Thinking of adding LVT flooring to your home? Luxury Vinyl Tile is quickly becoming the rising star of flooring with its durable properties while maintaining the appearance of a natural material.
Whether you’re looking to spruce up your kitchen or modernise a commercial space, this guide will help you choose the right flooring for your needs, understand the different colours and styles available, and run through the key characteristics that set LVT apart from vinyl.
What is LVT flooring?
LVT, or Luxury Vinyl Tile, is a versatile flooring tile that combines the appearance of wood planks or stone with the functionality needed for daily life.
While both Vinyl and LVT have similar characteristics by being reasonably easy to clean and having waterproof properties, there are some key differences between the two.
Compared to Vinyl, LVT is a thicker solution allowing for more durability, resistance to tearing or scratches, comfort underfoot, and soundproofing. LVT has a longer longevity lasting between 20-25 years whereas vinyl reaches 10-15 years in most cases. But with these added features, it also means it is a slightly pricier option.
LVT gets its durability from its multilayered structure which binds together six layers of high-density fiberglass, 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. Read our full guide on What is LVT flooring.
Choosing the right type of LVT flooring
The best part about LVT? It’s simple to install - whether you choose glue down, click vinyl, or SPC, you can easily take on the DIYer role and take a hands-on approach with your flooring.
Our installation guide provides a comprehensive step-by-step tutorial on how to cut and lay LVT flooring with all the tools you’ll need to get the job done.
Glue down
Glue down LVT flooring installation uses adhesive to glue tiles into place, preventing them from slipping and providing the benefits of a long-lasting durable flooring solution.
Click vinyl
Click vinyl flooring slots each piece into place with a precise, tight fit, making it not only a simple installation process but also effectively shielding against any water or moisture seeping through to the underlying layer.
SPC
Stone Plastic Composite (SPC) is a type of LVT click vinyl flooring made from natural stone, boasting better sustainability for the environment, while making use of the easy click-and-fit system of other wood vinyl flooring.
Styles of LVT flooring
LVT comes in a vast array of colours and styles, with four distinct styles giving it the versatility to complement any space. The main styles of LVT are: Herringbone, Plain, Wood, and Stone.
Herringbone
Herringbone provides all the looks for a statement floor style and can be laid in a chevron or linear pattern depending on what suits your room best.
Plain
Plain LVT is a perfect choice for creating a neutral backdrop that allows the rest of your room to stand out. This is particularly great if you have dark furniture or bold fabrics, allowing your design choices to shine without overwhelming the space.
Wood
Wood effect luxury vinyl tiles are a much cheaper alternative to traditional wood flooring but with all the durability and hardwearing features you’d expect while also being more cushioned underfoot.
Stone
Stone effect LVT allows you to add an authentic stone-inspired design to your home without spending a fortune on genuine stone flooring, which can be difficult to install as well as being extremely pricey. Stone LVT is impact resistant, less liable to heat, and also 100% waterproof.
As well as varying design styles, LVT also comes in a wide variety of colours. At Factory Direct Flooring, our core range of colours includes oak, light, dark, white, and grey.
Choosing LVT flooring by room
LVT can be installed throughout your home, from the kitchen to the bathroom. Here are our top tips on which style to go for when it comes to each room.
Kitchen
Go for a natural stone tile design in the kitchen with a 100% waterproof solution that can withstand all the spills and stains that come with cooking. As a highly durable option, it’s also perfectly suited to the high-traffic nature of kitchens in the home.
Bathroom
Similar to the kitchen, waterproof and water-resistant properties are king in the bathroom where splashes are imminent. Create a neutral tone with Plain LVT tiles ranging from white, grey, and black or take a natural earthy approach with wood plank flooring.
Living room
Take advantage of the effect of a wooden floor in your living room, without any of the pitfalls of having a floor made of real material with LVT wood flooring in a range of different colours and styles.
Hallway
Make a lasting welcome impression into the home with a chic parquet herringbone floor and add a touch of stylish sleek to your home’s hallways.
Understanding LVT flooring features
From heavy-duty load-bearing features to water resistance against spillage, LVT flooring types come with a range of traits to match your needs.
Plank Flooring
LVT planks are a highly popular type of vinyl flooring, mainly due to the durability offered with this floor as well as the incredibly easy installation.
Square Flooring
Square LVT tiles offer a realistic design that is easy to install and maintain while being great for spill and stain-likely rooms in the home.
Commercial Flooring
LVT commercial flooring comes in a variety of colors and designs as well as being a hard-wearing durable solution - an ideal match for high-traffic interior spaces in the commercial and hospitality industry.
Waterproof Flooring
Waterproof LVT flooring is a hygienic flooring solution that makes cleaning and maintenance really simple, only requiring a light mop or a sweep without the need for harsh chemicals.
Water Resistant Flooring
Water-resistant LVT flooring has the ability to withstand water for long periods without any effect or damage to the flooring, making it an ideal choice for a bathroom or a kitchen.
Heavy Duty Flooring
Heavy Duty LVT is designed with foot traffic in mind. This flooring is made with protective coatings that are built to last, ensuring it can stand up to even the busiest of spaces.
Other LVT flooring resources
If you’re looking to install your own LVT flooring, take a look at our installation guide with a complete video tutorial from our experienced team, as well as a step-by-step breakdown of the process.
Before you get stuck into DIY, knowing how much flooring you’ll need is the first key step - we’ve created a helpful guide on how to measure your room so you get the best results possible.
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 LVT collection and find the perfect match today.