What is LVT Flooring?

LVT flooring has become a popular and viable flooring alternative to hardwood, laminate, carpet, and vinyl flooring. With breakthrough in manufacturing processes, LVT has become widely available and popular as there are a wide range of designs to choose from. Its versatility means that when installed it can give that authentic look of wood flooring, ceramic, or stone flooring. As it is reasonably priced compared to other flooring types, the property owner gets the benefits of quality flooring that follows the latest trends.

Background

• LVT stands for Luxury Vinyl Tiles.
• LVT Flooring is an alternative flooring option to sheet vinyl flooring.
• LVT is made from durable PVC or virgin vinyl.
• PVC is Polyvinyl Chloride, a widely produced synthetic polymer used to manufacture pipes used for construction, doors, and windows.
• Sheet Vinyl flooring comes in large continuous flexible sheets that are water-resistant and are different from normal vinyl floor tiles.
• Normal vinyl tiles may be stiff tiles or planks with interlocking strips
• Sheet Vinyl and Vinyl tiles are made from a fiberglass base layer that is coated in PVC vinyl and a plasticiser. The resulting sheet is printed and covered with a surface print layer.

 
Characteristics

• LVT flooring is versatile and flexible as it allows anyone to create unique flooring designs that can be mixed and matched.
• As LVT flooring is made up of layers, the top layer can be a high representation of wood, stone, or tiles. The outcome is authentic and looks like these other materials mentioned.
• These unique designs can be contrasting patterns that can transform any room giving it a different character making it gleam.
• Its versatility means it can be used in different rooms in a property like the kitchen, bathroom or hallway considered high traffic areas.
• It can be used in residential and commercial properties.
• It is a great choice for the home offering an alternative flooring option that is affordable to most homeowners who desire the latest trends. Whether renovation or upgrading the home LVT is a good option that can transform the look of your property.

 
Benefits

• LVT flooring is affordable option when other flooring materials are considered. The costs range from £18 to £40 per sqm including installation costs. Sheet flooring and ceramic tiles compare in price but don’t come with the benefits.
• LVT flooring is waterproof making it ideal for rooms where water is used e.g. bathrooms and kitchens. Most LVTs are 100% water-resistant which makes them ideal for any area with water in the property.
• With LVT flooring, your floor can suffer water spillage without becoming swollen and damaged which means longer life and no need for replacement.
• LVT flooring are durable and work very well in high traffic areas like kitchen, bathroom, hallways amongst others.
• LVT is stronger than wood tile or laminate flooring which easily becomes worn due to daily wear and tear.
• As the design or top layer is resilient, it can withstand moisture, heavy foot traffic, spills, and scratches. LVT has built-in scratch and stain guard.
• There are specific LVT flooring designed to withstand heavy foot traffic used in commercial properties.
• There are endless high-quality designs of LVT which means there is a wide range to choose from. The designs are authentic in appearance and will mirror wood flooring, ceramic, or stone.
• Its versatility means it can be used in rooms with underfloor heating. They are also ideal for conservatories where temperatures change regularly.
• LVT flooring is extremely low maintenance. They are easy to clean. Sweep the floor regularly and use a mop to remove stubborn stains.
• LVT flooring is easy to install compared to other flooring types. There is no nailing or need for power tools. Planks cut easily with a utility knife. It can be clicked and glued together. It is the easier to install for a DIY enthusiast.

 
Drawbacks

• If LVT flooring is installed on a concrete subfloor without proper underlayment, it will trap moisture and result in mould growth.
• It is a softer surface compared to wood or ceramic so once it is damaged, it is difficult to repair.
• Constant exposure to sun can lead to fading and discolouration as the top layer is not UV resistant.
• Unlike hardwood flooring, after installing LVT flooring, it does not increase the resale value of your property.
• LVT is made from petroleum-based PVC resin and therefore there is an environmental impact. Most LVT manufacturers are now making a point of using recycled materials to mitigate this issue.