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LVT floor can look like real wood or real stone and have any design printed on it, but it also offers many practical benefits. It is produced in the form of tiles or planks. Luxury vinyl flooring is still a relatively new product and one of the fastest-growing products in the flooring market. It can be chosen over laminate flooring or tiles, especially in areas where water is present. However, with the introduction of waterproof laminate flooring in bathrooms, there are still plenty of good options available. It is often referred to as “Click Vinyl” and “Luxury Vinyl Tiles”.
Luxury vinyl tiles LVT Floor are commonly made from multiple layers of PVC vinyl. To influence the hardness, PVC is mixed with various compounds. These multiple sheets of PVC vinyl are carefully compressed by a rolling process and suspended in a liquid. This is then dried using heat and air to create solid vinyl records. The top layer can also have an embossed surface, where manufacturers can add realism to the top layer by adding a layer of depth to the grooves found in stone or wood.
LVT floors then have a clear vinyl and urethane coating applied at the end of production, which adds extra protection and comfort to the final product. They are pressed together and a decorative printed vinyl layer is glued to the surface for added comfort and warmth. Solid LVT boards are often thicker and usually have a click system to facilitate DIY installation.
New developments in green technology are improving the production of LVT flooring by using recycled plastics and even wood as base materials. Some manufacturers even incorporate cork pads into their products.
Why are LVT floors so thin?
LVT flooring can be between 2mm and 8mm thick. They also often have different top layers ranging from 0.1mm to 0.6mm. That doesn’t sound like much, especially compared to laminate floors that are typically 7-12mm thick. The reason luxury vinyl tiles are so thin is because of their high density and strength. 4mm of compressed vinyl is much stronger than 8mm of HDF wood, so there’s no need to reinforce it. They are already more than strong enough to be used in high-traffic commercial installations and are commonly used for this. And of course, the thinner profile ensures less disruption to existing fittings such as skirting boards and shower trays, etc.
What is LVT used for?
Because they are made of PVC, they are ideal for spaces such as bathrooms, and kitchens, or even for commercial use such as hair salons and yoga studios. Wherever moisture could be a problem, LVT is an ideal replacement for wooden floors. The multiple layers also offer stability to ensure the product lies flat on the ground without absorbing moisture or expanding due to water.
Installation of luxury vinyl tiles
There are 2 main ways to install LVT flooring. There is a free snap system, similar to laminate flooring installation, requiring a special LVT underlay and there are adhesive systems requiring special LVT adhesives. Both types of installation require a completely flat surface. Read our how-to lay LVT floor guide for step-by-step instructions. If you are unsure about installation, we can recommend services like Rated People where you can find experienced LVT installers in your area.