LVT, or Luxury Vinyl Tile, is one of the most popular flooring materials around the globe. It is a synthetic and multilayer flooring material manufactured from PVC(Poly Vinyl Chloride). The structure consists of a wear, design, and a backing layer. LVT is often designed to mimic timber or natural stone. It is also available in a wide variety of patterns and colours. The multilayered structure, the chemical properties of PVC, and the availability of numerous colours and designs make LVT one of the preferred choices for flooring.
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Is LVT the same as conventional Vinyl tiles?
Although LVT and other vinyl flooring are all made from PVC, the composition of the two differ. Some of the differences between the two are mentioned below.
- Luxury Vinyl Tiles are prepared from multiple layers of PVC. Vinyl tiles and sheets do not have multiple layers.
- The multilayered structure of LVT makes it much thicker ( 2-8mm) than vinyl tiles and sheets(1-3mm).
- LVT is coated with polymers such as Urethane to enhance its durability. It is much more durable and resilient compared to Vinyl tiles and sheets.
- Both LVT vinyl tiles/sheets mimic natural stone and timber; however, LVT offers a more realistic look.
- LVT can be installed in several ways. For instance, it is available in peel-and-stick variants, which you can easily install yourself. Vinyl sheets and tiles have to be glued down on the surface.
- LVT is relatively more expensive than traditional vinyl tiles or sheets as it offers a better look and enhanced physical properties.
- LVT and vinyl tiles/sheets are available in various colours, designs, and patterns. For instance, the Camaro LVT Flooring is trendy these days among homeowners.
What is LVT more suitable for?
Luxury Vinyl Tiles can be installed in any setting. Domestic, commercial, and industrial properties can all benefit from the installation of LVT. Brands like Massimo Flooring offer an entire range which can be used in any of these settings. The LVT cost is usually greater than vinyl sheets/tiles, so it might not be feasible for industrial applications. That offcourse depends on your budget and your preferences. LVT is especially popular in residential properties, where it can help to create a highly aesthetic and visually pleasing interior. Although it offers a higher resistance and durability than vinyl sheets and tiles, the latter are often the primary choice of industries. As LVT can withstand heavy traffic, commercial properties can also benefit from its installation.
What are the different shades and patterns of LVT?
LVT is available in various quality, colours, designs, and patterns, from average-quality natural stone mimicking variants to high-quality timber look-alikes. The timber-mimicking variants include all types of woods, such as Hickory, Oak, Walnut, and others. The natural stone variants range from concrete, travertine, slate, marble, and granite. LVT variants mimicking ceramic tiles are also available. Apart from these, there are countless other modern and innovative designs. Embossed and textured LVT are some of the more modern designs.
What are the main advantages of LVT?
- Aesthetic Appeal: Perhaps the most significant advantage of LVT is the unique aesthetic appeal it offers. High-quality LVT can very closely mimic natural stone or timber. No other artificial material can match this closeness.
- Variety: You can easily find a shade, design, and pattern to match the theme of your property. Your options are vast, from countless designs, colours, and patterns to embossed or textured tiles.
- Durability: LVT’s unique, multilayered structure makes it highly resilient to weight and impact. It is also ideal for areas which experience high foot traffic. Properly installed LVT can last a lifetime. It can also be easily repaired by simply replacing the damaged tile with another.
- Waterproof: LVT is virtually waterproof. The manufacturing process results in a completely impermeable surface, making LVT ideal for installation in bathrooms, kitchens, and wherever there is exposure to moisture. Its moisture resistance also makes it incredibly hygienic. Any spilled water can be easily cleaned.
- Cost-effective: Although LVT is relatively more expensive than ordinary vinyl, it lasts much longer. It does not break easily. It is easy to clean. It is also incredibly easy to replace. All these properties make LVT highly cost-effective, even for large-scale installations.