Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) is revolutionizing the flooring industry with its stunning designs, durability, and ease of installation. This versatile flooring option offers a wide range of styles, from classic wood to modern abstract patterns. Discover how LVT can transform your home or business and why it's the smart choice for today's busy lifestyles.

LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile) and LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank) flooring is a popular choice for both residential and commercial settings. LVT is durable, easy to install, and comes in a variety of styles. This blog post will provide an overview of LVT flooring, including its benefits, installation process, and potential issues.

What is LVT Flooring?

LVT is a type of vinyl flooring made from PVC and plasticizers, making it flexible and suitable for a variety of substrates. LVT comes in a variety of designs, including wood-look planks. LVT with a click-lock system is particularly easy to install because the planks lock together without the need for glue or mortar.

Rigid core LVT adds a structural element to the tile, offering benefits such as sound dampening and a floating floor installation.

Benefits of LVT Flooring

Durability: LVT is a durable material with a lifespan of 10-20 years.
Easy Installation: LVT, especially with a click-lock system, is very DIY-friendly. Even the glue-down LVT can be installed by a novice.
Cost-Effective: LVT is generally less expensive than tile, stone, or terrazzo. This is especially true when considering installation costs and time.
Low Maintenance: LVT is low maintenance and doesn't require waxing, resealing, or stripping.
Variety of Designs: LVT is available in a wide range of designs, including realistic wood grain and modern abstract patterns.

Understanding the Structure of LVT Flooring

LVT flooring is a multi-layered product. The base layer provides support and stability. Above that is the print layer which creates the look of the floor. The wear layer protects the flooring from wear and tear. Finally, a top coat provides UV protection and a polished finish. The thicker the wear layer, the more durable the flooring. Rigid core LVT has an additional rigid core layer underneath the vinyl core that adds structural support and sound dampening.

Installing LVT Flooring

Proper preparation is key for a successful LVT installation. This includes making sure the subfloor is smooth, flat, and level. Any bumps or dips will need to be flattened, and nails or screws should be removed or hammered down. On wood subfloors, the joints between plywood sheets should be patched. On concrete subfloors, it may be necessary to use a patch material or self-leveling compound.

Before installation, it's important to acclimate the LVT flooring by leaving it in the room where it will be installed for 24-48 hours. This helps the material adjust to the temperature and humidity of the room.

When laying out the flooring, be sure to leave a gap around the perimeter of the room to allow for expansion and contraction. The size of the gap will depend on the specific product being used. This gap will be covered by baseboard or quarter-round molding.

It's also important to stagger the starting point of each row to create a more visually appealing pattern and to distribute smaller cuts across the room.

Click-lock LVT is installed by simply clicking the planks together. Make sure the short end of the planks are against the starting wall. The tongue and groove system will create a tight, water-resistant floor.

Use a miter box or a razor knife to cut the planks. Any cut tiles can be used at the end of the room or around a wall. [4] A rubber mallet can be helpful to tap the planks into place, but be careful not to damage the tongue and groove system.

Troubleshooting LVT Flooring Issues

Even with proper installation, LVT flooring can sometimes experience issues. Some of the most common problems include:

Planks Separating: This can be caused by issues with the subfloor, expansion and contraction, or moisture.
Tenting & Buckling: These issues can also be caused by problems with the subfloor, expansion and contraction, or moisture.

If you are experiencing problems with your LVT flooring, it is important to gather as much information as possible about the installation process. This includes when the product was received, when it was installed, when the issues were first noticed, where the product was stored before installation, what part of the building the product was installed in, and what measurements were taken to ensure the flatness of the subfloor.

Taking photos of the subfloor, installation, and any issues can also be helpful in diagnosing the problem.

The following are some questions that can help you troubleshoot LVT flooring issues:

Was a space left around the perimeter of the room? If so, what size?
Were spacers used during installation? If so, what size?
Was the flooring inspected for defects before installation?
What tools were used to connect the locking system?
Were any heavy objects rolled across the floor after installation?
How large is the space where the flooring was installed?
Were any transition strips used for expansion joints?
If the area has mixed materials, how was the edge of the LVT secured next to the joining material?

By carefully preparing your subfloor, planning the layout, and ensuring proper acclimation, you can install a beautiful and durable LVT floor.