What Is LVT Flooring? Pros & Cons
What Is LVT Flooring? Pros & Cons
LVT flooring is a multi-layered vinyl floor material that is able to mimic the look of wood planks or stone tiles. It’s durable, waterproof, and can fit in with almost any room’s look.
'LVT' flooring means 'luxury vinyl tile', as this kind of flooring is considered high-end due to its versatility. From raw materials to herringbone or parquet patterns, LVT flooring is a premium choice for many homeowners.
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Key takeaways
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What is LVT Flooring? – Luxury Vinyl Tile is a kind of flooring that realistically mimics the appearance of wood or stone. It boasts multiple protective layers, making it highly durable.
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Different Types – Click-lock, glue-down, and loose-lay are all different types of LVT flooring that are installed in varying ways. Click-lock uses a clicking mechanism and doesn’t need to be fixed to the floor, while glue-down is stuck down with adhesive. Loose lay needs adhesive applied only around the edges. Loose-lay and click-lock are both very easy to install, though each type has its own pros and cons.
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Pros & Cons – LVT flooring is highly durable and waterproof, but can fade over time in direct sunlight. It boasts a stylish appearance but can be difficult to repair and can be prone to dent marks when bearing heavy furniture for extended periods of time.
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Which Rooms Suit LVT Best? – Waterproof properties and durability under high foot traffic are both characteristics of LVT flooring, meaning it is ideal for kitchens, bathrooms and hallways.
How LVT flooring is constructed
What is LVT flooring made of? LVT flooring is made of five layers, each of which adds to its comfort, durability, and water resistance:
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UV Coating – This prevents UV damage and yellowing.
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Abrasion-Resistant Layer – A transparent layer that protects against scratches.
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Printed Colour Layer – High-definition layer mimicking the look of wood or stone.
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Core Layer – The main structural core of the flooring.
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Base Layer – Adds dimensional stability, underfoot comfort, and acoustic insulation.
The first UV and abrasion-resistant layers fall under the ‘wear’ section, whilst the ‘design’ section consists of the middle layer with printed imagery on it. The ‘core’ refers to the structural foundation of the flooring, and includes the core and base layers.
When it comes to what LVT flooring is made of, each and every layer plays an important role in keeping the flooring stylish and functional.
Different styles of LVT flooring
LVT flooring comes in multiple forms, with four main types, each installed differently and used for varying purposes:
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Click-Lock – Planks of this kind of LVT feature a tongue-and-groove mechanism that allows them to click together in place. This means they do not need to be fixed to the subfloor. This type is excellent for quick DIY renovations, as it is fast and easy to install. They are, however, typically more expensive and can require an underlay.
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Glue-Down – This design involves planks that are bonded directly to the subfloor with a kind of adhesive. It is extremely durable and stable, but can be harder to install and requires a perfectly flat subfloor. They are ideal for large and high-traffic areas.
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Rigid Core – This is a kind of subtype of the click-lock LVT flooring, but boasts a stiffer centre, making it more resilient under heavy items.
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Loose Lay – This LVT uses a high-friction backing to stick onto the subfloor, meaning adhesive needs only to be applied around the edges. It is very easy to install.
Pros and cons of LVT flooring
LVT flooring is a premium choice for many homeowners, though it is not perfect. If you’re wondering, ‘What is LVT good and bad at?’, here are some of the key pros and cons to consider before purchasing:
What are LVT flooring’s pros?
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Easy Installation – Laying LVT flooring is generally very easy.
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Durable & Waterproof – The material is waterproof and resistant to scratches, making it ideal for pets and children.
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Variety – LVT flooring can come in a range of designs that match any home style.
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Comfortable – LVT is often warmer and quieter than tiles or laminate flooring underfoot.
What are LVT flooring’s cons?
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Fading & Indentation – Heavy furniture can cause permanent indentations, and too much sunlight exposure can lead to fading over time.
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Repair Difficulty – Damaged planks can be hard to remove and replace.
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Value – They will not raise your home’s value as much as natural wood or stone would.
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Subfloor Sensitivity – They often require a very smooth subfloor, as flaws can show through.
LVT vs other vinyl flooring
If you’re choosing flooring for your home, you’ll know how many options there are to choose from.
From LVT to laminate to vinyl, it can be hard to decide which is best for you and your home. Here’s a comparison of the properties of each, highlighting what it is LVT flooring does well and where other choices may be better for you:
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Type of flooring |
LVT |
Laminate |
Vinyl |
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Cost |
Mid-High |
Low-Mid |
Low |
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Appearance |
Very realistic (wood & stone) |
Realistic (wood) |
Good (various looks) |
|
Water resistance |
Waterproof |
Water-resistant |
Waterproof |
|
Durability |
High |
Medium-High |
Medium |
Is LVT flooring right for your home?
LVT flooring is best placed in areas like kitchens, bathrooms, or high-traffic areas of the home.
It suits kitchens well due to its waterproof nature, meaning it won’t swell like laminate or wood under spills and grease.
Bathrooms are also ideal for this kind of flooring due to their water-resistant properties. They are also slip-resistant and won’t be damaged by the humidity of a steamy bathroom.
Any high-traffic areas, like hallways, are a great fit for this kind of flooring too, due to its ability to remain durable under high footfall.
LVT is excellent for these kinds of rooms, but for rooms with low foot traffic, such as bedrooms, comfort should be prioritised. Such conditions can make carpeted flooring a better option. Conservatories and areas consistently exposed to direct sunlight might also bode well with different flooring, as LVT can fade over time.
How to choose the right LVT flooring
Choosing the right flooring isn’t easy and can be even harder if you don’t know what to look out for. When it comes to LVT flooring, these are the factors you should think about before buying:
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Wear layer thickness – Think about the traffic in the room you’re looking at the floor. If it is a high-traffic area, you may want to consider a flooring with a thicker wear layer.
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What LVT is best? – It’s up to you what LVT flooring type to use, but it’s always advisable to choose one that matches your DIY skill level.
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Overall look – Consider how the look of each LVT flooring option fits in with your vision or home’s aesthetic.
Remember, the right flooring for you will be a balance between a flooring that suits your home’s aesthetic and one that has the technical specifications for the room at hand.
What Is LVT Flooring? Pros & Cons - FAQs
Choosing the right flooring for your home is no small decision, so it’s natural to have a few questions. Now that you have the answer to ‘What is LVT flooring?’, here are some frequently asked questions about it: