What Is LVT Flooring? Luxury Vinyl Tile Flooring

Have you heard of luxury vinyl tiles, also known as LVT flooring? These tiles boast low maintenance, supreme durability, and simply gorgeous finishes. This beautiful flooring is a great way to revitalize or enhance any space, commercial or residential.

So what is LVT, exactly?

LVT flooring is made of multiple layers that make it both strong and durable. These tiles are mainly made up of PVC vinyl. While they closely resemble other flooring types, like wood or ceramic, the tiles weigh far less yet are highly durable. They're popular for a variety of uses, including in homes, offices, and even schools and hotels.

Luxury vinyl tiles offer many benefits:

Versatility

If you're considering a wood or ceramic floor, then you're looking at a permanent flooring that can't be easily changed in the future. They're also very expensive options, when you consider the cost of the flooring and the installation cost.

LVT flooring is a more versatile option, especially if you suspect that you may want to change the flooring again in the near future. LVT floor tiles can be removed fairly easily, especially if you opt for the vinyl peel and stick tile backings. While these tiles will stay in place for years to come, if you ever decide to renovate, they're easier to remove and change up than ceramic tiles or wood flooring.

Durability

There's no beating the durability of luxury vinyl tiles. If you have pets, kids, or just need quality flooring for a high-traffic area, these tiles are a great choice. LVT floors are extremely resistant to dents and scratches. Additionally, this flooring can withstand heat, and is resistant to moisture damage, too.

Many of these tiles are equipped with a wear layer which offers them additional protection against scuffs and scratches. The thicker the wear layer, the more durable it is. These tiles can be used in both residential and commercial applications, thanks to their excellent durability.

Moisture Resistance

Because LVT flooring is moisture resistant, it can be used in basements, laundry rooms, mudrooms, and other areas where traditional wood flooring could be destroyed by moisture.

These tiles allow you to get the look of wood flooring in areas where you couldn't traditionally install wood. They're versatile and you don't have to worry about your new flooring potentially being destroyed by a little moisture or a small leak. Plus, if you have pets, an accident indoors won't ruin your flooring.

Health Benefits

LVT is one of the few flooring types that can actually make a building healthier and safer. Magnitude LVT tiles incorporate Nano-Silver anti-bacterial technology, with tiny particular of Nano Silver added into the tiles. The silver particles help to inhibit the growth of bacteria such as staph and E. coli, viruses like rhinovirus, and molds. This technology stops bacteria replication, inhibiting the spread of disease. This feature makes LVT a popular option for schools, offices, and other close-quarter areas where disease spread can be a significant issue.

Affordable Price

If you've ever priced out marble tile or hardwood flooring, then you know how cost-prohibitive some of the more beautiful and popular flooring types may be. That's not the case with luxury vinyl flooring. In fact, these floor tiles are more affordable than wood and tile floor.

Because these tiles are so affordable, they become an option for lower-budget projects that otherwise couldn't get the beautiful look of a wood or specialty flooring. Your budget will go farther with these tiles, and you can make a room look simply luxurious with a minimal investment.

Variety

Perhaps one of the greatest benefits of LVT floor tiles is that you can choose from an incredible variety of finishes to get the exact luxurious aesthetic that you want for a room. These tiles are available in finishes that resemble a variety of wood floors, as well as slate, ceramic, concrete, granite, and even solid colors. LVT plank floor tiles look so much like hardwood floors that many people can't tell the difference.

These tiles give you the look of various flooring materials, but without the cost or upkeep that those genuine materials require. They'll add a luxurious finish to any room, and they're available in so many different styles that you'll certainly find a finish that is just perfect for your decor.

Low Maintenance

LVT floor products require relatively little maintenance, especially if you compare them with the maintenance that a traditional wood floor would require. These floors can be swept and damp mopped, so cleanup is simple and easy. You can also spot clean the floors when a full mopping isn't yet needed.

When the floors are in commercial settings and see increased traffic, some additional maintenance is necessary. Spray buffing can help to restore the floor's sheen and keep it looking impressive and new. You can also strip and recoat the floor when it becomes worn.

Always refer to the specific maintenance directions for the product that you choose.

Growing Popularity of LVT Options

With all of the benefits that LVT offers, it's easy to see why this type of flooring is growing in popularity. LVT flooring adds a beautiful, luxurious touch to nearly any project, but in commercial and home settings. Plus, with the flooring's affordable price, it's an accessible option for even smaller, lower-budget projects.

Potential uses for LVT tiles include:
- Home flooring
- Commercial flooring
- Offices
- Hotels
- Schools
- Museums

Because LVT looks so much like other flooring types, chances are you've seen LVT installations and never even been aware of it.

About LVT Installations

LVT is relatively simple to install, especially when you compare it to the installation process you'd face with genuine hardwood flooring or ceramic tile.

If you're considering LVT for a flooring project, it's important to invest in a quality underlayment. LVT is thinner than laminate flooring, so any imperfections in the subfloor can show through the tile once it's installed. A quality underlayment can help to prevent this. In addition to investing in an underlayment, it's important to make sure that the subfloor is level. Any holes or imperfections will need to be filled before the underlayment is installed.

LVT tiles can be installed in two different methods: Glue down or peel and stick methods.

Glue-down tiles need to be installed with adhesive, which makes the installation process only slightly more complicated. You'll need to choose a proper adhesive that is suitable for both the tile that you're using and the type of subfloor that you're installing the tiles on. Be sure to refer to the specific installation instructions for the product that you purchase.

Glue-down installations are designed to be long-lasting, and when done well they create a truly stunning floor.

If you're looking for something a little bit simpler, then consider the LVT tiles that come with peel and stick backings. The tiles are easy to install; all you need to do is peel the covering off of the backing and press the tiles down to secure them. The stick backing creates a secure bond to the subfloor, and installation is simple and easy - no professional installer needed.

Choosing the Right Luxury Vinyl Tiles for Your Project

LVT tiles offer countless benefits, including affordability, durability, and easy installation. Whether you're looking for tiles for home or commercial use, you'll find an LVT option that's just right for your use.

As you work to narrow down your choices, consider these factors to identify the tile that's the right fit for your needs:

- Amount of traffic: Think about the amount of traffic the tile will need to withstand. If you're installing a tile in a commercial setting, then you'll want to choose a product with a thicker wear layer to maximize its durability. For home settings, you can choose tiles with thinner wear layers, since they won't see as much traffic.

- Installation method: Think about which installation method is best for you. For a long-lasting commercial setting, a glue-down installation may be best. For home use, a peel and stick installation will save you time and will mean you don't need to hire a professional installer.

- Desired aesthetic: LVT tiles are available in countless designs. Consider the overall aesthetic that you want your space to have - chances are there will be a LVT tile that can give you that very look.

If you have any questions about these luxury vinyl tiles, please give our customer service team a call. Our flooring experts would be happy to answer any questions you may have, and can help you to determine which product is right for your needs.