Hello, dear homeowners and future clients! We at Soto Flooring know that choosing the right flooring option for your home is a crucial decision. The vinyl flooring that you pick sets the tone for the ambiance, complements your furniture, and has to withstand the daily wear and tear from the hustle and bustle of your busy life. Today, we’re thrilled to share with you all the ins and outs of one of the most versatile and increasingly popular choices in flooring: LVT, or Luxury Vinyl Tile.
Related Article: What is LVP Flooring?
What is LVT Flooring?
Let’s start with the basics. LVT stands for Luxury Vinyl Tile, a product that mimics the look of natural materials like wood or stone but at a much lower cost or fraction of the same material in price. But don’t let the word “vinyl” make you think this is any old bargain-bin material; LVT is durable, versatile, and often nearly indistinguishable from the materials it imitates.
Luxurious Flooring for Your Home or Business
Benefits of LVT Flooring
The Benefits of Choosing Luxury Vinyl Tile
Affordability
Imagine having that elegant hardwood or refined stone look in your home without draining your bank account. LVT is a great option and a cost-effective solution for those who want to elevate and maintain their interiors without splurging too much.
Durability
For those of you with kids, pets, or just a busy household, LVT is scratch-resistant, waterproof, and incredibly easy to clean. No more worrying about the kids spilling juice or the dog scratching the laminate flooring!
Versatility
The sky’s the limit when it comes to designs. Whether you prefer rustic, contemporary, or classic aesthetics, LVT offers a plethora of options.
Easy Installation
Time is money, and nobody wants to wait weeks for their new flooring, to be installed. LVT often comes with a click-lock installation system that makes it incredibly quick and straightforward to put in place, often over your existing flooring.
Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) Installation Process and Maintenance
How Is Luxury Vinyl Tile Installed?
We offer professional installation services, but if you’re a DIY enthusiast, you’ll be happy to know that LVT often comes with user-friendly installation options. These are generally categorized into:
Glue-Down: Tiles are secured with adhesive, providing a long-lasting finish.
Click-Lock: Tiles interlock seamlessly without the need for adhesive. This is great for those who want the flexibility to change things up later on.
Loose Lay: Tiles are laid loosely, relying on friction and their weight to stay in place. It’s the quickest but less permanent solution.
Maintenance
We offer professional installation services, but if you’re a DIY enthusiast, you’ll be happy to know that LVT often comes with user-friendly installation options. These are generally categorized into:
Glue-Down: Tiles are secured with adhesive, providing a long-lasting finish.
Click-Lock: Tiles interlock seamlessly without the need for adhesive. This is great for those who want the flexibility to change things up later on.
Loose Lay: Tiles are laid loosely, relying on friction and their weight to stay in place. It’s the quickest but less permanent solution.
Maintenance
Routine cleaning is as easy as sweeping and mopping. For deeper cleans, you can use cleaning products designed specifically for LVT, but often a simple water and mild soap solution will do the trick.
Environmentally Friendly
For those environmentally conscious homeowners, you’ll be pleased to know that many LVT options come with eco-friendly certifications. Always be sure to check for this if it’s a concern for you.
Pros and Cons of Luxury Vinyl Tile Flooring
The Pros of LVT Flooring
1. Affordability
One of the major draws of Luxury Vinyl Tile or LVT is that it allows you to achieve the aesthetic grandeur of hardwood or natural stone without the hefty price tag. You get luxe for less, and who doesn’t love that?
2. Durability
Luxury Vinyl or LVT is built to last. It resists scratches, dents, and stains, making it ideal for high-traffic areas or homes with pets and children. Plus, it’s water-resistant, so go ahead, and install it in your kitchen or bathroom without worry!
3. Easy Maintenance
Forget about special cleaners or strenuous scrubbing sessions on hard surface flooring. A simple sweep and mop will keep your LVT flooring looking brand new. Some types of vinyl floors are even compatible with gentle cleaning solutions for those deep-clean moments.
4. Design Versatility
The design capabilities are virtually limitless. Whether you want a rustic wood look, a sleek marble effect, or something eclectic, LVT comes in various styles, patterns, and colors.
5. Comfort and Warmth
LVT offers a softer surface compared to traditional tile floors or stone floor. It’s also warmer underfoot, which is a welcome feature during those chilly Oklahoma City winters.
6. Easy Installation
Whether you’re a DIY aficionado or prefer professional installation, LVT offers ease and flexibility. Many types come with a click-lock feature, making the installation process a breeze. It is worth noting that when using a flooring company, you have a fall-back, if there is an issue, they will come back and sort it out. The other benefit is that most flooring comes with a warranty that is only valid if it is installed professionaly.
The Cons of LVT Flooring
1. Not As Valuable as Natural Materials
While LVT can mimic and maintain the look and texture of natural material, it doesn’t add as much value to your home as real hardwood or stone would. It’s an excellent short-term investment but consider your long-term home valuation goals.
2. Susceptible to Fading
Though durable, LVT flooring can fade over time when exposed to direct sunlight. If your home gets a lot of natural light, you might need to consider UV-resistant window treatments.
3. Environmental Concerns
While there are eco-friendly LVT options, not all are created with sustainability and durability in mind. If environmental impact is a significant concern for you, be sure to check the manufacturer’s credentials.
4. Can Feel Less Authentic
Though it mimics natural materials impressively, at the end of the day, LVT is still a synthetic product. For some homeowners, nothing compares to the authentic feel and texture of real wood or stone.
5. Subfloor Preparation
For the same, highest quality flooring materials and best results, your whole floor and subfloor needs to be in perfect condition. Any irregularities can lead to uneven flooring, which might require additional preparation and cost.
Can LVT Be Used in Bathrooms and Kitchens?
Absolutely, LVT flooring is a fantastic option for both bathrooms and kitchens due to its water-resistant nature. Unlike traditional hardwood, which can warp, or certain types of tile that can become slippery when wet, LVT vinyl flooring provides a durable and safer surface. It resists spills, humidity, and even minor flooding, making it ideal for areas of your home that are prone to moisture. Plus, its ease of cleaning is a significant advantage in these high-traffic spaces where spills and messes are common. With LVT vinyl flooring, you can have stylish, functional floors that stand up to the unique challenges of bathrooms and kitchens.
What We Offer
As experts in tile flooring solutions in Oklahoma City, here at Soto Flooring, we offer a wide range of LVT flooring options that are both stylish and functional. Our dedicated team will walk you through all the available designs, recommend what best suits your needs, and provide a professional installation service that guarantees your utmost satisfaction.
So why wait? Give your home the transformation it deserves. Stop by our showroom in the Oklahoma City metro area or give us a call to explore the myriad of LVT vinyl flooring options we have on offer.
Trust us; once you experience the luxury and convenience of LVT flooring and laminate flooring, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make the switch sooner.
