Luxury LVT flooring is a low-maintenance alternative to wood and stone flooring. This is all you need to know before you buy and install LVT in your home.
LVT flooring, also known as luxury vinyl flooring (LVF), is a relatively easy to install, practical option for those who want the look of wood or stone, but without the maintenance usually associated with these natural materials.
It's also a great solution for those who just want to inject some personality into their interior design - with bold colors and patterns to choose from.
Luxury vinyl tile is approximately 4 to 6.5 mm thick and typically consists of four layers.
A top layer consisting of aluminum oxide, which protects against minor scratches and shoe wear.
followed by a clear film layer that protects the floor from tears and rips.
next is a design layer, usually a realistic stone or wood print.
The final layer, the backing, provides a strong structure and accounts for 90% of the thickness of the vinyl.
LVT is a low-maintenance flooring solution. A simple cleaning regime of vacuuming and using non-chemical cleaners will keep the floor in top condition for years to come.
It can be used throughout the home - so it is ideal for open spaces such as kitchen diners.
It is non-slip, again making it suitable for bathrooms. It is relatively soft underfoot compared to real stone.
It can be used with wet floor heating, but it needs to be used with the right system.
Finally, it also has acoustic properties, which means it can be a great solution for first floor rooms.
Many people choose LVT flooring because it resembles wood or stone, but it is often less expensive to maintain than these natural materials.
The graphic process used to manufacture LVT flooring means it is superior to the process used for sheet/roll vinyl. It has non-repetitive high resolution imaging with wood grain or stone like markings that are embossed on the graphic layer.
On wood grain, it has different types, colors and grain patterns that are very realistic. It can also be possible to create patterns with a modern look with a metallic style or a traditional look with a travertine and slate appearance.
Another increasingly popular option is bright colored or patterned LVT - similar to tile flooring in an increasingly popular pattern.
LVT flooring should not be used with electric floor heating systems based on electric floor mats. For purists, it is no substitute for stone or wood in terms of appearance and texture. You may need to use cleaning products suitable for LVT and avoid harsh chemicals, and finally, it usually needs to be installed by a professional to ensure that the warranty is valid.
The key to a good installation is a clean, smooth, level subfloor. Any existing carpet or laminate flooring will need to be removed first. If the subfloor is uneven, you may need to have a professional fitter fix the problem before installing the flooring.
On concrete subfloors, you may need self-levelling screeds. Keeping the subfloor needs to be clean and dry before you go ahead and install LVT flooring.
Please feel free to contact us, and we have many other kinds of flooring for sale, welcome your enquiry.
