What is luxury vinyl tile (LVT) flooring?
LVT Flooring - Main Types
Why is LVT so popular?
Laying luxury vinyl tiles in your home
Popular questions we get asked about LVT
Luxury vinyl tile is highly versatile, durable, and currently in demand, making it the fastest growing floor covering worldwide. Manufacturers are using the latest technology to produce some stunning new designs, so you can easily use this popular type of flooring to add style, warmth and comfort to your home.
What is luxury vinyl tile (LVT) flooring?
Essentially, luxury vinyl tile, or LVT, is a synthetic material that is exceptionally durable and replicates the appearance of natural materials like wood and stone. They are arguably the best hardwood floor alternative. We won't focus too much on how LVT is made, but luxury vinyl tiles have several thin, flexible layers. Typically, the first of these is the core layer which creates the base for the other layers and sits directly on the subfloor. The core is covered with a vinyl layer to help seal it and serve as a solid foundation for the last two layers. Next is a photographic layer that mimics a type of wood or stone. And finally, a transparent protective wear layer to make it more durable. You can see many examples of luxury vinyl tile by visiting our online store. Different types of LVT have various material compositions, which results in varying properties. Luxury vinyl tile is available in both glue-down and click-together options. While click-together versions are sturdier and come in various flexible to rigid planks, glue-down versions tend to be thin, light, and very flexible.
LVT Flooring - Main Types
Depending on how the pieces are shaped, luxury vinyl flooring (LVF) is either referred to as luxury vinyl tile (LVT) or luxury vinyl planks (LVP).
Luxury vinyl planks (LVP) are usually best to simulate the look of natural wood, while luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) are usually best to imitate stone or ceramic tiles.
Interlocking Vinyl Tiles and Planks
Interlocking (or click) vinyl flooring is a floating floor system that does not require any glue and is not fastened to the floor underneath. The quick-to-lay locking mechanism makes for easy installation.
Glue-Down LVT
As the name suggests, these tiles are the kind that you do fasten to the floor with adhesive. They are used in domestic and commercial spaces and are ideal for high-traffic areas.
Self-Adhesive Vinyl Tiles
Self-adhesive vinyl tiles are sometimes referred to as peel and stick tiles. They will adhere to many different surfaces, but for best results, the surface must be relatively level with no extreme bumps or cracks.
Loose Lay Vinyl Planks
Manufacturers have created loose-lay vinyl planks with ease of installation in mind. They do not have locking mechanisms and don't need glue. Instead, friction keeps them anchored to the ground.
Why is LVT so popular?
Luxury vinyl flooring is undeniably a highly sought-after option, and our Guide To LVT Flooring provides comprehensive information about it. Here are a few reasons why it is so popular.
Versatile - There are different types of LVT, each with individually unique properties. Their versatility means you can use them in most residential and commercial settings. So, while homeowners continue to love them, there has been an increase in their use in establishments like hospitals, schools, leisure centres and care homes. Luxury vinyl tiles come in a choice of thicknesses but are generally thin, so they are ideal if you don't want to add too much depth to an existing floor. Affordable - The collective qualities of LVT make it a highly cost-effective option that offers excellent value for money. Compared to other flooring options, luxury vinyl offers exceptional value because it expertly replicates the same wood and stone looks at a fraction of the cost. While LVT isn't the cheapest flooring option, it is usually more affordable than the natural hardwood and stone floors they mimic. Easy to lay - Luxury vinyl tiles are more straightforward to lay than many other flooring types like hardwood and tile, providing you have adequately prepared the subfloor. The ease with which you can fit LVT into your home means the average DIYer can save time and money. Compared to its glue-down counterpart, which is more likely to disclose flaws in the sub-surface, a click-together LVT floor also creates a more forgiving floating surface. Durability - LVT is incredibly durable and, therefore, less likely to show signs of surface wear or be damaged and worn from regular use. Most are also waterproof and come with built-in stain and scratch protection. Unlike some timber floors, LVT surfaces won't dent or scrape easily, meaning they will last a long time with the proper care and attention. Design Flexibility - Luxury vinyl tiles come in many colours and designs, creating endless possibilities and making blending them with your decor easy. You will find predefined, ready-to-use product combinations and laying patterns. But remember that you can create your own original versions by replacing any or all of the designs. Easy to maintain - If done regularly and correctly, cleaning vinyl floor tiles is a quick and straightforward process. It is best to vacuum or brush away the loose debris, then wipe the floor with a slightly damp cloth or mop. The manufacturers of your luxury vinyl tiles will also advise you about suitable cleaning products. Avoid abrasive or overly harsh cleaning products that include solvents or ammonia. These are all favourable qualities, but there are a few negative aspects to consider. LVT flooring is made of materials that cannot biodegrade, making the tiles somewhat unfriendly to the environment. LVT can also be difficult to replace once installed because some adhesives are tough to remove. This can make the process of replacing LVT floors labour-intensive. The outer layer of LVT is not UV resistant either and may fade slightly over time if used in areas like a conservatory that gets direct sunlight.
Laying luxury vinyl tiles in your home
Before laying LVT flooring, there are several things to consider. Site preparation is crucial, and one important step is to make sure the subfloor is level.
Site Preparation Before Laying Luxury Vinyl Tiles
Preparation of the site is one of the most critical stages of any click vinyl flooring installation. Ultimately, you should check the recommendations your luxury vinyl tile manufacturers provided, but here's a summary of some of the main things to consider:Remove all furniture from the room.Remove any fixtures or fittings that might get in your way.Clear any dust and dirt with a brush or vacuum. Look for any unevenness on the subfloor's surface. Test your subfloor with a humidity meter. Acclimatise your luxury vinyl tile to room temperature.
Laying LVT Flooring
We usually recommend hiring professional fitters if you are laying LVT flooring. However, if you plan to lay luxury vinyl tiles yourself, it will pay you to follow the instructions set out by the company that manufactures or supplies your tiles. You will also need to ensure you know how to measure your room accurately. Your choice of luxury vinyl tiles will partially depend on the existing subfloor and its condition once you remove your old flooring. There are also different types, qualities and brands of LVT, so the process for installing them in your home will vary. For example, some luxury vinyl tiles include a layer that acts as an underlay, some require a separate underlay, and some don't need any underlay.
Popular questions we get asked about LVT
Are there different grades of luxury vinyl flooring?
There are different grades of LVT, and the wear layer thickness varies between grades. The thicker the wear layer, the better the quality you can expect and the longer the flooring is likely to last. It will pay you to check the manufacturer's guidelines regarding the quality of their LVT and which type will be best suited to the room you are installing it in.
How can I protect vinyl tiles from furniture?
LVT are incredibly durable but not indestructible. Placing felt pads or other protective cups under the feet of your furniture will decrease the chance of scratching them.
Is LVT good for kitchens and bathrooms?
Kitchen and bathroom floors must resist various things, including moisture; consequently, we must identify suitable flooring. Luxury vinyl tiles are perfect for rooms prone to excess water and humidity, like bathrooms, kitchens and utility rooms. Most are durable, moisture-resistant, and easy to clean and maintain.
Can I use LVT in any room?
LVT is hard-wearing, stylish, water-resistant, and pretty easy to install. Therefore it is a great flooring choice for many areas in the home. However, using LVT outside or on stairs is not something we would advise. With far easier cleaning and none of the continuing care concerns of real wood flooring, LVT flooring also offers attractive, long-lasting looks.
Are luxury vinyl tiles a good choice of flooring?
One of the prime reasons so many people choose LVT is its superior technical performance. Add to that its versatility, the freedom to create a unique design, its incredible likeness to natural materials, and its relative affordability; it is no wonder that it continues to increase in popularity and is one of the fastest-growing flooring types worldwide.
Are luxury vinyl tiles compatible with underfloor heating?
Underfloor heating is compatible with LVT, although the temperature should not generally be any higher than 27 degrees. If you are considering the use of click LVT, you should also ensure your underlay is compatible with underfloor heating so any heat is allowed to distribute evenly.
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