Many homeowners and consumers today are skeptical about vinyl tile. They may be recalling the days of walking on grandma’s orange and gold linoleum sheet flooring or watching those self-adhesive tiles curl up on their edges, not to mention the sticky feeling under foot, along with the ground in dirt that appeared impossible to clean, even with a scrub brush.
Vinyl has come a long way since then, as technology has changed the course of flooring products. Today’s vinyl tile has evolved to the point that it can be labeled luxurious as opposed to old-fashioned. How is a consumer to know what luxury vinyl tile, or LVT actually is?
Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT)
The latest offerings in luxury vinyl far outweigh anything grandma could imagine. Vinyl selections today present a whole new concept in flooring, and the new luxury look has become one of the most appealing flooring choices in the market. It is not only easy to install but is durable and is usually completely waterproof, which makes it a flooring favorite for most applications, whether for commercial or residential use.
Luxury Vinyl Tile Fabrication and Components
Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) is fabricated from PVC, or polyvinyl chloride. It is a non-toxic material that provides the tile with a firm yet flexible consistency. It is supple and easily compressed and expanded with foot traffic, and is resistant to cracking.
Luxury vinyl tile contains four layers or components that are bonded together to create a durable and lasting tile that consists of the following:
- A flexible vinyl or cork backing
- A layer of vinyl color
- A photographic film layer that gives the vinyl its slick and neat appearance
- A final protective top layer that is comprised of either urethane or aluminum oxide. It is also called the wear or mil layer and adds the critical durability factor to vinyl. A luxury or quality LVT will have mil layers from 40 while a commercial mil layer will be 20 mil or higher
Adaptable and Unique
With durability in mind, LVT products are especially adaptable to any living space or situation. It stands the test of time with children, pets, awkward furniture and even high heeled shoes. Beyond durability, one outstanding feature is its ability to duplicate numerous other flooring choices that include ceramic tile, slate, mixed textiles, distressed and textural finishes, hardwoods, metal, stone, marble, bamboo and most any other type of flooring selection. Whether plank, sheet or tile, there is a match to be made.
Benefits and Features of LVT
- Water and moisture resistant
- Warmer, resilient and orthopedically sound underfoot
- Ease of installation
- Stain, scratch, scuff, dent, slip and fire resistant
- Easily maintained
- Superior durability
- Realistic appearance
- Budget friendly
- Varied selections, sizes, shapes
- Warranties available
- Meets green building and sustainability standards
The transformation of vinyl tile over the years has seen an upsurge in the use of LVT by interior designers, commercial enterprises and everyday homeowners. The realistic offerings in luxury vinyl tile have made it possible to choose almost any look at any time, with the added benefit of a flooring that provides years of use with limited upkeep. If those prospects sound promising, complete the online contact form and a tile expert will get back to you with the information you need to find a luxury vinyl tile that meets your needs and lifestyle.
