You may be familiar with luxury vinyl planks (LVP), which mimic the appearance of hardwood floors. Luxury vinyl tile (LVT), on the other hand, is a flooring material that mimics natural stone and real ceramic tile. While both are made from the same materials and have a similar manufacturing process, the main difference is appearance.
LVT is trending, and it doesn’t look like that will stop any time soon. Learn more about LVT and the benefits of choosing it for your home or office.
Vinyl was first invented in 1920 as a synthetic material and has long since been a suitable alternative for everyday products. It is composed of ethylene and chlorine. When you mix these two chemicals, you get polyvinyl chloride resin, more commonly known as vinyl. The synthetic materials used to produce vinyl make it easier to manufacture and access, and reduce installation costs compared to other flooring types.
LVT is thicker than standard vinyl to increase its benefits, such as its versatility and durability. Many people are switching over to LVT instead of ceramic or stone because of these benefits, affordability of the material and LVT’s ability to mimic ceramic or stone so closely.
LVT is 3D printed to mimic the appearance and texture of other flooring options, such as ceramic tile and stone. LVT usually consists of five different layers, each of which plays a crucial role in LVT’s function:
The major difference between LVT and stone or ceramic tile is the material it’s made out of. LVT is a synthetic material manufactured to imitate the appearance and texture of real tile. Stone tiles are made from natural materials formed by the Earth. These raw materials are extracted and cut into the shape of tiles. Ceramic tiles are made from clay that gets molded, glazed and fired in a kiln.
Apart from the manufacturing process, a few key differences exist between LVT and stone or ceramic. First, LVT can only be installed as a floor, while both stone and ceramic can be installed as countertops, on the wall or in showers. Another significant difference is the price tag. Stone and ceramic can be expensive due to the process required to make the tiles. Luxury vinyl tiles offer the same appearance as stone and ceramic at a greatly reduced price.
The installation process is also very different with LVT and ceramic tiles. LVT uses a click-lock system that allows for a quick and easy installation. Ceramic tile requires a little more effort, relying on mortar and grout to secure it to your subfloor. The grout also makes ceramic tile more challenging to clean than LVT.
While ceramic, stone and LVT appear the same on the surface level, LVT has a few advantages that often compel people to make the switch.
LVT has its pros and cons, but its wide range of benefits is why homeowners and businesses are switching over. Here are a few of the most significant benefits of LVT:
LVT is an excellent flooring choice for homes or commercial locations with a lot of activity. If you have kids who like to run around or dogs who might scuff the floor with their nails, luxury vinyl protects against this type of damage.
The installation process for LVT is simple when conducted by a professional. Your installer can place LVT down in most locations, as long as the floor’s surface is flat, such as kitchens, bathrooms, dining rooms and living rooms. The only place LVT doesn’t work is on staircases. Your contractor will likely ensure your subfloor is level before beginning the installation process.
Metro Flooring Contractors has a straightforward installation process:
Once the installation process is over, it’s essential to maintain your floors to keep them looking shiny and new for years to come. Cleaning an LVT floor is easy — you can sweep the floor to clean up any dust or debris and mop the floor with a mixture of 3 parts water and 1 part vinegar.
The right floor can bring your interior design to the next level, and LVT is an excellent option for many reasons. The durable material, affordable costs and trendy style options keep your home or business looking fresh and modern.
At Metro Flooring Contractors, we aim to help you find the floor of your dreams at an affordable price. Our qualified team members will walk you through every step of the process, from talking you through your flooring options to installation day. Get started by scheduling an in-home appointment today!