor and glued-down.
The floating floor method is where the planks or tiles are joined to each other, instead of the subfloor. This method works for our click-fit LVTs and is easy to install, regardless of whether you’re a beginner or a DIY expert.
The glued-down method, on the other hand, is a bit more complicated. Here, adhesive is applied directly to the subfloor and the individual boards are laid on top. We recommend hiring a professional for glued-down installations, as the level of preparation and precision can be time-consuming and leaves little room for mistakes.
You also need to make sure the subfloor is properly prepared, no matter which installation method you go with. After removing the old floor, make sure the surface is clean, dry and level. It’s also best to check that any screws or nails are flush with the surface. Concrete and wooden subfloors are suitable for LVT flooring.
What Are the Downsides of LVT Flooring?
Like most floors, Luxury Vinyl Tiles do have a few downsides. Most of these issues are easily avoided!
LVT flooring is incredibly durable, but it can dent or tear if heavy furniture is dropped on it or dragged across it. To prevent this, it’s a good idea to place felt pads under furniture legs and remember to lift pieces instead of dragging them.
Like most types of flooring, LVT needs a smooth subfloor. Otherwise, the floor may become damaged. So make sure your subfloor is carefully prepared before installing your LVT.
It’s also important to remember that while our Luxury Vinyl Tiles look and feel real, they are made from synthetic materials. This means they don’t have the same natural authenticity as real wood.
Shop LVT Flooring at Luxury Flooring
Ready to explore LVT for your home? Get in touch with our friendly flooring experts! They’ll be happy to answer your questions and can point you towards our unlimited free LVT samples.
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