What is luxury vinyl tile? Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) is layered tile or plank consisting of PVC, print film, and embossed wear layer. Also called LVP or LVF.
Americans spend $450 billion each year on home remodeling. Whether you are updating a kitchen or bathroom, adding in a new room, or something else, you will likely want to replace your outdated flooring.
There are so many options to choose from: hardwood, laminate, tile, cork, bamboo, vinyl, and LVT.
What is LVT and is it a good option for your home? Read on to find out.
What is LVT?
A common type of floor these days is LVT. Maybe you've heard people mention how happy they are with their LVT floor.
What is LVT? LVT is the short-form of luxury vinyl tile.
When you think about vinyl tile you might be picturing your grandmother's outdated kitchen. LVT is not that!
It is a flooring option that looks like hardwood or stone but for way less cost.
What is LVT Made of?
Luxury Vinyl Tile is made of laminated layers of PVC substrate, print film design, a wear layer plus a layer of coating for durability.
The foundation PVC layers are the base of this flooring type. Depending on the look you want, there are ranges of thicknesses. This layer is measured in millimeters.
Next comes the design layer. This is where the printed pattern lives. You can choose from a variety of replica tile or hardwood options. The latest technology in printing and embossing are what allow LVT to be virtually indistinguishable from the real thing.
The performance or wear layers are on top. These are the ones you can touch once the floor is installed. Most wear layers range in thickness from 0.15mm to 0.8mm.
Benefits of Luxury Vinyl Tile
There are a variety of benefits to choosing luxury vinyl tile. Here are the top pros for you to consider.
Durable
Because LVT is made of multiple layers, it is a durable option for every room in your home. The clear topcoat protects your floor against stains, scratches, and fading.
So your luxury vinyl tile will last for many years to come.
Easy to Install
Another perk of LVT is that installation is quick and easy. DIYers can install LVT without a fuss.
This installation will be half as long as ceramic tile. Even if you choose to have the professionals install LVT for you, they will be done so fast that you will hardly notice the interruption to your schedule.
You can choose to either glue the floor or allow it to float.
So Many Options
One of the biggest benefits of choosing LVT is that your options are limitless. Any kind of tile or wood look is possible with luxury vinyl tile.
Not only does it look realistic, but it also feels like it to the touch.
Inexpensive
LVT is an excellent choice for people on a limited budget. Not only is this flooring selection durable and beautiful, it is also affordable.
Luxury vinyl tiles are a fraction of the price of ceramic tiles or hardwood options. Prices start at about $2 per square foot.
Yet, even with a bargain price tag, you won't have to compromise on aesthetics.
Choosing LVT means you get the big impact and style you want at a price point that your bank account will appreciate.
Life Proof and Family Friendly
We all want nice homes. However, with kids and pets, that can be a challenge.
Luckily, with LVT you can have both. When you opt for LVT you don't have to worry about specific maintenance requirements the way you do with hardwood.
Also, cleaning LVT floors are a breeze. You can vacuum or sweep these floors. Plus you can use a wet cloth to tackle scuff marks.
The topcoat of LVT protects your design from being damaged by a spill. With LVT in your home, you can have a beautiful space without much effort to keep it looking great.
Standard Vinyl vs. Luxury Vinyl Flooring
Now that you understand what LVT is, let's talk about what it is not.
First of all, luxury vinyl flooring is not standard vinyl. There are many key differences between the two types of floors.
Construction
Standard vinyl comes in either square tiles or flexible sheets. This floor option is made of a thin layer underneath plus a thin layer of vinyl on top. The vinyl layer then has a protective coating.
When you hold up a piece of standard vinyl floor you can see how thin it is. Usually, the wear layer on this floor is just 10-15mm. Usually, they have a sticky backing you use to glue the tile to the floor.
Though LVT also is made with the same PVC, the many layers of this floor mean that it is much thicker than standard vinyl. In fact, LVT is semi-rigid.
The thickness and construction differences in these types of flooring lead to an inevitable conclusion: LVT lasts longer.
Standard vinyl flooring may last up to 10 years. Possibly 15 years if you opt for the best kinds.
On the other hand, luxury vinyl tile will last between 20-25 years.
Resale Value
It will come as no surprise that standard vinyl does not add any value to your home. In fact, this flooring option might deter some home hunters.
LVT on the other hand is comparable to laminate in value.
Sheet vinyl is a very thin material that can be quite hard and cold underfoot, especially when installed over concrete subfloors.
LVT is a Smart Choice
Thanks for reading! So what is LVT? It is an affordable, durable flooring option that looks as good as tile or hardwood.
Are you ready to move forward with your new floors? Get a free in-home estimate today.
