What is LVT Flooring?

If you're wondering what LVT flooring is, then in the simplest terms, it stands for Luxury Vinyl Tile.

Now that you know what it is, we'll look at what that exactly means, the pros and cons, and what kind of designs you can achieve with LVT flooring.

What is Luxury Vinyl Tile?

Luxury Vinyl Tile is a material that is designed to look like wood or stone, but it is actually created from several layers of PVC.

In comparison to regular vinyl, LVT flooring comes in planks or tiles, and our fitters will help you install this just like they do with carpets and laminate flooring.

Therefore, Luxury Vinyl Tile is ideal if you’re looking for a real-wood or stone look, in a more durable and often slip-resistant form.

There are several advantages which LVT offers, in comparison with other flooring types like laminate, which we will explore later on.

Is LVT Better than Laminate?

When comparing LVT with laminate flooring, there are a few things to consider.

Firstly, the longevity of flooring is extremely important, especially if there is a lot of footfall in your chosen room.

In areas where people walk around a lot - such as by a door, or in the kitchen while cooking - you need your flooring to be as durable as possible.

This is where LVT comes in. While LVT is a little more costly than laminate flooring, it could be a better investment, depending on your requirements, as it is known to be more durable.

Secondly, it’s important to think about where you want to install your flooring.

If you’re looking to replace your bathroom or kitchen flooring, for example, LVT is the ideal option, as it’s fully waterproof.

So, when you’re asking “is LVT better than laminate?”, it’s all about your needs and requirements from flooring.

What are the Advantages of LVT Flooring?

There are several advantages of LVT flooring. Firstly, it is incredibly durable, making it the ideal option for a busy household or space. This is because it is constructed from several layers of PVC, which makes it tough and resistant to dents, scratches and other damage.

In addition, if you’re looking for a flooring that looks like wood or stone to suit your room’s design, LVT is a great option. The tiling or plank options further add to this flooring’s realistic look.

Finally, LVT flooring is known to be comfortable under foot, without all the splintering and chipping you might experience with a real wood floor. It’s also a lot softer and warmer than stone tiles.

What are the Disadvantages of LVT Flooring?

As with every flooring option, LVT flooring does have some disadvantages. For example, LVT can be a little more costly than other types of flooring such as laminate, meaning you might have to factor your budget into the final decision.

Also, once it’s been installed, LVT can be difficult to remove. Naturally, you won’t have to remove it for a while due to its durability, but if you just fancy switching things up, this can be difficult with this type of flooring.

Unfortunately, LVT flooring isn’t the most sustainable flooring option, as the materials used aren’t biodegradable. However, it’s important to note that this type of flooring is designed to have a 25-30-year lifespan, meaning it’ll be a while before you need to dispose of it.

What is the Difference Between Vinyl and LVT Flooring?

The main difference between vinyl and LVT flooring is that vinyl is made of a thin layer of material (mostly PVC), with a pattern printed on it, whereas LVT is made from multiple layers of the same material, which comes in the form of planks or tiles.

There are a few other differences between vinyl and LVT flooring.

Firstly, as you’d imagine due to how they’re both constructed, vinyl is often cheaper than LVT flooring.

Secondly, LVT is denser and more compact than vinyl, and is therefore softer underfoot. This makes it - as the name suggests - a more luxury option, which also lasts longer.

Finally, LVT is more durable than vinyl, as it is made from more layers of material, so it is more resistant to damage.

Do I Need an Underlay for LVT Flooring?

Simply put, no, you don’t need an underlay for LVT flooring.

This all depends, however, on what you need from your flooring, and the type of LVT you want to buy.

With Click LVT, for example, the tiles or planks are designed to lock together, which ensures quick and easy installation.

In addition, if you want your flooring to have soundproofing options, an underlay could help with noise reduction.

Whether you need an underlay for LVT depends on your flooring requirements and preferences.

What Kind of Designs Can I Achieve with LVT Flooring?

There are several patterns and designs you can achieve with LVT flooring.

When it comes to the patterns you can create with your tiles or planks, the options include herringbone and parquet, among others.

The designs and decor styles you can create with LVT depends on the type you’re looking to buy.

For example, if you’re going for a more natural theme or style, wood LVT flooring is a good option.

Conversely, if you want your space to feel more modern, stone LVT flooring could be the way to go - it’s all about what you’re looking to achieve.

Wall2Wall’s LVT Flooring Products

If you’ve decided that LVT flooring is the right option for you, it’s time to look at Wall2Wall’s LVT flooring products.

At Wall2Wall, we’re specialist flooring retailers and contractors, meaning you’re in the right hands when it comes to LVT flooring.

We offer a wide range of LVT flooring options, including wood effect, stone effect, parquet, herringbone and Click LVT.

We’re here to listen to your needs when it comes to flooring, so that our friendly and expert team can help you find the right LVT for you.

So, if you’re looking for LVT to suit your design and functionality needs, take a look at our large LVT flooring range today.