Our showroom is open, come in and speak to our friendly team about your next project.

Book an Appointment Today!

The LVT Revolution


20 August 2018

a 3-minute read

The popularity of luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) has soared in recent years as savvy homeowners with an eye for interior design search for ways to achieve that perfect wood or stone look for less. Thanks to LVT, everyone can have a durable, versatile and beautiful floor that looks like it’s straight out of an interior design magazine.

What is LVT?

Luxury vinyl tile flooring is made of several layers, with the primary component being PVC vinyl, which makes it both robust and flexible. Originally known as ‘hot pressed tile’ flooring, luxury vinyl comprises of several layers that are fused together under heat and pressure. The layers include:

  • PVC vinyl backing
  • PVC vinyl core
  • Print film layer featuring your chosen design
  • Protective clear layer known as the ‘wear layer’
  • A polyurethane coating sometimes reinforced with silica bead, ceramic bead or aluminium oxide

When determining the lifetime of LVT, the wear layer and the polyurethane coating are the decisive factors. In heavy-use commercial areas, consider a wear layer of 0.28mm or more.

What are the benefits of LVT?

There are many benefits associated with luxury vinyl flooring, which is why it has become the fastest-growing product in the flooring industry today:

1. Price

Perhaps the biggest selling point of luxury vinyl flooring is its affordability. It allows homeowners to create the look of hardwood, stone and ceramic flooring without the associated cost. Thicker LVT is at the higher end of the pricing range due to its exceptional quality. Generally speaking, the thicker the tile, the greater its longevity.

2. Durability 

Luxury vinyl flooring is built to last. It can easily withstand the pressures of the busiest residential environments and is flame resistant, moisture resistant and stands up to heavy traffic. LVT also has a protective layer built in, so there’s no need to wax it, polish it or seal it like other flooring types.

3. Aesthetics

Luxury vinyl tile flooring is available in a huge range of designs so you can create just about any look you want. That includes everything from hardwood and stone to abstract and geometric patterns. Rest assured that whatever your current interior design style, you’ll be able to find the perfect fit.

4. Warmth and sound insulation

Unlike more expensive hardwood or stone flooring, LVT provides unbeatable warmth underfoot and is also compatible with underfloor heating. The thickness of the tile makes it comfortable to walk on and provides soundproofing that makes it significantly quieter than other floor types.

5. Maintenance

If you’re of the mind that life’s too short to spend time maintaining your floors, LVT could be the luxury alternative for you. The protective layer provides protection against scratches, scuffs, stains, chips and cracks. A quick clean with a damp mop is enough to keep it looking its best.

6. Simple installation

With click and stick down options, the installation of LVT is also much easier than wood, ceramic or stone. Its low profile makes it well suited to rooms with static furnishings and door openings and it can also be installed over concrete or plywood subfloors.

Where to use LVT?

Waterproof, hard-wearing and providing excellent grip and slip resistance, luxury vinyl flooring is perfect for any part of the home, but particularly areas where there is a higher risk of slipping such as kitchens and bathrooms. However, the aesthetics also make it perfectly suited to dining rooms and living rooms – and it can even be used on the stairs.

Join the luxury vinyl revolution

At Donnelly Watson, we stock an extensive range of LVT flooring that will add a touch of luxury to any home. To arrange a free home visit from a member of our team, get in touch today.

Contact us today!