LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tiles) Flooring

​Luxury Vinyl Tiles popularly known as LVT is a flooring product that looks like real wood, ceramic or stone flooring but has other additional practical benefits. LVT is available in a wide range of designs, shapes and sizes which gives that authentic looking floor in your property. It has become a great flooring alternative to hardwood, laminate, vinyl, and carpet flooring. It can give off that authentic look of wood flooring, ceramic, or stone flooring without having the practical drawback of natural products.
 
Background
LVT is made from PVC-based materials which means it is incredibly tough. Advancement in manufacturing processes means LVT has longer warranties compared to other flooring options. It is also generally warmer, and quieter compared to other wood flooring like laminate. 

• LVT is made from virgin vinyl or durable PVC
• PVC or polyvinyl chloride is a synthetic polymer used for construction, doors, and windows
• Vinyl flooring tiles may be stiff tiles or planks with interlocking strips which is not the case with LVT.

 
Characteristics of LVT

• LVT’s versatility means it can be used to create unique flooring patterns and designs
• The unique designs and patterns will give a room more character and transform its look and feel.
• The tiles are made up of layers. The top layer may mirror wood, stone or ceramic and looks as authentic as the real materials. It is one of the reasons it is popular.
• LVT is great for areas with high traffic like Kitchens, Bathrooms, Reception areas and hallways.
• It is an affordable option for flooring that will give you that authentic look and feel. It means your home or property will look modern in line with latest trends. So, if you are thinking of renovating or refurbishing your property LVT is a good flooring option.
• It is great for both domestic and commercial properties.
• Karndean is a popular LVT product that looks fantastic in homes and commercial spaces.

 
Installing LVT
A great benefit of installing LVT flooring is that you do may not need an adhesive compared to other types of flooring like laminate. In some installations an adhesive or glue may be used but you could do without either. LVT installation requires an LVT underlay or a proper subfloor for the tiles to be fitted on. The ground must be smooth, hard, clean, dry, and free from any residue (e.g., paint, grease etc). All the tiles need acclimatize to the room, so they need to be taken out of the box and laid in the room at least a day before installation.
 
LVT vs LVP
LVT stands for Luxury Vinyl Tiles while LVP stands for Luxury Vinyl Planks. They are technically the same material but different sizes. Tiles are smaller than planks. Using LVP just gives out that look of hardwood boards. Both are types of luxury vinyl flooring offering the same design options and durability. The main difference is the configuration.
 
Advantages of LVT

• Compared to other flooring types, LVT is low cost while giving you that great modern look and feel for your property
• It is easy to install and requires few tools and techniques. There are 2 ways of installing LVT – loose-lay floor or gluing method. The loose-lay method requires less preparation of the subfloor, so it saves time and cost.
• LVT flooring is easy to maintain compared to other flooring types. For instance, natural stone is high maintenance as they need to be specially cleaned and polished. With LVT you do not need to polish or wax the floor as it has a protective layer.
• LVT flooring absorbs sound well. It is warmer and generally quieter when walking on it compared to other flooring options like stone or wood. It is a softer surface.
• It is generally affordable in terms of price of the tiles and cost of installing. Buying hardwood flooring or natural stone is really expensive.
• There are many design options available and you can mix and match. This is why LVT flooring is popular as it gives that option to create design patterns that will make your home standout.
• Luxury vinyl tiles flooring are made from a material that is water resistant. That is why LVT is great for kitchens, bathrooms, utility rooms or any area that encounters water.
• The LVT layer is durable and less susceptible to scratches. For pet owners, LVT works well for you.

 
Disadvantages of LVT

• Luxury vinyl tiles are non-biodegradable so not totally eco-friendly. They are hard to recycle or dispose and may be a challenge for land fill sites.
• The underfoot comfort feel cannot match carpets. Carpets are generally warmer and comfortable to walk on.
• It may not add value to your home as it is low cost. Compared to hardwood or stone flooring homebuyers rarely consider LVT flooring.