Understanding Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT). A Comprehensive Insight into Their Benefits and Applications
- Branew Flooring
- Aug 9
- 6 min read
Updated: Aug 12
Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT) have become a top choice for homeowners and businesses alike. With innovative technology, today’s LVT can imitate the beautiful looks of wood and stone while providing remarkable advantages. If you're looking for a stylish flooring solution that won’t let you down, read on to discover the benefits and various uses of LVT.
What is LVT?
Luxury Vinyl Tiles are resilient flooring made from several layers of synthetic materials. The core is usually polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which makes the floor durable and flexible. On top, a design layer displays high-resolution images of natural materials. To protect the surface, a wear layer guards against scratches and stains. This layered approach not only enhances the look of traditional flooring but also eliminates the hassle of upkeep.
Top coating – A polyurethane or aluminium oxide coating provides protection against scratches and stains and gives enhances anti-slip.
Wear layer – This is a key layer - determining the performance and resilience of the product. A 0.3mm (12 mil) wear layer is a good for heavy wear areas. Commercial installations need 0.5mm wear layers or above with 0.7mm at the top end. The wear warranties and guarantees carried by products will be based on this thickness.
Decor layer – This is the decor itself - in essence it is a paper- or film based photographic inkjet print. (A few LVT floors have the image printed directly to the surface of the floor but this implies less image definition and different wear characteristics.)
PVC and fibre glass layers – The construction ‘sandwich’ can vary between products but a combination of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) layers for strength and flexibility and fibre glass layers for structural stability may be used. Products often use a combination of recycled vinyl which is cheaper and virgin PVC which lasts longer and is more stable.
Base (or backing) layer – The final high density PVC layer varies according to the installation requirement and is designed for taking adhesive or as an ‘underlay’ for loose-lay and click installations.
Benefits of LVT
1. Aesthetic Versatility
LVT can mimic many natural materials, offering the charm of hardwood, the elegance of marble, or the rugged beauty of stone. For instance, if you like the look of oak wood, you can find LVT that replicates that warm tone perfectly. A study reveals that around 70% of homeowners appreciate the design versatility of LVT, allowing them to easily match any decor style in their homes.
2. Impressive Realism
Not just in the design but with the finishing techniques that allow for wood knots you can feel, tiles you can grout, etc. See appearance options further down this blog.
3. Durability and Longevity
LVT stands strong against heavy foot traffic, making it suitable for busy households and commercial spaces. The robust wear layer prevents scratches, dents, and stains, ensuring that the floor maintains its look for many years. Particularly impressive is its moisture resistance, making it ideal for kitchens and bathrooms, where spills are common. In fact, LVT can last up to 20 years with proper care, far outstripping other flooring options like carpet, which may require replacement every 5-10 years.
4. Sound reduction
Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) is renowned for its exceptional acoustic properties, which contribute significantly to a more pleasant indoor environment. One of the most notable advantages of LVT is its negligible impact sound, which means that when someone walks on LVT flooring, the noise produced is minimal. This is in stark contrast to the tap and click sounds often associated with laminate flooring, which can create a more pronounced auditory disturbance, particularly in multi-story buildings or homes with shared walls. Furthermore, LVT transmits less sound and vibration compared to solid floors made of materials such as hardwood or tile. Solid floors tend to amplify sound due to their rigid structure, which can lead to increased noise levels when items are dropped or when people walk across the surface.
5. Comfort and Warmth
One advantage LVT has over traditional tile or stone floors is its warmth and comfort underfoot. This is especially welcome in cooler climates, where stepping on a cold floor can be unpleasant. On cold winter mornings, this can make a noticeable difference, as the surface retains warmth better than standard tiles.
6. Low Maintenance
LVT requires minimal maintenance, making it ideal for busy environments. Regular sweeping and occasional mopping with a mild cleaner keeps the flooring looking its best. Unlike hardwood, you don’t need to worry about refinishing or elaborate treatments. A recent survey found that 88% of LVT users are satisfied with the low maintenance requirements, emphasizing its practicality for modern living.
Appearance Options
Vinyl tiles and planks cover a huge variety of sizes and shapes and can be mix-and-matched to achieve an infinite number of designs. Current fashions include extra wide and long planks, through to very small planks. Border effects can be easy to achieve in LVT.
Embossed – this is where the top clear layer of the tile has been embossed to create a realistic texture that matches the style of stone and wood decor. Registered embossed is the most authentic, the texture matches the design so that, for example, a wood knot or hand-scraped element in the wood design can be felt on the surface of the flooring.
Grouting and grooving – vinyl tiles can be laid with grouting inlay strips or beads of vinyl for added realism – and there are acrylic grouts that can be applied. In wood decors, planks are available with v-grooves or bevelled edges between planks for added realism.
Applications of LVT
1. Residential Spaces
LVT shines in residential areas such as living rooms, bedrooms, and kitchens. Its design versatility allows homeowners to create a seamless flow of style throughout their homes. Whether aiming for a cosy cabin or a sleek contemporary space, LVT offers options that suit all tastes.
2. Commercial Spaces
More stores, restaurants, and hotels are choosing LVT due to its durability and easy maintenance. In high-traffic areas, LVT can withstand daily wear and tear while still looking inviting. For example, a restaurant that installed LVT reported a 30% reduction in cleaning costs, which reflects its efficiency.
Sub-Floor Preparation
Vinyl requires a dry, sound, level subfloor as the relative thinness of vinyl and its light reflection performance will quickly reveal imperfections after installation as well as cause potential wear issues.
When it comes to preparing existing floorboards or MDF floors for new LVT flooring installation, it is often necessary to incorporate a plywood that can be up to 6mm thick. This plywood serves multiple purposes: it helps to create a smoother and more even surface, minimizes the risk of noise transmission, and provides additional insulation.
Once the plywood underlay is installed, it is crucial to address the joints between the panels. These joints can either be skimmed with a feather screed to create a seamless finish or taped to ensure they are securely bonded and to prevent any potential movement or separation over time. This step is essential for achieving a professional-looking result and maintaining the integrity of the flooring.
In cases where the sub-floor is made of materials other than wood, such as concrete or tiles, a different approach is required. Non-wood sub-floors typically necessitate the application of a correct self-levelling screed. This screed is a mixture that is spread across the floor to fill in any low spots and create an even surface that is essential for the successful installation of the new flooring. The self-levelling screed not only provides a flat base but also enhances the overall durability and longevity of the flooring system.
Moreover, it is important to consider the moisture levels present in the sub-floor, as excessive dampness can lead to significant issues such as mold growth or damage to the flooring materials. Depending on the moisture assessment, a damp-proof membrane may be required to act as a barrier against moisture ingress. This membrane is typically installed beneath the flooring to protect it from moisture that can rise from the sub-floor, ensuring that the new flooring remains in good condition over time.
Properly addressing these aspects of sub-floor preparation is critical to achieving a successful flooring installation that not only looks great but also performs well in the long run.
Environmental Considerations
As eco-friendliness becomes more crucial in today’s world, many LVT manufacturers are moving toward sustainable practices. Some products are made from recycled materials, while others are free from harmful chemicals. Look for certifications indicating a commitment to environmentally safe practices when selecting your LVT. Also most LVTs can be recycled at their end of there lifecycle.
Wrapping Up
Luxury Vinyl Tiles provide an impressive mix of style, strength, and practicality, making them a perfect flooring solution for a variety of needs. Their ability to imitate natural materials, ease of installation, and low maintenance requirements make them appealing for both homes and commercial venues. With increasing demand for versatile and sustainable flooring options, LVT is a smart choice to consider.
In summary, whether you're remodelling your home or creating a fresh new space for your business, LVT brings a satisfying blend of beauty and functionality that’s hard to ignore. Its benefits make it an option worth serious consideration.
If you need more information about LVT or would like ideas of the designs, please call into our flooring showroom in Stockport or call us on 0161 393 5747 or email enquiries@branewflooring.co.uk
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