LVT Flooring has become increasingly popular in both residential and commercial spaces, but many people still ask, what is LVT flooring exactly? Standing for Luxury Vinyl Tile, LVT is a versatile and durable flooring solution designed to mimic the appearance of natural materials like wood, stone, and ceramic, while offering excellent practicality and comfort. In this post, we’ll explore the features of LVT floors, different installation methods including Glue Down LVT, and why The Flooring Outlet is a great place to get started on your next flooring project.
Understanding LVT Flooring
Luxury Vinyl Tile, or LVT flooring, represents an evolution in vinyl flooring technology. Unlike traditional vinyl sheets, LVT consists of several layers, including a high-resolution photographic layer that realistically replicates the textures and patterns of natural materials. This makes LVT floors an attractive alternative for those who want the look of hardwood or stone but with superior durability and easier maintenance.
One of the key reasons people often ask what is LVT flooring is due to its unique composition. The layers generally include:
- Wear layer – A clear, durable top coating that protects the surface from scratches, stains, and everyday wear.
- Texture layer – Matches the visual design for enhanced realism and tactile surface detail.
- Design layer – A high-resolution photographic image that gives the floor its natural wood, stone, or tile appearance.
- Core layer – Adds strength, structure, and sometimes waterproofing.
- Backing layer – Provides stability and comfort underfoot.
LVT floors are known for their resilience, making them particularly suitable for spaces that experience heavy foot traffic or occasional moisture, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and commercial venues.
Benefits of LVT Floors
LVT flooring offers numerous benefits over other flooring options. Here are some compelling reasons why LVT floors are becoming increasingly popular:
- Durability – Highly resistant to scratches, dents, and stains, making it ideal for busy households or commercial spaces.
- Water Resistance – Many LVT products are water-resistant or even waterproof, perfect for bathrooms, kitchens, or utility rooms.
- Realistic Appearance & Texture – Thanks to advanced design and texture technology, LVT not only looks like real wood or stone—it feels like it too.
- Comfort & Warmth – Softer and warmer underfoot than stone or ceramic tiles.
- Ease of Installation – LVT floors can be fitted using various methods, including Glue Down LVT or click-lock systems (most commonly sold as a slightly different product called SPC).
- Low Maintenance – Easy to keep clean with regular sweeping and occasional damp mopping.
Glue Down LVT: Installation Method Explained
One common question when considering LVT is what installation method to choose. Glue Down LVT is a popular choice for achieving a secure and permanent fit. This method involves adhering the LVT tiles directly to the subfloor using a strong adhesive. Glue Down LVT offers several benefits:
- Stability: The tiles stay firmly in place, reducing potential movement or lifting.
- Suitable for Large Commercial Areas: Glue down is often preferred in commercial environments where durability and long-term stability are priorities.
- Sound Reduction: Because the tiles are adhered to the subfloor, noise from footsteps can be reduced.
- Design Flexibility: Glue down installation can accommodate complex patterns and larger tile formats that don’t necessarily fit click-lock designs.
That said, glue down installation requires a carefully prepared subfloor and professional fitting to ensure the adhesive bonds correctly and the floor lays flat.
Why Choose The Flooring Outlet for Your LVT Flooring Needs?
When it comes to selecting premium LVT floors, The Flooring Outlet stands out as a trusted supplier offering quality materials and expert advice on installation and design. Whether you’re a homeowner refurbishing your kitchen or a business flooring a commercial office space, The Flooring Outlet provides:
- Wide Range of Styles: From classic wood finishes to modern stone effects, their LVT selection caters to all tastes.
- Competitive Pricing: Value for money is a priority, with options to suit various budgets.
- Expert Guidance: The knowledgeable staff can help answer questions such as what is LVT flooring and assist in choosing the right product and installation method, including Glue Down LVT.
- Delivery & Support: Convenient ordering and reliable delivery services make the purchasing process hassle-free.
Exploring The Flooring Outlet’s offerings ensures you can find the perfect LVT floors tailored to your specific design and functional requirements, keep in mind that we only provide glue-down LVT flooring. If you would like to see any recent projects, which we transformed with LVT Flooring, then please click here.
We currently offer our own E-Style Symphony which is a wood effect herringbone style LVT tile, this is really popular in downstairs bathrooms as it’s easy to clean and will often match with any wood flooring in the house (engineered wood, laminate effect and more). Come visit our showroom or book your free shop at home service to take a look!
Final Thoughts
So, what is LVT flooring? Luxury Vinyl Tile is a versatile, durable, and aesthetically pleasing flooring option that provides the look of natural materials with practical advantages suited to modern living and commercial spaces. With benefits like easy maintenance, water resistance, and multiple installation options such as Glue Down LVT, LVT floors have earned their place among the most popular flooring types available today.
If you’re considering upgrading your floors, visiting The Flooring Outlet can be an excellent first step to discover high-quality flooring options combined with professional expertise. Whether you want the warmth of wood or the elegance of stone, LVT can deliver beauty and performance in one package. We’ve also written a blog about SPC Vs. LVT Flooring – What’s the Difference so feel free to read that if you’re interested.
Embrace the combination of style and durability with this type of flooring — a smart investment for your home or business that stands the test of time.