A Guide to Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT)
Luxury vinyl tile (commonly known as LVT) has become the fastest growing sector of the flooring industry in recent years. Not to be confused with vinyl rolls that are often used as cheaper options for covering bathroom or kitchen floors, LVT is often mistakenly referred to as Karndean or Amtico by those more familiar with the brands than the type of flooring in Yes.
Today there are dozens of manufacturers that offer this type of flooring, from entry-level and very affordable options from companies such as Lifestyle Floors that offers excellent value for money as well as robust and resistant tiles, to Polyflor that have an excellent range for home use and also specializes in commercial applications. Karndean, and more Amtico, rank at the top end of the luxury vinyl tile market with some great products, while Moduleo is one of the fastest growing brands in the industry’s fastest growing sector.
Luxury vinyl tile is available in both stone and plank effect tiles, providing the natural beauty of hardwood and stone floors but without the drawbacks. LVT is warm underfoot, suitable for underfloor heating; the tiles are resistant to water and wear, which makes them ideal for both kitchens and bathrooms. Most provide slip-resistant properties, are easy to clean, and require little or no maintenance. LVT wear layer is a general indication of quality or expected life from around 0.2mm for general household use to 1mm for heavy commercial or even industrial use. Many manufacturers offer wear resistance warranties of up to 25 years.
In recent years, technological advances have made the manufacture of this type of flooring more environmentally friendly, many companies now offer realistic textures such as Moduleo ‘Registered Emboss’ technology that follows the knots, scars and grooves of the wood. pattern to closely match the look, feel, and texture of real hardwood, while offering all the benefits of LVT flooring.
Luxury vinyl tile is lightweight, making it easy to maneuver and transport for larger projects, new developments have enabled a new laminate-like click system, while the traditional gluing method is still preferred for some applications. as in solariums and greenhouses. . LVTs can be installed by DIYers, although a solid, smooth underlayment is required, key to a successful and long-lasting installation.
LVT generally falls between good quality laminate and actual hardwood or stone flooring in terms of cost, however the nature of the product means that it has several benefits over all alternatives with very few drawbacks. An ideal flooring solution for those looking for a high-quality flooring that is strong, waterproof, and easy to maintain.