What is LVT flooring?
LVT flooring, also known as luxury vinyl tile or luxury vinyl plank is a type of flooring that has become increasingly popular in recent years. It offers many of the benefits of traditional wood or stone flooring with lower costs and an easier installation process.
Luxury vinyl tile consists of multiple layers of materials that are compressed together to create a realistic-looking and beautiful flooring products.
How is LVT flooring made?
It is made from multiple layers of vinyl and other materials, including PVC (polyvinyl chloride) which provides a solid foundation for the flooring.
A high-resolution image is then printed onto a vinyl film layer using advanced printing technology. This layer is designed to closely mimic the look and texture of natural materials such as wood, stone, or ceramic.
A clear layer of PVC is then applied to the top of the print layer. This layer provides protection against scratches, dents, and stains. A texture is added to the surface of the wear layer to give the flooring a realistic look and feel. The embossing can be a wood-grain pattern, stone texture, or other design. And finally, The LVT is cut into tiles or planks of various sizes and shapes.
The benefits of luxury vinyl tile flooring
Luxury vinyl tile offers a number of benefits that make it an attractive option for homeowners and businesses alike. Here are some of the key benefits of LVT flooring:
Durability:
Luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) is designed to be highly durable, scratch resistant and resistance to dents. It can withstand heavy foot traffic and is ideal for high-traffic areas in a home or in commercial properties.
Water resistance:
Because LVT flooring is made from vinyl and other materials, it is highly resistant to water damage. This makes it an ideal flooring option for bathrooms, kitchens, and other areas that are exposed to moisture.
Affordability:
Lvt flooring a very affordable alternative in comparison to other flooring options. Prices can vary anywhere between £20-£60 per m2.
Easy installation:
LVT flooring be a great DIY product. It comes in a variety of styles and sizes, and can be installed using different methods depending on the specific product.
Low maintenance:
Easy to clean and maintain. It does not require waxing or polishing, and can be cleaned with a simple mop and bucket.
Variety of styles:
LVT flooring comes in a wide range of styles, colors, and textures, so you can easily find a look that fits your taste. It can mimic the look and feel of wood flooring, stone, or other materials, allowing you to achieve the look you want at a lower cost.
Is LVT easy to install?
Yes, Luxury vinyl flooring is designed to be a “floating floor,” meaning it can be installed over most existing flooring without the need for adhesive or nails (however please seek advice as this depends on your flooring conditions).
LVT flooring comes in different forms and the installation process will depend on the type you choose.
Click LVT:
Also known as click vinyl flooring is the most popular method for installation. The planks or tiles are designed to click together using a tongue-and-groove system, making it easy to install without adhesives or nails. This method works well on most types of subfloors and is suitable for DIY installations.
Glue-down:
This method involves applying adhesive to the subfloor and then laying the LVT tiles in the adhesive. This is a more permanent installation method that is suitable for areas with high traffic. Glue-down installation also provides a smooth and level surface.
Loose Lay:
This method involves laying the tiles directly on the subfloor without any adhesive. The tiles are heavy and designed to create a tight grip with the subfloor. This method is ideal for temporary installations or areas where it may be necessary to replace individual tiles.
Overall, LVT flooring is a popular choice for DIY homeowners because it can be installed without professional help. However, it’s important to read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully before installing, and to ensure that the subfloor is clean, dry, and level.
Additionally, if you’re not confident in your installation skills, it’s always a good idea to consult with a professional installer to ensure that the job is done correctly.
Click here If you wish to get some FREE advice on how to install flooring.
Where can I apply Luxury vinyl flooring?
LVT can be applied in a wide range of residential and commercial settings. Here are some of the most common areas where LVT is used:
Kitchens:
A popular flooring option for kitchens because it’s water-resistant, stain resistant, durable, and easy to clean.
Bathrooms:
Also a great choice as it can withstand moisture and humidity, making it less susceptible to damage than other types of flooring.
Living rooms:
It’s great for living rooms and other common areas of the home, providing a comfortable and stylish flooring option that can withstand heavy foot traffic.
Bedrooms:
Creating a warm and inviting space that is comfortable to walk on and easy to maintain.
Basements:
is ideal due to its water-resistant and stain resistant components and it can withstand changes to temperature and humidity.
Commercial settings:
Luxury vinyl tiles is widely used in commercial settings, such as offices, retail stores, and hospitals. Its low maintenance, and ease of installation make it an attractive option for high-traffic areas.
Is LVT compatible with underfloor heating?
Yes, it’s generally compatible with underfloor heating systems. In fact, Luxury vinyl flooring is a great choice because of its excellent thermal conductivity. Its ability to transfer heat efficiently means that it can maximise the performance of underfloor heating systems.
It is important to note however, that the specific type of LVT flooring and underfloor heating system being used may affect the installation process. For example, some products may require a specific type of underfloor heating system or installation method.
Given the complexity that comes from installing LVT with underfloor heating systems, we recommend a qualified professional to install both the underfloor heating system and lvt flooring. Proper installation will help ensure that your flooring is able to expand and contract with changes in temperature, reducing the risk of damage and prolonging the life of the product.
Why do the prices in Luxury vinyl tiles vary so much?
Have you ever come across a product that looks exactly the same but yet you wonder why the prices can vary so much?
There are several attributes to consider when selecting your luxury vinyl flooring and the prices can vary due to these factors:
Quality:
Higher-quality Luxury vinyl tiles tends to be more expensive because it often includes more layers and higher-quality wear layers, making it more scratch resistant as well as general resistant to wear and tear.
Thickness:
The thickness of the LVT floors can also affect its price. Thicker LVT tends to be more expensive because it is more durable and can provide better insulation and soundproofing.
Design:
The complexity of the luxury vinyl tiles design can also affect the price, with more intricate designs and patterns generally being more expensive.
Brand:
Different luxury vinyl tiles brands offer different features and benefits, with some brands being known for their durability and high-quality materials. Brands will also offer different warranty guarantees which is something to consider for your own peace of mind.
Installation method:
The method of installation can also affect the price of Luxury vinyl tile. Click LVT floors tends to be more expensive however, Glue-down can ultimately be more expensive as it could require more labor and additional materials such as adhesives and other subflooring preparations.
How much does it cost to lay LVT flooring?
The cost of installing LVT flooring can vary depending on several factors, including the size of the space, the quality of the materials used, and the complexity of the installation process.
The material costs of luxury vinyl tiles can vary anywhere from £20-£60 per m2. The other costs to consider would be the fitting cost and sub floor preparations that may be needed.
Fitting costs is hard to predict beforehand due to many variable factors such as the size of the space, the existing flooring conditions, whether room furnitures needs to be removed and many more.
Subfloor preparations that you may also need to consider would be materials such as screeds and underlays. Subfloor preparations can be a complex topic. We have attached some example images of some of the components to consider, however it is best to seek professional advice.
At TEKA flooring, we can provide a FREE consultation and flooring estimation service. If you want to know more about our floor fitting services or to get an accurate price on your flooring needs, click here for more information or give us a call today!
What is the difference between vinyl and LVT flooring?
Vinyl flooring and Luxury Vinyl Tile flooring are both types of resilient flooring made from vinyl. However, there are some key differences between the two.
Vinyl flooring
Is a type of flooring is often referred to as sheet vinyl. It comes in large rolls and is typically glued down to the subfloor. Vinyl flooring is available in a variety of colours and patterns, including options that mimic the look of natural materials such as wood and stone tiles, but they may not be as luxurious or high quality as luxury vinyl tiles.
LVT flooring
On the other hand, is a type of vinyl flooring that is designed to look like natural materials such as wood or stone. LVT consists of individual tiles or planks that are typically thicker and more rigid than sheet vinyl. LVT is usually installed using a click-lock system or glue-down method and is available in a wide range of colors and patterns.
The main difference between vinyl and LVT flooring is the way they are made and their appearance. Vinyl flooring is typically sold in large sheets, while LVT is available in individual planks or tiles.
LVT is designed to mimic the look of natural materials more closely than vinyl flooring, with more realistic texture and color variations. Additionally, LVT tends to be more durable and resistant to scratches and stains than vinyl flooring.
Whilst both vinyl and LVT flooring are made from vinyl, LVT is a more advanced and modern version of vinyl flooring that is thicker, more durable, and designed to mimic the look of natural wood flooring or stone effect.
What is LVT herringbone?
LVT herringbone are vinyl floors that is designed in a herringbone pattern. Herringbone is a classic pattern that is often associated with traditional hardwood flooring, and LVT herringbone offers a similar look and feel.
LVT herringbone flooring consists of individual tiles that are cut at a 45-degree angle and arranged in a zigzag pattern to create the herringbone effect. The tiles are available in a variety of sizes and colours, allowing for customisation and flexibility in design. LVT herringbone can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any space.
LVT herringbone is a popular and stylish flooring option that combines the classic look of herringbone with the durability and practicality of LVT flooring.
Is LVT flooring better than laminate flooring?
The choice between Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) flooring and laminate flooring ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. Both LVT and laminate flooring offer several benefits and drawbacks.
LVT flooring is typically more durable than laminate flooring and is resistant to water, stains, and scratches.
Is LVT cheaper than laminate?
Laminate flooring is generally less expensive than LVT flooring and offers a similar range of designs and styles. Laminate flooring is also easy to install and can be a good option for DIY projects. However, laminate flooring is not as durable as LVT and can be more susceptible to moisture damage.
Both LVT and laminate flooring have their own set of benefits and drawbacks. LVT may be a better option for areas that experience high levels of moisture or foot traffic, while laminate flooring may be more suitable for areas with lower levels of foot traffic and moisture.
Need more help on luxury vinyl tile?
I hope by now we have answered the question to what is LVT flooring?
If you want to know more about LVT flooring products, Visit one of our flooring showrooms to experience the real look and feel of luxury vinyl flooring or request for some free samples that we can send to your home.
If you are still in need for more advice, give us a call today or chat online and one of our flooring experts would be more than happy to assist with your flooring needs.
If you are set to go! Check out our LVT range at our online shop by clicking here
