This time, we’re going seriously upstyle, with lots of useful information about LVT. What is it, what’s it made of, and how could it be the best thing ever in your home?
Here at Forest Flooring, we’re big fans of LVT. It stands for Luxury Vinyl Tiling, and the clue’s in the word: luxury. Most of us wouldn’t normally associate the idea of deluxe home style right next to the word “vinyl”, but trust us – LVT flooring is an exceptionally popular choice. And, in our business, many in the range are continuous best sellers. (Also, we have “ordinary” vinyl options that are equally impressive, so do get in touch if you fancy getting the vinyl bug.).
It’s fair to say that LVT is one of the fastest-growing products on the flooring market.
So, what exactly IS LVT?
Luxury Vinyl Tiling is made from several layers of PVC vinyl.
Without going into too much technical detail, the PVC is mixed with various compounds which affect its hardness. The result? Several sheets of PVC that the manufacturer compresses by a rolling process that’s suspended in a liquid. Then, everything is dried to produce several layers. Out of interest, LVT floors are pretty thin, much thinner than standing vinyl flooring, in fact: between 2mm and 8mm thick.
LVT has a clear vinyl and urethane coating (a type of polymer) that’s applied at the end, for further protection, and comfort underfoot.
With top layers of no more than 6mm, their slenderness can deceive you. In truth, they’re wonderfully strong and durable. With a super-high density, LVT has a superhero force. The way they’re made – with several layers – means that they simply don’t need to be any thicker.
Sorry about the science lesson, hope that’s all clear. Basically, this is a technological miracle.
Actually – thinking about it, also like a superhero, LVT floors are here for the good of humankind.
Let us explain.
They’re Incredibly Realistic
By which we mean, when it comes to floors, they can be almost anything you want them to be.
In a nutshell, technicians can create LVT to look exactly like every type of real wood. Or, real stone, or ceramic. Not only does it look astonishingly authentic, but it also has the subtle imperfections that we see all around us in nature. Think: whirls, swirls, patterns, and variations in shade and tone. They are perfect in their faults, you could say. On balance, so perfect that you would have to look extremely close to see that this isn’t the real deal. Amazing.
LVT is available in plank and tile formats, and in an incredible, almost dizzying array of colours and styles to suit every home. Your home, actually. And, Forest Flooring will fit and install everything for you.
Designed for Life. And, to Last
These are ultra-high-quality products to give you pleasure for several years. In fact, we can’t make any promises, but LVT flooring can last up to 25 years.
Another important point to make is that unlike hardwood flooring, with LVT there are no specific maintenance requirements to think about. The top layer of LVT acts as a protector, meaning that it’s resistant to spills. You can quickly remove any scuff marks with a damp cloth, and your floor will thank you for just a vacuum or a sweep when it needs it. In contrast to a wooden floor, there’s no re-sanding or sealing. In fact, there’s no floor maintenance programme to worry about.
Likewise, this product is more stable. It won’t warp or expand, it just lays flat on the surface for an all-round practical solution.
The durability of LVT makes this type of product a sublime family-friendly choice in your bathroom (it’s resistant to moisture), or your kitchen (heat insulation properties). That is, places that are high-traffic, or in constant use with children running in and out. Alternatively, if you run a business, Luxury Vinyl Tiles will give your establishment an affordable touch of class and sophistication.
This type of flooring tends to be more stable. It just sits flat, refusing to warp or bend, minding its own business and not causing any fuss.
Keep the Sound Down
Talking of family life, did you know that LVT flooring is a brilliant choice for soundproofing? A handy side-effect if you’re at all concerned about disturbing the neighbours. Can you imagine the comings and goings on a wooden or stone floor, and the noise? Well, quite. With LVT, the surface simply absorbs sound. So, you’ll have better acoustics in your home, and a bit more peace and quiet.
Keep Warm(er)
An obvious point, perhaps, but natural materials, lovely though they are, can be rather cold underfoot. And hard. Especially stone. LVT combines that essential super-chic look with warmth. Consider this important fact: unlike a solid wooden floor, they’re totally fabulous with underfloor heating, too. No slippers required.
You lead a busy life. Everyday comings and goings are the hallmarks of family life. Do you really want to spend time putting right any visible damage to your floor any more often than you absolutely have to?
How would something that looks authentically like a wooden, stone or ceramic floor, but is SO much easier to live with work in your home?
Rather well, we think. Why not get in touch to find out more about the wonders of LVT? Or, if you live in East Sussex, we’re just in Forest Row and we’d be delighted to show you some examples of this fabulous range.