LVT Flooring FAQ's
What Is LVT Flooring?
Luxury vinyl tiles or LVT flooring is a hard-wearing, synthetic floor, usually made of multiple layers of compressed PVC. During manufacture, LVT flooring is coated with a clear vinyl for added protection, creating a durable, water resistant, rigid tile that’s easy to cut and fit.
There are countless finishes available with luxury vinyl flooring, including wood effect, marble, and stone, with some top layers embossed or textured for added character.
Is LVT Flooring Laminate?
Whilst both laminate flooring and luxury vinyl flooring undergo a compression process, they’re not the same type of flooring.
Laminate flooring typically consists of compressed wood, which is often High-Density Fibreboard (HDF), combined with a laminated top layer featuring a photographic design.
Whereas luxury vinyl flooring does not contain any wood. It is a synthetic floor, usually made of multiple layers of compressed PVC. These layers include a wear layer for protection, a printed design layer to provide a realistic finish, and a vinyl core layer for additional stability and strength, followed by built-in underlay for added comfort and sound reduction.
Both floors offer stunning wood effect finishes. However, laminate flooring is slightly less expensive but doesn't offer the benefits of being waterproof or having built-in underlay. Hence why luxury vinyl tiles are suitable for bathrooms, whereas laminate is not.
How Is LVT Flooring Fitted
Most LVT floors are installed using the floating floor method. This involves placing the flooring on an existing foundation, rather than adhering it directly to the subfloor.
Whilst this method of installation is generally easier to fit, it’s important to level and prepare your subfloor properly to ensure a high quality finish.
Is LVT Flooring Karndean?
Karndean is LVT flooring, but not all LVT flooring is Karndean. Karndean is just one of the many brands of luxury vinyl flooring.
Other brands of LVT flooring are available, including our own Valore range.
Can LVT Flooring Be Fitted In A Kitchen?
Yes. LVT flooring is a popular choice for kitchens as it’s easy to fit, hard-wearing, and water resistant, meaning it will stand up to the day-to-day wear of even the busiest, family kitchens.
With a wide range of finishes available, there are plenty of options for any kitchen style or design.
Can LVT Flooring Be Fitted In A Bathroom?
Yes. LVT flooring is waterproof, making it ideal for any bathroom. As well as this, it’s easy to cut and fit, which helps in bathrooms, particularly where the suite is already fitted, creating different angles and curves.
How To Maintain LVT Flooring
Since luxury vinyl flooring is incredibly hard-wearing it doesn’t require much maintenance. To keep your flooring in top condition, simply sweep it regularly or, for a deeper clean, mop it with soap and water.
Do I Need Underlay With LVT Flooring?
Our luxury vinyl wood flooring comes with a built-in, ultra-thin, durable underlay, so there’s no need to purchase an additional underlay. Simply lay your flooring over a level subfloor and it will feel comfortable underfoot for years to come.