LVT Flooring

LVT flooring has skyrocketed in popularity and quality of manufacturing over the past few years and the tendency is going to continue in future too. There is no wonder why so many people are opting for the beauty, functionality, and affordable price of LVT flooring. LVT flooring is a go-to flooring option for many commercial and domestic settings nowadays. It is no more just an alternative to get a similar to natural material look for areas such as bathrooms and basements, where moisture could be a problem, which is, without a doubt, one of the main advantages of LVT flooring. LVT flooring is, nowadays, enjoyed because of its appearance, durability, and quality in many other areas of a house along with commercial premises and offices.

Why Is LVT Flooring Getting the Attention?

Along with the increasing popularity of real wood, LVT flooring is also getting the attention and likes of people, who enjoy the look of real wood floors, but simply don’t want to invest that much money, want to shop on a budget, or simply cannot install real wood in areas of the house or commercial space, where a lot of high traffic is expected and the indoor moisture levels are too risky for the sensitive structure of real wood. LVT flooring is, therefore, the perfect alternative that brings in the same cosiness, beauty, and style as real wood, however, it is water-resistant and easier to maintain in perfect condition. Think of LVT flooring as the more affordable and easier to DIY alternative to floors made out of natural materials, especially wood. Thanks to the progress and improvement of the LVT flooring manufacturing industry, now everyone can enjoy amazing quality and authentic appearance. This is why so many people, who previously didn’t consider LVT flooring as an option, are now converting to this resilient flooring option. This is also manifested by data from the flooring industry, showing that LVT flooring is the fastest growing market segment with the impressive double digit growth in the span of one year only.

What is LVT Flooring?

Back in the day available in sheet option with a questionable quality and appearance only, nowadays LVT flooring is available in premium quality, appearance that everyone will enjoy, and in the form of tiles. In its core, LVT flooring is actually high-quality and resilient vinyl flooring that comes in the form of tiles. The most popular look you can get is the LVT flooring that mimics natural stone, but LVT flooring is also available in such a great range of designs, patterns, looks. The modern LVT flooring industry offers advanced methods and technologies for the creation LVT flooring and 3D printing technologies now contribute to the more authentic and realistic look for LVT flooring along with improved durability, high performance of the wearlayer.

LVT flooring is made out of multiple layers and features a rigid core. The layers give LVT flooring a cushioned effect that ensures a lot of comfort and cosiness whenever it is installed. The advantage of the structure of layers also ensures the ability of LVT flooring to retain its shape and durability even after the impact of high traffic and heavy footfall, this is why this type of resilient flooring is highly recommended for commercial and very busy areas. All the layers of LVT flooring are topped with the wearlayer that is actually a clear plastic film applied to the surface of the layered structure. The thickness and quality of the wearlayer determines the durability, hard-wearing, and long-lasting power of the floor too.

Where to Install LVT Flooring?

LVT flooring has many properties and benefits that both homeowners and interior designers are looking for, when considering the right floor choice. LVT flooring is popular for being extremely resistant to dents, scratches, and scuffs, which make it the perfect option for high traffic and busy areas both in a domestic and commercial setting. In case your main interest is in finding an extremely durable floor, you will enjoy the fact that LVT flooring can also withstand heat and other extreme conditions in the environment that can otherwise damage floors from natural materials. Unlike real wood, for example, LVT flooring cannot get damaged by moisture, humidity, temperature fluctuations, which means it is the perfect alternative to opt for when choosing a floor covering for the bathroom, basement, conservatory, kitchen. The sound-proofing properties of LVT flooring come very handy when choosing a floor for apartments or other areas, where sound pollution can be a problem too. Finally, LVT flooring is a perfect choice for people with allergies and for commercial spaces visited by many people daily, because LVT flooring is resistant to mold and mildew and does not contain harmful chemicals and toxins.

LVT Flooring - Freedom for Your Creativity

Besides its durability and moisture-resistance, LVT flooring is very popular because of the plethora of designs and styles it is available in. In addition, LVT flooring is not that long-term such as natural wood and stone, which is a selling point for many people. When it comes to real wood and stone, especially considering the investment they are, you should be really in love with these materials as you will stick to such flooring for many, many decades. On another side, despite the fact it is very hard-wearing and long-lasting, LVT flooring will be changed soon or later. Considering LVT flooring’s  affordable price, you don’t have to stick to the same old style for many upcoming decades and you can get a fresh new look whenever you are ready for a refitting project.

Types of LVT Flooring

According to the international standards organization ASTM, there are two categories of LVT flooring:

Vinyl Composition Floor Tile (VCT)

Solid Vinyl Floor Tile (SVT)

The main difference between both categories comes from the amount of vinyl or binder content. In the case with SVT, this category includes LVT flooring with maximum vinyl or binder content of 34% and above. Anything below 34% of vinyl or binder content is classified as VCT. In addition, SVT is narrowed down to three more sub-categories:

Class I Monolithic – through colour LVT flooring without backing

Class II Surface Decorated – “inlaid” type of LVT flooring with a backing

Class III Printed Film Vinyl Tile – LVT Flooring with a photographic print film and a clear vinyl wearlayer plus a backing system

Additionally, LVT flooring is available with a smooth surface and an embossed surface. The latter option means the tiles come with a texture that perfectly mimics the natural texture of wood or stone. The embossed surface of LVT flooring ensures a more authentic and realistic look.