LVT FAQs
Answers From Floor Factory Experts
What is LVT?
We’ve written about LVT before, but we’ve updated and added some extra information to our 2022 article. Starting with the basics, LVT is an acronym for Luxury Vinyl Tiles. It looks like ‘hard’ flooring but is soft and warm underfoot and has numerous other advantages.
What is LVT made from?
The clue is in the name, but it’s much more than just vinyl flooring. LVT’s durability, good looks, and versatility is in part because of the special layering technology that’s involved in manufacturing it. The main layers in LVT are typically 1) a core PVC layer that acts as the base for the tile and give it it’s strength, 2) a high-resolution printed design layer that gives LVT the look of almost any flooring style, and 3) a clear protective wear layer that stops scuffing and fading, and can allow for embossing for more tactility.
What’s the difference between LVT and normal vinyl flooring?
Traditional vinyl flooring has been used in homes since the 1930’s and was extremely popular during the 1960’s. And while vinyl remains an affordable and easy to install flooring option, it can’t compete with LVT. LVT made by leading companies like Karndean or Amtico are designed to both look and feel like luxury flooring. They carry long guarantees, they are thicker than traditional vinyl floors, more resilient to scratches and scuffing, and the design is in a league of its own.
Is LVT waterproof?
A big selling point with LVT is the water resistance. A wood floor in your kitchen or bathroom might look amazing, but water damage can quickly turn it from a dream into a nightmare. LVT however offers far superior levels of water resistance in comparison to wood floors (even laminate, engineered wood, and other hardwood alternatives) and is less prone to humidity and moisture in the air.
How tough is LVT?
LVT is designed to be scratch resistant, stain resistant, moisture resistant and to handle whatever family life throws at it. Of course, it’s not bulletproof, so it can scratch and show signs of wear. But in general, it offers superior toughness to many alternative flooring types.
Is it easy to install LVT?
LVT can be a DIY project, but you are best sticking to the Rigid Core versions if you want to install it yourself. Due to the work involved in sub-floor preparation for glue down LVT and the intricacies of some of the laying patterns, it would prove beneficial to get it installed by experts. At Floor Factory, all our installers are fully trained and we offer a two-year installation warranty for complete peace of mind.
How do you clean LVT?
In short, easily. It’s easy to wipe up spills when they happen to reduce any risk of staining, easy to dust the floor using a microfibre mop, and easy to spot clean when needed. Often a quick wipe over is all that’s required to get it looking great. It won’t require as much maintenance as stone or wood floors, and it will keep it’s shine long after your wood flooring needs some professional attention.
Where can I buy LVT flooring?
For customers in the Derbyshire area come and take a look at the Floor Factory showroom, not only are we an Amtico One Exclusive Retailer and Karndean Platinum Retailer, we have a fantastic range of the best LVT available.
