When exploring options for new flooring for your home or commercial space, the array of options can be overwhelming. Each material offers unique benefits and challenges, from traditional hardwood to modern laminate. But one flooring option has been gaining popularity in recent years, offering a unique blend of durability, aesthetics, and versatility: Luxury Vinyl Tile, or LVT flooring. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the world of LVT flooring, answering the question you may be wondering: What is LVT flooring?
As you embark on your journey to find the perfect flooring solution, it’s essential to understand the different materials and technologies available. This knowledge will empower you to make an informed decision that best suits your needs, style, and budget. So, without further ado, let’s explore the exciting world of LVT flooring and discover why it’s becoming the go-to choice for homeowners, designers, and architects alike.
Exploring What LVT Is
LVT, or Luxury Vinyl Tile, is a type of flooring made from multiple layers of high-quality vinyl material. Its unique construction and composition make it a versatile and durable option for various applications in both residential and commercial spaces. LVT flooring is designed to mimic the appearance of natural materials such as wood, stone, and ceramic tiles, while offering enhanced performance characteristics compared to its traditional counterparts.
While LVT flooring falls under the broader category of vinyl flooring, it distinguishes itself from other vinyl products through its construction, design, and performance. For instance, sheet vinyl and vinyl composite tile (VCT) does not offer the same level of durability, design options, or ease of installation as LVT flooring. Additionally, LVT’s realistic design layer and enhanced wear layer set it apart from standard vinyl products, making it a more appealing choice for those seeking a high-quality flooring solution that combines both form and function.
Benefits Of LVT Flooring
LVT offers plenty of benefits, including the following examples.
Durability and Longevity
One of the most significant advantages of LVT flooring is its durability. Based on the thickness of the wear layer on the product that you have purchased, that wear layer protects the surface from scratches, scuffs, and dents, making it an ideal choice for high-traffic areas and commercial spaces. Tom Adams suggestion on wear layer thickness will affect longevity and cost of product. A 6 mm is a value product that will get approximately 5 years of use, while a 12 mm should get 10 years of residential use. A 20 mm will get you 20 years or more of residential use and 5 years of light commercial use and longevity. When it comes to what LVT floors are made of, its robust construction ensures that it will not easily warp or buckle, providing a long-lasting flooring solution. With proper care and maintenance, LVT flooring can last for decades. Based upon your subfloor smoothness and levelness, Tom Adams Windows and Carpets would make the correct suggestion for either a click floating floor or glue down floor. LVT based on which product also is great for a sunroom (must be a SPC core), because the SPC will not expand or contract.
Water Resistance and Low Maintenance
LVT flooring is known for its water-resistant properties, making it an excellent choice for areas prone to moisture and spills, such as kitchens, full bathrooms, powder rooms and basements. Unlike hardwood or value grade laminate flooring, LVT won’t be damaged by water exposure and can be easily cleaned by using a Swiffer (dry or wet), vacuum, broom or with a damp mop. Its low maintenance requirements make it a hassle-free choice for busy households and commercial spaces. Based on the thickness of the wearlayer-no topical resurfacing is needed.
Comfort and Insulation Properties
LVT flooring offers a more comfortable underfoot experience compared to traditional hard flooring materials like tile or stone. The resilient core and backing layers provide some cushioning and insulation, which can help reduce foot fatigue and keep your space warmer during colder months. Additionally, LVT flooring is known for its noise-reducing properties, making it an ideal choice for multi-story homes or buildings where sound transmission is a concern.
Design Flexibility and Aesthetics
One of the most appealing aspects of LVT flooring is its design flexibility. With a wide range of styles, colors, and patterns available, you can easily find an LVT flooring option that matches your personal taste and complements your home’s décor. The high-resolution design layer allows LVT to convincingly mimic the look of natural materials like hardwood, stone, or ceramic tile, while often being more affordable and easier to maintain. This design versatility makes LVT flooring a popular choice among homeowners, designers, and architects looking for a stylish yet practical flooring solution. Another advantage is that t-molding in doorways is not usually needed, which would create a speed bump or break in the doorway and lose its hardwood and open concept appeal.
Professional LVT Flooring Installation
You’ll likely agree that LVT flooring is an attractive choice for flooring thanks to its extensive benefits. If you’re considering installing LVT flooring, we encourage you to reach out to the sales professionals at Tom Adams Windows and Carpets before getting your hands dirty or purchasing from a big box or non expert in our industry. While DIY installation is possible, professional installation ensures a flawless, long-lasting result.
The experts at Tom Adams have the experience and knowledge to handle every aspect of your LVT flooring project, from helping you navigate the best LVT flooring for you to providing a seamless and efficient installation. By choosing the pros at Tom Adams, you can enjoy peace of mind, knowing that your investment in LVT flooring will look stunning and perform optimally for years. Don’t hesitate to contact the Tom Adams team and transform your space with the beauty and practicality of LVT flooring. Tom Adams is one of the larger flooring retailers in the Bucks County, Montgomery County, and Lehigh Valley area, with 3 showrooms and one outlet to serve your needs.
