What is LVT Flooring?

by C F
Last updated November 26, 2024

LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile) has grown in popularity among homeowners and businesses because of its durability, how good it looks, and how easy it is to clean and maintain. But why does it look so good, and why should you consider it for your next flooring project?

LVT flooring offers the look of natural materials like wood, stone, and tiles, but at a lower cost and with less maintenance. It’s waterproof, durable, and easy to install, making it perfect for both residential and commercial spaces.

So, what makes LVT flooring so special, and why should you consider it for your next flooring project?

LVT Flooring Structure

Key Features of LVT Flooring

LVT is incredibly durable and can handle water. High traffic and water usually don’t mix, but with this flooring, you’re good to go.

LVT flooring is not only water-resistant but also highly durable. It is resistant to scratches, stains, and fading, making it suitable for kitchens, bathrooms, and hallways—places where other flooring materials might wear out quickly.

One of the most popular traits of LVT is its resilience. Kids, pets, or people constantly walking will not hurt this floor. Plus, because it can resist water, it won’t swell, delaminate, or degrade like wood or laminate flooring.

Design and Aesthetic Appeal of LVT Flooring

We don’t know exactly how many varieties of wood grain and tile designs LVT flooring comes in, but let’s just say it’s a lot.

LVT flooring offers endless design possibilities. It can mimic the look of hardwood, stone, or even concrete, allowing homeowners and business owners to create the aesthetic they desire at a fraction of the cost of natural materials.

LVT can look like real wood and real stone (marble). That’s the biggest benefit. They come in whatever color, texture, and pattern you can think of. Whether you like the rustic look, want something modern, or are more traditional, a vinyl tile floor is the answer, which is why so many people use it in both houses and commercial applications.

When purchasing LVT, you can also explore options from vinyl flooring manufacturers that offer custom vinyl flooring solutions tailored to your design preferences.

Marble Texture

Wood Texture

Installation Process of LVT Flooring

Finally, when it comes to putting them in, there are basically two ways to install LVT floors.

LVT flooring is available in two main installation types: Glue Down (Dry Back), where adhesive is used to fix the tiles to the subfloor, and Self Adhesive, which allows you to peel and stick the tiles directly to the surface without additional adhesives.

Glue Down (Dry Back): A professional installer applies adhesive to the subfloor, then places the tiles. This setup provides a more permanent floor perfect for commercial applications or long-term use in a house.
Self Adhesive: This method works DIY-friendly. Basically, all you do is peel and stick the tiles down to the floor. That makes it perfect for small DIY projects. It’s also used in a lot of rental applications because you can pull the tile up fairly easily.

Glue Down

Self Adhesive

Maintenance and Care of LVT Flooring

These tiles are really easy to take care of and they clean up well.

Cleaning LVT flooring is easy and doesn’t require any special cleaning products. Regular sweeping and occasional mopping are all it takes to keep it looking like new.

One of the best things about an LVT floor is how easy it is to take care of. You don’t have to refinish it or worry about getting special cleaners for it. You can sweep and vacuum it to keep the dust and dirt off, and mop it with warm water to get things clean. Plus, you never have to worry about it warping from water spills like you will with wood or laminate floors.

Standard Sizes of LVT Flooring

There are standard sizes of LVT available for projects.

Common LVT tile sizes include 12″x24″ (30.48 x 60.96 cm), 6″x36″ (15.24 x 91.44 cm), and 18″x18″ (45.72 x 45.72 cm). Additionally, LVT thickness typically ranges from 1.0mm to 3.0mm, providing options for different environments and installation needs.

These tiles come in different sizes. The most common size is the elongated rectangle that looks like hardwood floors followed by the square tile that looks like ceramic or stone. These tiles can range from 1.0mm all the way to 3.0mm thick, depending on where you are going to put them and how much traffic you expect. Thicker tiles are quieter and hold up better, especially in commercial applications.

Here is a breakdown of standard sizes and their recommended uses:

Size (in inches)	Size (in cm)	Thickness (mm)	Recommended Use
12″ x 24″	30.48 x 60.96	1.0 – 3.0	Residential, Commercial
6″ x 36″	15.24 x 91.44	1.0 – 3.0	High Traffic Areas
18″ x 18″	45.72 x 45.72	1.0 – 3.0	Standard Applications

LVT Flooring vs. Other Flooring Types

As with any other flooring material, LVT has some clear advantages over traditional tile, hardwood, or stone composite flooring.

LVT vs. Hardwood (Wood Flooring): LVT is generally more affordable than hardwood, and it is more resistant to water and humidity, making maintenance easier.
LVT vs. Tile: LVT is softer and more comfortable than tile, and its installation process is simpler and less labor-intensive.
LVT vs. SPC (Stone Plastic Composite): Both LVT and SPC are waterproof, but SPC offers greater stability and is better suited for high-pressure environments.

Rather than hardwood, you go with a cheaper option, but it’s a beautiful-looking alternative. Hardwood is vulnerable to moisture, so you want an LVT floor in your kitchen, bathroom, or basement. When it comes to ceramic tile, you give up some durability in exchange for comfort and ease of installation. You don’t have to have as much skill or all the same tools to put in an LVT floor as you would with a true ceramic or stone floor. Finally, SPC and LVT are very similar in design and performance.

SPC Flooring: Stone Plastic Composite (SPC) flooring is a type of rigid core vinyl flooring known for its enhanced durability and stability, making it ideal for high-traffic areas or places with moisture concerns.

Is LVT Flooring Suitable for Commercial Use?

LVT floors are good for commercial applications.

LVT flooring is increasingly being used in commercial spaces, from retail stores to office buildings, because it can handle heavy foot traffic and maintain its aesthetic appeal.

Great for commercial applications in hotels, restaurants, or office space because they are so durable and you can get them in any kind of look you like. They are also good in areas that might get wet like a bathroom, cafe, or bar because they are water resistant (or waterproof depending on what kind you get). They’re easy to keep clean, which is a big plus in a high-volume space.

How Much Does LVT Flooring Cost?

The thing about the cost of LVTs is it really depends on the brand, the design, and the thickness of the tile you are going to put down.

LVT flooring typically costs between $3 and $7 per square foot, with higher-end options costing more. The price can vary depending on the quality of the material and the installation method.

On the surface, LVTs might appear more expensive than other vinyl floors you’ve seen. But when you consider it will last longer and look more realistic, it might be the better buy and a lot cheaper in the long run for you compared to true hardwood floors. Also, real wood is a lot tougher and more expensive to install than a vinyl tile floor.

Is LVT Flooring Eco-Friendly?

More and more people are trying to be green, which means the environmental impact of products is super important.

LVT flooring is made from PVC, a synthetic material, but some brands are incorporating eco-friendly production methods and materials, such as low-VOC finishes and recyclable options.

For those people concerned about being green, LVT is made out of PVC, which is not biodegradable. However, many manufacturers are using recyclable materials and green products when manufacturing. If you are really concerned about the environment, look for products with ISO9001, FloorScore, GREENGUARD, or GREEN Building Council certifications which mean there are little to no VOCs in the finish which can harm the environment.

Luxury, durability, and ease of maintenance make LVT the perfect choice for your next job, regardless of whether it’s a house or a commercial building. With all the different looks, easy installation, and green options out there, it’s no wonder LVTs are the most popular new thing to do with your floors!