LVT flooring is a popular option for homes all over the globe, but there are still some major misconceptions surrounding the product – and we debunk them here. Everyone enjoys affordable flooring, but nobody wants their floors to look cheap or perform as though they were a bottom-of-the-barrel option. The balance between price, performance and aesthetics is essential, and Top Carpets and Floors understands this need. Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVTs) and Luxury Vinyl Planks (LVPs) are versatile products designed to meet a variety of modern requirements. Unfortunately, many people still have a few outdated and misinformed ideas about LVT flooring, upon which we shed some light in this article.
Why LVT Flooring Is Widely Enjoyed
Luxury vinyl tiles are considered an all-rounder solution. There are several benefits to the product that make it sought-after in South African homes, including:
· They’re one of the most affordable types of floors.
· Many products offer superior water resistance, making them great for high-humidity environments. Some brands can even be used in bathrooms and kitchens, provided the product is not left submerged in water or liquid spills for extended periods.
· The planks and tiles are sturdy and resilient, and able to take on much wear and tear.
· Maintenance is easy and keeping your floors looking great takes very little effort.
Luxury vinyl floors are significantly thicker than traditional sheet vinyl and offer more rigidity, stability and durability.
Myth 1: Luxury Vinyl Tiles and Wood Laminates Are the Same
If you have not spent much time around LVT flooring and laminates, you may have trouble distinguishing between the two. This is because both options are multi-layered floating floors, and each plank is overlayed with a realistic print that allows the board to emulate wood, stone or ceramic. The outer surfaces of both products can also be embossed with textures like wood grains to add to their realism. This is where the similarities end, however. The manufacturing processes of laminates and LVT flooring are quite different. Wood laminates have a core made from wood by-products bonded with adhesives, making them more rigid. The wood within laminates also means they are not as equipped to handle moisture. Luxury vinyl is fully synthetic, with a vinyl core that allows for some flex.
Result: Though the two options look similar, they are manufactured differently and possess different functional features when compared.
Myth 2: LVT Flooring Looks Cheap
There is a common misconception that LVT flooring is expensive and looks cheap. While this may be true for sub-par products, the advanced technology that goes into manufacturing LVTs does not mean they are hyper-expensive. Back in the 1970s, vinyl flooring did look rather cheap and gaudy, but modern designs offer stunning realism and outstanding performance. We at Top Carpets and Floors carefully select a range of high-quality designs from reputable brands that add a touch of sophistication to any home.
Result: High-end brands are known for stunning designs that emulate the look of natural materials like wood and stone beautifully.
Myth 3: Luxury Vinyl Tiles Are Toxic and Dangerous
In the past, some vinyl flooring was considered toxic due to materials used in their production that would emit compounds into the air when installed, negatively affecting air quality. Toxicity levels in these products were, sadly, not regulated. These days, however, companies are forced to meet various health and safety standards before their products hit the market. To ensure that the flooring products you buy pose no risk to your health, be sure to shop from reputable suppliers like Top Carpets and Floors.
Result: Modern products from reputable brands undergo stringent testing to ensure their safety when installed.
Myth 4: DIY Installation Is Easy and Accessible
As a floating floor that utilises a click-lock system (with edges that snap into place), LVT flooring installations are generally easier for do-it-yourself fans to tackle alone. That said, there are a few considerations often ignored by homeowners which may negatively impact the performance of the product. Before installation, floors must be level, and screeding is usually required. The planks can also lift if laid on top of surfaces like concrete, which may contain moisture. For the best results, professional installation is always advised.
Result: At-home LVT installations are possible and more manageable than many other kinds of floors, but professional installations are still a wiser option.
Myth 5: LVT Flooring is Not Durable
As with any kind of flooring, LVTs will not be ideal for every environment and has some drawbacks. For one, they should not be left in direct sunlight, as they may fade over time. You also don’t want to drag large and heavy furniture across the planks as they may become dented or scratched. The upside is that LVT flooring is still one of the most durable types of flooring, with a top coating that makes it resistant to abrasions, stains and damage.
Result: The polyurethane coating on modern LVTs gives them superior resistance to water, abrasions and wear and tear.
Why Not Try Our Range?
When installed in the right way, LVT flooring is a marvellous product that offers stylish performance for years to come. If you would like to view our available range, have a look here.
