At a glance:
- LVT stands for Luxury Vinyl Tile – a modern, versatile flooring that mimics natural wood or stone while offering greater practicality
- Durable multilayer design – built with PVC vinyl layers, a realistic printed design and a tough wear layer, making it resistant to scratches, stains and moisture
- Waterproof & family-friendly – ideal for kitchens, bathrooms and high-traffic areas thanks to its ability to handle spills, splashes and everyday mess
- Cost-effective alternative – offers the look of real wood or stone at a fraction of the price, with excellent warranties for peace of mind
What does LVT stand for in flooring?
LVT Flooring stands for Luxury Vinyl Tile and is made up of multiple layers of PVC vinyl that looks just like wood or stone. It’s a durable choice for high traffic areas in your home or workspace. Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) has the appearance of wood planks or stone tiles, but its PVC layers make it more functional (and affordable) for everyday use. Waterproof and durable, it comes in a vast array of colours and styles, making it perfect for most rooms in your home.Here’s the typical specification for LVT flooring:
| Specification | Typical Range / Value |
| Wear Layer Thickness | 0.2mm – 0.7mm (0.3mm+ recommended for heavy domestic use) |
| Total Thickness | 2mm – 8mm (rigid core often 4–6mm) |
| Core Type | Flexible PVC, SPC (Stone Plastic Composite), or WPC (Wood Plastic Composite) |
| Plank/Tile Size | Tiles: ~300mm x 300mm / Planks: 120mm–200mm wide, 600mm–1200mm long |
| Finish Options | Smooth, textured, embossed |
| Slip Resistance | Typically R9–R11 (varies by brand) |
| Water Resistance | Fully waterproof |
| Installation Methods | Click-lock or glue-down |
| Underfloor Heating | Yes |
| Domestic Warranty | 5–25 years (varies by product) |
| Commercial Warranty | 5–15 years (depending on product) |
What is LVT flooring made of?
LVT gets its durability from its multilayered structure which binds together multiple layers of high density fibreglass, PVC, and protective guard coating. This creates a thin, yet extremely dense plank. In fact, a 4mm plank of LVT is much stronger than an 8mm plank of engineered wood! While the exact structure can vary, LVT usually consists of:
- Protective top coating or wear layer - This transparent top coat protects against scratches, stains & spills and guards against UV sun damage, fading and discolouration
- Luxury vinyl print - A printed, textured vinyl layer authentically mimics the appearance of wooden planks, natural stone, or ceramic tiles. High-definition imaging gives it realistic details
- Core - A rigid core provides strength, durability and waterproof protection. Unlike real wood floors, it won’t expand or attract with temperature fluctuations
- Underlay or backing - An integrated underlay or felt foundation layer provides shock absorption, insulation, sound reduction, stability and comfort under foot
How is it made?
The multiple layers that make up LVT are fused together under great heat and pressure, creating a strong and durable material. Next, the realistic design, which imitates high-end flooring, is printed and grained into the design layer at high pressure to get the most authentic finish. Then the top coat is added and the flooring is cooled before being cut into tiles or planks.
What makes LVT so popular?
LVT has rocketed in popularity because it offers an easy, long-term flooring solution designed to replicate natural materials. It’s perfect for busy family homes, as it’s easy to clean, making it ideal for messy moments. It’s more durable and affordable than most wood flooring, and much warmer underfoot than stone, making it the perfect half-way house for a modern home. Click LVT is also extremely easy to lay and to maintain, as tiles can be laid or replaced with the click of a plank! All in all, it’s simple to see why it’s the fastest growing flooring type.
Pros and Cons of LVT Flooring
| Pros | Cons |
| Waterproof – ideal for kitchens, bathrooms and areas with heavy foot traffic | Not 100% natural – unlike wood or stone, it’s a synthetic product |
| Durable – resistant to scratches, dents and stains with a tough wear layer | Can fade in strong sunlight if not UV-protected |
| Affordable – costs less than hardwood or stone while replicating the look | Lower resale value than solid wood flooring |
| Design variety – available in wood, stone and abstract finishes | Can scratch with heavy furniture if not protected |
| Easy installation – click-lock LVT can be DIY-friendly | |
| Low maintenance – simple cleaning with sweeping and damp mopping | |
| Comfortable underfoot – warmer and quieter than stone or ceramic | |
| Compatible with underfloor heating |
Where can LVT be used?
LVT can be installed throughout your home, from the kitchen to the bathroom and even the dining room. Its endless design potential makes it suitable for an entire house! Being composed of PVC, LVT floors are perfect for bathrooms, kitchens and even commercial settings such as yoga studios. LVT is an excellent flooring option in areas where moisture may be a concern. The numerous layers provide stability, ensuring that the product does not expand with changing temperature and moisture levels.Fancy LVT in your office? Due to the fact that it’s cost-efficient, durable and easy-to-clean, LVT has become more and more popular in commercial spaces .
What are the different types of LVT flooring?
There are many types of LVT on offer.
Herringbone and wood
Herringbone LVT flooring provides all the looks of a statement floor with all the ease of modern materials. Our Herringbone style can be laid in a chevron or linear pattern depending on what suits your room best and comes in a variety of colours and textures. Our extensive wood effect luxury vinyl range comes in several oak LVT shades , grey, walnut and more.
Stone
Stone effect luxury vinyl tiles allow you to create an authentic design in your home without spending a fortune. Our range includes shades of black, exotic and grey stone effect vinyl flooring.
Click
Designed for quick, hassle-free installation, each plank simply locks into place, creating a flawless finish without the need for glue or nails.
Glue down
This method of installation, involving adhesive, prevents tiles from slipping and provides the benefits of a long-lasting durable LVT flooring solution.
SPC
Stone Plastic Composite (otherwise known as SPC) is a type of LVT click vinyl flooring. Made from natural stone, it's better for the environment and boasts some benefits over other types of LVT flooring. LVT is extremely durable but SPC is even stronger. It’s impact resistant, stable, and less liable to heat. Therefore, it doesn't contract at all once installed. SPC floors are also 100% waterproof making them an excellent choice for bathrooms or other high traffic areas in the home.
Heavy duty and commercial
Our range of Heavy Duty LVT at Factory Direct Flooring is designed with feet in mind, made with protective coatings that makes this flooring extra durable and great for busy spaces. Our commercial flooring options are accompanied by a 10-year commercial warranty. Read more about how long LVT lasts .
Ask an Expert FAQs:
What's the difference between LVT and laminate flooring?
- LVT is fully waterproof and made from vinyl layers, while laminate has a wood-based core that can swell if exposed to moisture. LVT is more suitable for kitchens and bathrooms, whereas laminate works best in dry living areas.
What’s the difference between LVT and LVP flooring?
- Luxury Vinyl Planks (LVP) come in longer, narrower rectangular planks to mimic the look of a real hardwood floor.
What is LVT click flooring?
- LVT click flooring uses an interlocking system that allows each plank or tile to snap together without glue. It makes installation quick, secure and DIY-friendly.
How easy is it to install LVT?
- Due to its simple click and fit system, installing LVT is a breeze. You can easily do it yourself. If you’re planning to DIY, follow our click LVT flooring installation guide for a step by step run through of the process.
How to clean LVT flooring?
- Cleaning an LVT floor is easy . Sweep or vacuum regularly, then mop with a damp cloth or a pH-neutral cleaner. Avoid harsh chemicals or soaking the floor with water.
Ready for a new luxury floor?
At Factory Direct Flooring Ltd we have a wide range of LVT flooring solutions to suit every space in your home or workplace. Browse our full Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) collection and find the LVT for you today!