If you are building or remodeling a home, there is a chance that you may have come across these abbreviated letters. But many of my clients just starting the process get a blank look when I say "Have you considered LVT?"
LVT stands for Luxury Vinyl Tile. When I mention the word vinyl I sometimes see a horrified look on my client's faces with flash backs to the large linoleum rolls of flooring from the 60s. That is NOT what I am talking about.
Many times LVT is used as a catch all for all vinyl flooring but there is a difference based on style.
Luxury Vinyl (LV) comes in many styles and colors. It comes in long planks (LVP -Luxury Vinyl Planks) of different widths for the appearance of real wood. It also comes in 12"x24" rectangles for the appearance of ceramic tiles (LVT). These rectangles can be grouted for an even more realistic tile look. You can even find luxury vinyl that looks likes stone.
Luxury Vinyl continues to improve and many times I have to get down to feel the flooring to determine if it is ceramic tile, hardward, or Luxury Vinyl. Of course real hardwood and real tile will add more value to your home but many times these products are not the best choices.
Vinyl plank flooring is the perfect flooring solution for busy households, basements, bathrooms, and even kitchens. It has the natural, stunning look of wood, without the risk of water damage because it is waterproof! I installed LVP in my laundry room and I LOVE IT!
It not only looks like rustic wood, my wash machine could flood and the flooring could sit in water for days and not be harmed.
AND is is super easy maintenance in a room that is high traffic for St Bernards. :)
Please do your homework. Some vinyl sheets or planks are only water resistant....not waterproof. Many of the peel and stick variety you find in the big box stores are only water resistant.
A FABULOUS article about Luxury Vinyl from one of the best flooring experts in the Country is The Flooring Girl's Blog Post. Check it out!
I installed LVT in my guest bath. I chose not to grout it as I didn't want the maintenance of scrubbing and keeping grout clean. The best thing about LVT is the low maintenance so why complicate it?
LV is made in layers with it's primary component being PVC vinyl. This makes it makes stable and flexible. Luxury wood vinyl planks also, unlike hardwood, have an extremely hard, durable wear layer. Created under great heat and pressure, the many layers of luxury vinyl tile make it extremely durable and stable. Luxury vinyl tile is extremely durable and stable, with little to no upkeep.
Vinyl flooring typically lasts anywhere from 10 to 20 years, and thus isn't considered quite as durable as linoleum. But who wouldn't replace their flooring after 10-20 years anyway? The styles will be totally different.
So if you are remodeling, building or updating your home for selliing, it is worth your time to discuss LVT/LVP with your flooring specialist to see if it is right for you.
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