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. Luxury vinyl flooring is an easy option for the avid DIYer or those on a tighter budget as you can install it yourself.

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, they still offer 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, vinyl tiles are a more budget friendly option and require very little maintenance. Cleaning LVT flooring is easy,  all you really need is a hoover and a mop. Get all the tricks and tips with our LVT cleaning guide.

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.

Looking for a simple fitting solution? Our installation guide for vinyl tiles gives you a comprehensive overview of the benefits of vinyl click flooring  as well how to prepare your substrate before fitting.

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.

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 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. See our full fitting guide for herringbone click luxury vinyl tiles.

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

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. 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.

Offering a stylish, easy fitting and hard-wearing flooring material that is suitable for use in a wide variety of settings (such as bathrooms, cloakrooms and utility rooms), the 5G click ranges are highly slip resistant and completely waterproof to the core. They are much quieter underfoot than stone or hardwood equivalents and naturally warmer to the touch. They are also compatible with underfloor heating systems* for an added touch of luxury.

*Electric underfloor heating systems must be embedded in a screed to avoid damaging the LVT.

With a contemporary matt finish, the range features a 1mm underlay already attached to eliminate the cost and fuss of installing it separately. In addition, the 5G click installation system makes fitting simple even in tight spaces, minimising the need to remove doors whilst fitting. The push down end joints need less positioning, providing strong and stable connections.

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.