The core of LVT flooring is made from one of four materials: PVC, WPC, Rigid, or SPC. Rigid Core and SPC are generally more advanced and more expensive but are best suited for areas with moisture or underfloor heating. For more general applications, PVC and WPC are cost-effective options.
If you compare stone plastic composite (SPC) lvt flooring to wood plastic composite lvt flooring (WPC), the SPC version comes out on top here also due to the fact that it is denser and more durable. SPC LVT is also more resilient when it comes to temperature changes, as it expands and contracts less than WPC LVT.
As we already mentioned, the SPC core makes the sturdiest and most durable luxury vinyl planks. The rigid core, composed of a mix of limestone powder, polyvinyl chloride, and stabilizers, is highly resistant to all kinds of impacts, dents, and scratches. It's common to see SPC core LVP lasting over 20 years!
LVT provides a breadth of options depending on the usage of the space. The different wear layer options from 12 mil for low traffic areas up to 40 mil for high traffic areas, allow you to pick the best product for the area.
Another downside is its environmental impact. LVT is often made from PVC, a material known for its environmental concerns due to its production process and potential for off-gassing harmful chemicals. This makes it less sustainable compared to other flooring options like sustainably sourced hardwood.
While marble, natural stone, bamboo, ceramic tile and luxury vinyl have been trending in recent years, hardwood is still the dominant choice of flooring for high-end homes.
While LVT flooring is best known for its water resistance, which most users point to as its most redeeming quality, its photographic layer can easily scratch. Once scratched, LVT flooring cannot be buffed out the way that a hardwood floor sanding and refinishing can do. Damaged flooring pieces will require replacement.
Choosing the Right Thickness for LVP and LVT
For low-traffic areas like bedrooms or home offices, thinner vinyl planks may suffice. But for busy spaces like living rooms or commercial settings, opt for thicker options like 12mm or even 20mm laminate flooring.
Durability: Assess the level of foot traffic and potential wear and tear your flooring will endure. LVP is an excellent choice for high-traffic areas, while LVT excels in areas prone to moisture and spills.
Quality of vinyl planks is determined by thickness of the wear layer, and thickness of the plank. Thicker = better. Wear layer is the priority for measuring quality. Higher traffic spaces need higher quality vinyl.
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.
For homeowners who want to combine luxury with practicality, COREtec Vinyl Planks are an excellent choice. These planks offer a range of features that make them stand out, particularly in homes where comfort, durability, and style are essential.
Click flooring will be more comfortable, due to the extra thickness and underlay. However, gluedown is less likely to move and feel the effects of increased foot traffic if it's firmly attached to the subfloor. For this reason, we'd recommend using gluedown LVT in these areas that see heavy footfall.
Common Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring Laying Directions
Planks are installed parallel to each other along the length or width of the room. Simplest and most common method; works well for most rooms. Planks are placed at a 45-degree angle to the walls. Adds visual interest and can make a room appear larger; more waste.
For the best product, look for click-lock planks that are made with a thick, premium base layer and feature a 20mil wear layer or greater.
Make sure the subfloor is as clean as can be. Sweep, hoover and wash the floor before leaving it to dry. It must also be perfectly flat and level for a seamless installation. Polyflor have got a great in-depth guide to preparing your subfloor which applies to all LVT flooring.
While there might be concerns about 5mm Luxury Vinyl Flooring being too thin, its durability depends more on the wear layer than the overall thickness. For example, a 5mm flooring option with a 0.5mm wear layer provides ample durability for most residential applications.
The 20-22 mil thickness can actually withstand commercial environments. Choose flooring with a middle or higher wear layer if it will be in a high-traffic area of your home. A thinner thickness will be fine if the room in issue is unlikely to have substantial foot traffic. 12 mil works just fine in residential homes.
Although it is unlikely to grow on vinyl planks, mold can grow on the surfaces below your flooring and create a potentially unhealthy environment. You may notice musty odors in water-damaged areas, a strong indicator of a mold infestation.
Both types of flooring are comfortable to the touch, but laminate will have more of a natural feel than LVT because of its structure. The thicker the laminate, the better insulated the floor will be.
Heavy appliances like fridges and washing machines should not be installed on top of (or through) LVT flooring. The weight of these appliances will restrict the flooring and not allow it to expand or contract with temperature changes.