There is no safe, environmentally-friendly way of disposing of luxury vinyl tile flooring, as it is not biodegradable. The disposal process for LVT is incredibly toxic as well. Burning luxury vinyl tile is the standard form of disposal. This process emits an incredible amount of toxins into our atmosphere.
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.
Too much moisture in the subfloor can cause your LVT to curl, cup or lift, leaving it looking unsightly. Additionally, high moisture can cause mould or mildew, shortening the lifespan of your floor. Big temperature changes can also cause problems with your LVT by causing it to contract and expand.
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.
Yes, mold can grow under vinyl flooring if moisture becomes trapped underneath the flooring material. Vinyl flooring is not a breathable material, which means that moisture cannot escape through the flooring.
Some disadvantages of vinyl flooring include: Cannot be repaired. Can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) Shorter lifespan than wood floors.
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.
When you walk on tile, you are pushing it down into the adhesive, and if the tile is not conformed, you are pushing it into contact with the adhesive which causes the clicking/crackling sound. To fix this, you can usually heat the area for at least a day, and then roll the tile using a 100-pound roller.
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.
Top 6 Most Popular Flooring in New Homes 2025. The most popular flooring in new homes is wood floors, including prefinished hardwood, unfinished hardwood, and engineered wood followed by laminate, luxury vinyl tiles, and luxury vinyl planks.
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.
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.
Avoid using detergents, soaps, abrasive cleaners or products intended to add shine to your floors. These can cause product buildup that may leave a film on your floors and will generally dull their shine over time. Don't use wax or solvent-based polishes. Don't use ammonia or ammonia-based cleaning solutions.
LVT Can Fade In Direct Sunlight
In areas of extreme or prolonged direct sunlight, you can put a UV-blocking film or tint on your windows that will help to prevent floor-damaging rays while still allowing sunlight to enter your home. Moving furniture around regularly might also aid in reducing fading.
For some homeowners, the choice between luxury vinyl and genuine hardwood comes down to a variety of factors including budget, lifestyle, and personal taste. High-end homes may still opt for the timeless appeal of real hardwood in main living areas, while using LVP or LVT in spaces like kitchens and bathrooms.
This combination of style and durability is what has designers and homeowners alike scrambling to install LVP in homes everywhere—and there's no sign of a slowdown in the trend.
Healthier flooring options include solid wood, natural linoleum, cork, bamboo, tile and stone. A key feature of all of these is that they are easily cleaned of dust and dirt.
Firstly, it can be difficult to install and may require professional help. Secondly, vinyl plank flooring is not as durable as other types of flooring such as hardwood or tile. It is also prone to scratching and denting from heavy furniture or objects being dragged across the surface.
On the other hand, water under vinyl planks and subfloor that collects and has a place to infiltrate could turn into a bigger problem. Mold and mildew can form where moisture has a gap to enter. This can lead to damage that's bad enough to where you will need to rip up the floor and have it replaced.
Luckily, luxury vinyl tile flooring is a stylish and durable solution that can be installed over your current tile, which will save you both time and money. LVT is not only low maintenance, but it's super easy to install, too.
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.