At the end of the day, having grout isn't necessary for luxury vinyl tile flooring, however, many manufacturers offer acrylic grout for their tile options. It is simply used in the same way as regular grout and applied between vinyl pieces.
Does LVT really need expansion gap? Even though LVT is less reactive to temperature changes and moisture than real wood flooring or laminate, it can still expand and contract so an expansion gap is still required. The recommended expansion gap for standard rooms of up to 30m2 is a minimum gap of 2mm.
LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile) and LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank) are two different types of luxury vinyl flooring. LVT is vinyl flooring designed in a tile shape, whereas LVP is vinyl flooring designed in planks to resemble traditional hardwood floor planks.
LVT flooring can be laid on top of concrete, as long as it is dry, clean, level, and completely free of any problems. You won't want your LVT being affected by dampness or unevenness, as we mentioned above. Concrete should be prepared with a smoothing compound to ensure it receives a strong bond from the glue.
Second, if installing over an existing concrete slab, make sure it has been properly sealed and primed before laying down the new planks. Finally, make sure to use waterproof underlayment between the concrete slab and the planks; this will help protect against moisture seeping up into the planks and causing damage.
Subfloor preparation is key when laying LVT flooring. Use either a latex screed over a solid, concrete floor, or flooring grade plywood, with a minimum of 6mm. If needed, you can smooth over plywood with a suitable fibre reinforced smoothing compound, which may be required over uneven joints, known as 'feathering'.
But while a damaged luxury vinyl plank may need to be replaced, an engineered hardwood plank can be sanded and refinished several times. Ultimately, engineered hardwood floors are likely to last 25 to 50 years or more, while luxury vinyl plank flooring may need to be replaced in 20 to 30 years.
Like any type of flooring, luxury vinyl flooring can suffer from damage if not properly protected, especially from heavy furniture. Indentations, scratches, and tears can mar its surface, reducing its longevity and visual appeal.
Mild cleaners like a distilled vinegar solution are more appropriate for luxury vinyl flooring. A mixture of warm water and white distilled vinegar goes in the bucket. The ideal ratio is one cup of vinegar per gallon of water.
Not necessary for installation: LVT is typically designed to be installed without grout. The edges are usually tight-fitting, so grout is not required to keep them in place. Additional cost and effort: Grouting adds an extra step to the installation process and can increase the overall cost of the project.
If your planks already have a pad-attached underlayment, you most likely won't need an underlayment. However, if your flooring manufacturers installation instructions allow for an extra underlayment, adding an extra underlayment will provide improved sound reduction, insulation, and moisture protection.
LVT and LVP flooring brands such as Armstrong, Coretec, and Supremo are highly regarded for their durable and long-lasting products. These brands often come with extended warranties, offering peace of mind for years to come.
Thanks to the manufacturing process and durability, you can see 10-20 years, if not more, in the lifespan of your vinyl floor. Of course, you can only achieve that through proper installation and maintenance.
So, will LVP make your house look “cheap”? Will it look “fake”? No. It will help you bring your design vision to a beautiful reality, ensuring it looks its best.
Heavy furniture and commercial appliances getting dragged around are one of the main culprits for destroying luxury vinyl floor tiles. Sometimes things need to be moved, and it's out of your control whether the furniture is lifted correctly or dragged across the floor, causing nasty scrapes and marks.
Since most furniture will not go under just one plank, it is perfectly safe for bulky furniture and refrigerators to go on vinyl plank flooring. Vinyl plank flooring will not be damaged or cracked by home appliances' weight due to its strong durability.
Material Matters: Opt for natural fiber rugs like wool, cotton, or polypropylene. These materials are less likely to react with the vinyl and cause damage. Avoid Rubber Backing: Rugs with rubber or latex backing can cause discoloration on vinyl flooring due to a chemical reaction.
Both products have great reviews, great features, and a hefty price tag. So which is better: COREtec or Shaw Floorté? The winner's probably going to depend on your needs, but COREtec is really hard to beat here—especially because Shaw shares so few details about Floorté's actual specifications.
The key difference between the two is LVT is tile shaped, while LVP is designed in planks. One resembles tiles and the other resembles planks, but there are pros and cons to each. Knowing what they are can help you decide which is the better option.
Does vinyl flooring devalue a home? It's possible. While vinyl plank floors are affordable and versatile, they might not boost your home's resale value like hardwood or tile would.
Both LVT and LVP are used in high-end homes, particularly for their durability and resistance. They are easy to install and resistant to scratch, mold, and moisture.
Try to avoid using too much water or cleaning your floor with a mop too often, as this can damage your floors – like laminate and vinyl, LVT is made up of several layers of materials that can be sensitive to moisture.