Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) is a high-quality, cost-effective, and durable flooring option you can use to update your home’s interior. It is one of the many flooring solutions offered at SMART Carpet and Flooring, a trusted installer of industry-leading carpet and flooring since 1995, proudly serving New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania. Here, our team provides a brief overview of LVT flooring, including its benefits and where it can be used in your home.
What Is LVT Made Of?
LVT is a semi-flexible flooring containing several laminated layers that create a durable and realistic look. The layers are made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and calcium carbonate (limestone), finished with a urethane topcoat to protect against scratches, chemicals, scuffs, and abrasions. The vinyl top layer adds strength and allows the manufacturer to print various designs and colors on boards, so they match your interior decor.
The laminated layers in LVT flooring include:
- Backing layer: This flat bottom layer is formulated and manufactured to stabilize the board. It features a textured surface to enhance the bond with the floor in glue-down applications.
- Inter-core layers: The body of the LVT increases durability and creates bulk for added insulation and noise-dampening properties.
- Print layer: This visual top layer provides a layer of depth and realism to mimic the grooves of stone or wood.
- Clear wear layer: The urethane topcoat layer makes the flooring easy to clean and maintain.
How Is LVT Installed?
At SMART Carpet and Flooring, our professional installers make the entire process easy from start to finish. Depending on the type of LVT you pick and your sub-flooring, we may use one of several techniques:
- Click: The flooring installer uses the tongue-and-groove locking system on the edges of the boards to lock them into place.
- Rigid core click:Like the standard click method, the core is thicker and more rigid for increased resistance and stability on uneven floors.
- Glue down: Also known as dryback, this is the most common installation method, especially in areas of heavy foot traffic. Our flooring installer uses an adhesive to glue the boards to the subfloor.
- Loose lay: This installation method is often used in smaller spaces with thicker LVT boards. Your installer will lay down minimal adhesive around the perimeter of the flooring.
Benefits of LVT Flooring
LVT flooring can have any design printed on it and mimics the look of natural hardwood or stone, without their level of maintenance. It also offers other practical benefits for homeowners, such as:
Durability
LVT is strong and can withstand heavy foot traffic. It is also water-resistant, making it an ideal choice for rooms that are prone to moisture, such as bathrooms, basements, and kitchens. The top coating also makes LVT flooring resistant to scuffs, stains, and scratches.
Quick Installation
LVT flooring is easy for professionals to install. The interlocking system on the boards makes it quick and easy to replace if some boards are damaged, without needing to replace the entire floor.
Value
LVT costs less than other flooring materials such as wood or stone, but it still gives you that natural look you may desire. Additionally, LVT is durable and requires minimal maintenance, helping it last longer than other flooring, such as vinyl. Vinyl flooring may be cheaper per square foot initially, but the longevity of LVT flooring makes it a cost-effective option.
Versatility
LVT flooring offers premium finishes, durable surfaces, and realistic designs, making it a suitable option for any room in your home. The endless design possibilities allow you to find an option that complements your existing decor.
Cleanability
Unlike hardwood or tile, which are harder to clean, the water-resistant properties of LVT flooring make them easy to clean. You can quickly wipe up spills and dirt with a paper towel or mop, and you don’t have to spend hours scrubbing your floor to keep it looking like new.
Increased Comfort
Compared to other types of natural flooring, LVT is softer and more comfortable underfoot. The layered construction helps dampen and absorb sound while insulating heat, making your home quieter and warmer. You can also choose underlayment options that increase sound absorption and provide additional cushioning under your feet while walking.
Pet-Friendly
The scratch-resistant and easy-to-clean properties of LVT flooring make it a pet-friendly flooring option. Your pet’s nails won’t scratch up your flooring, and they can play rough or spill their water bowl without causing lasting damage.
Upgrade Your Floors With SMART Carpet and Flooring
When you’re ready to upgrade your floors with high-quality LVT flooring, choose SMART Carpet and Flooring. Since 1995, we have been a trusted installer of carpet and flooring industry-leading names, such as Mohawk. As a mill-direct buying service, we don’t factor overhead costs into the price of our flooring, which saves our customers up to 50% off typical store prices. You’ll never pay store prices again.
What’s more, everything is included in the cost of our flooring, including the measuring, padding, and installation. With our upfront, transparent pricing and our free estimate, you’ll know what to expect before we start your flooring project.
We also make it easy to find the right flooring option for your home with our mobile flooring showroom. Our team brings thousands of samples right to your driveway, so you can see which of our premium options works the best with your home’s styles before you buy. You can shop at home, save money, and never have to pay store prices again.
To learn more about our luxury vinyl flooring options in New Jersey or eastern Pennsylvania, or to schedule a free estimate, contact us today. We’ll have you saying, “Wow! That was easy!”
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