What is Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) flooring?

What does LVT stand for in flooring? Luxury Vinyl Tile, also known as LVT, is a product that looks like real wood or stone but is actually made up of a series of layers, flexible and thin enough to cut through with a knife. This highly durable product is a great way to add warmth to your home, like carpet, but with the practicalities of a tile.

With an array of bathroom LVT and kitchen LVT flooring styles available, this versatile option suits a wide range of rooms in the home. It’s also a great choice for avid DIYers or those on a tighter budget, as it’s easy to install yourself.

Why Are LVT Tiles So Popular?

Luxury floor tiles are a popular choice for many areas of the home, and different types are more suited to different rooms.

So what are the key benefits of LVT flooring?

On the whole, they are warmer and more sound insulating than regular ceramic or porcelain tiles as well as thinner, a plus if you can’t add too much depth to an existing floor.

Much more durable than real wood, LVT wood flooring still offers the texture and grain detailing of the real thing but don’t scratch or wear as easily. Or, if you prefer the look of stone, stone effect LVT are a more budget friendly option and require very little maintenance.

Cleaning LVT flooring is easy. A hoover will take care of dust and debris, and a drip-free mop with our FILA LVT and Laminate Cleaner will remove stains. Get all the tricks and tips with our guide on how to clean LVT flooring.

Is LVT waterproof? Yes it is. LVT has a rigid PVC core as well as a top wear layer treated to be waterproof, so both sides of the board can resist water. Unlike other types of flooring, like laminate and engineered wood, which are sometimes only water resistant and never waterproof, so you’ll always have peace of mind that your LVT flooring will last. You can learn more about the difference types of flooring in our guides: LVT vs engineered wood, LVT vs laminate.

Looking for a simple fitting solution? Our LVT flooring installation guide for vinyl tiles gives you a comprehensive overview and Read our general guide for more information on how to lay LVT flooring.

What Is LVT Flooring Made Of?

In this article we talk you through the different types of luxury floor tiles and their properties to help you choose the right one for your project.

Different types of LVT have a different material make up and therefore different properties, we break down the key types in our LVT range to make it easier to select the right flooring for your tiling project.

Herringbone

The herringbone luxury vinyl tiles are produced with rigid core technology, featuring an innovative 2G locking system which is one of the few true herringbone systems with integrated LVT underlay.

The range features four products in a range of natural wood tones, each with a thickness of 5mm (wear thickness of 0.55mm). It can only be used in conjunction with wet underfloor heating systems and has low slip resistance. The range offers a 25-year residential warranty.

UV Coating – Prevents fading and maintains consistent colouration

Wear Layer – Prevents deterioration and is scuff and stain resistant

Luxury Vinyl Layer Rigid Core Technology – 100% waterproof, resistant to moisture and damage

Integrated Underlay – Provides sound and thermal insulation

2G Click

These luxury vinyl tiles, known as SPC (Stone Polymer Composite) are comprised of a rigid core for added durability. This glue-less format features an integral underlay and click locking system making it fast and easy to install with only a knife.

Ideal for using throughout the home providing both heat and sound insulation, your space is transformed immediately as there’s no setting time. 100% waterproof and a diamond coated finish, their natural texture makes it a hygienic, easy-to-clean flooring solution, resistant to scuffs and stains.

The UV coating prevents fading and maintains a consistent colouration whilst the wear layer is to prevent deterioration making it scuff and stain resistant. A damp mop is all you need to wipe it clean. But avoid using a steam mop on LVT flooring as it can damage the glue and loosen the tiles.

The luxury vinyl layer is deeply embossed providing the realistic and texture of the material it’s replicating. The tough core technology (Stone Plastic Composite or SPC) is 100% waterproof, resisting damage and moisture whilst creating an easy click fitting system.

The rigid core range also comes with an integrated underlay, providing sound and thermal insulation.

From stone effect to wood effect, the 2G click system means each tile is easily clicked into position at an angle ensuring the short end is fitted first.

See our full fitting guide for 2G Click Luxury Vinyl Tiles.

5G Click

Offering a stylish, easy fitting and durable flooring material, the 5Gi Click system is suitable for a wide variety of settings including kitchens, bathrooms, cloakrooms and utility rooms. At the heart of each board is a rigid waterproof PVC core, designed to handle everyday use while staying much warmer and quieter underfoot than stone or hardwood.

Fitting is made easier with an integrated underlay already attached, eliminating the need for a separate layer and adding comfort along with sound insulation properties. The 5Gi click mechanism makes installation straightforward, even in smaller or more awkward spaces, with push down long edges and lock down short edges that provide a stable finish without the need for specialist tools.

The surface is resistant to scuffs and stains, easy to clean and designed with slip resistance in mind, making it a safe and reliable option for busy homes. It is also compatible with water piped underfloor heating systems.

See our full fitting guide for 5Gi Click Luxury Vinyl Tiles.

Finishing Touches

To create a simple but sophisticated finish for your luxury vinyl tiles, add a scotia around the edge of the room, either attaching to the skirting board or wall. If you’re planning on laying vinyl across multiple rooms then a multi-floor door bar can accommodate different floor heights creating a seamless transition.

Check out the fitting guides for each range to see the recommended matching and complementary door bars and scotias.

For more information on how to lay LVT, including preparing your substrate, read our general LVT fitting guide.