Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) is a versatile and durable flooring material that is designed to mimic the appearance of ceramic or stone tile. With many synthetic flooring options rising in popularity, it is important to understand which ones give you the best bang for your buck, which is why the Infinity Flooring team has put together this guide to LVT flooring! Join us as we take a closer look at LVT (and many more acronyms) to help you decide if it is right for you!
LVT is a synthetic flooring material composed primarily of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin. Different types of LVT floors may have slightly different components, but they all provide the same great benefits and aesthetics to your floors. Rather than using grout or caulk, which is harder to install and maintain, most LVT flooring is applied with an adhesive backing or a click-together system right on top of the subfloor. Regardless of what kind of LVT system you go with, the tiles usually consist of the layer explained below.
People often prefer LVT over real ceramic or stone tiles for many reasons that become apparent almost immediately after installation. The classic look of stone or ceramic tiling is appealing to many homeowners, but the reality of installing and living with these tiles can be less than desirable. Stone and ceramic tiles are infamous for their unforgiving and cold feel under bare feet, and both materials are known to show scratches and scuffs easily, which then lead to labor-intensive cleaning efforts.
LVT floors, on the other hand, are comfortable, durable, and resilient, and cleaning them is a quick and easy process compared to other tile materials. LVT floors stay cool during hot temperatures in summer, and they do not get as cold in winter as stone tiles get while still providing the same timeless aesthetics. The installation process of LVT materials makes them feel slightly cushioned, and they stand up much better to scratches than many other tile materials. LVT provides many benefits to your floors and can be installed virtually anywhere in your home or commercial space.
As mentioned above, the term “luxury vinyl tile” usually refers to tiles that resemble ceramic or stone, but other types of luxury vinyl floors are designed to mimic the appearance of hardwood floors. These wood-like vinyl planks are often referred to as a type of LVT, but they really belong in their own category called luxury vinyl planks (LVP). LVP floors include the grains and notches of a hardwood floor, and the planks typically come in a more elongated, rectangular shape compared to the more square LVT materials.
The tile look may not be for everyone, and many residential and commercial spaces enjoy the warmth created by the hardwood appearance of LVP flooring. In fact, the first rigid core synthetic flooring on the market was LVP due to the popularity of hardwood flooring. Both LVT and LVP are great flooring options, but it comes down to a matter of personal preference.
All types of luxury vinyl flooring utilize one of two types of core composition: stone plastic composite (SPC) and wood plastic composite (WPC). SPC features a stone composite core composed of limestone powder, PVC fillers, and stabilizers. This manufacturing process makes SPC more dense and durable than WPC, which is why this is the type of material used to make luxury vinyl tiles that resemble harder stone and ceramic floors. As a result, SPC is well-suited for high-traffic commercial environments and areas prone to moisture, such as bathrooms and kitchens.
WPC incorporates a wood composite core made of wood flour or other wood-like materials, PVC, and foaming agents. This core offers a balance of rigidity and flexibility, providing added cushioning and sound absorption compared to SPC. WPC flooring is often chosen for residential applications where comfort is a main concern, such as living rooms and bedrooms. As such, this is the material typically used to make luxury vinyl planks, but SPC can also be used to create the hardwood aesthetic.
LVT’s resistance to moisture, scratches, and stains makes it particularly well-suited for high-traffic areas within your home. The best areas to consider LVT are, of course, wherever you would expect to see a tile floor. Kitchens and bathrooms are the most popular areas to install LVT flooring because of its similar appearance and performance to tile floors. These areas are prone to spills and moisture, scuffs, dings and dents from cookware, and many other conditions that require a durable floor. Though you would not want to put LVT materials directly into a shower, the water-resistant makeup of LVT is perfect for these areas, as well as the areas of your home listed below.
If you are looking for the most seamless installation for your new LVT floors, nothing beats a professional touch! Though LVT is usually considered a DIY-friendly option, mistakes can still happen, and there are multiple ways to install LVT flooring. Some materials feature adhesive backing for a simplistic installation process, but utilizing caulk and other materials can help create an even more realistic finish.
Either way, you can always expect to pay less for LVT installation compared to stone or ceramic tile, even when you call a professional to do the work for you! Call Infinity Flooring today if you are interested in LVT installation for your residential or commercial property in the Salt Lake area!
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