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Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) is a versatile and very popular choice of flooring, in particular for use in bathrooms and kitchens.
It can also be used in other rooms in the home and makes a great choice for so many reasons.
It does have its cons and this article seeks to give an unbalanced view of LVT to help you decide if is right for you, your home, and your lifestyle.
LVT is a hard-wearing floor which can withstand heavy footfall and is scratch resistant, though will dent under the pressure of heavy furniture.
This is a huge plus, as a quick sweep, hoover or mop will get your LVT floor looking as good as new, without the worry of staining from spills, unlike with a carpet. This also means LVT is a hygienic choice in rooms like bathrooms and kitchens.
The waterproof factor with an LVT is an incredibly attractive quality. In kitchens and bathrooms there is a lot of water and humidity which LVT is resistant to. Wood flooring would swell and warp, but this is not a concern with LVT, hence making it a great choice for these damper spaces.
LVT comes in a variety of patterns and colours. You can even have it in a plank or herringbone pattern to resemble wood, or in traditional pattern which resembles tiles flooring. It has the look of other popular products, can transform a space, but it comes with other advantages.
While is it particularly good in the bathroom and kitchen, LVT can also be used in hallways, living rooms, conservatories and even stairs and bedroom. It is temperature resistant and will withstand changing temperatures in rooms.
It can dent under the weight of heavy furniture
Glue down LVT can be hard to remove, click lock is easier to remove as a whole floor. However, glue down is more stable, and if you do damage a tile or plank when it's glued down it is easier to cut that specific tile or plank out to replace it than click installation.
It can fade in the sunlight, however moving furniture around can help balance this.
While PVC itself is not the most environmentally friendly material due to its production process and potential for toxic emissions, some manufacturers are making efforts to use more sustainable and recycled materials such as recycled woods and plastics in their LVT production.
The end-of-life disposal of LVT can be a concern. While some products are designed for recycling, others might end up in landfills. The recycling options available can impact the overall eco-friendliness of the material but manufacturers are working to ensure they can be recycled at the end of their life.
LVTs contain volatile organic compound (VOCs). Look for products that contribute to better air quality. Many LVT products are manufactured with low volatile organic compound emissions, which can contribute to better indoor air quality and a healthier living environment.
As with any floor there are pros and cons to LVT and it is sometimes hard to know what is best to do in terms of balancing these when you make your decision. Try and remember your requirements in a floor as well as your values and personal taste and this will help to work out what the best floor for you is.
