LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile)

Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) is a multi-layer vinyl plank or tile with a photographic wear layer, a flexible PVC core and a protective urethane finish. It's the modern all-rounder: warm underfoot, 100% waterproof, quiet, and available in more designs than any other flooring type. Glue-down LVT is the retail and hospitality standard; click LVT is the DIY-friendly domestic version.

Pros

• +Warm underfoot — noticeably warmer than tile or laminate
• +Fully waterproof, so it works everywhere in the house
• +Quiet, thanks to its flexible core
• +Wear layers of 0.3–0.7 mm handle a family home for 20+ years
• +Enormous design range — realistic wood, stone, concrete, patterned

Trade-offs

• −Softer than laminate/SPC; heavy furniture can dent without pads
• −Sunlight fades cheap ranges — check UV rating for conservatories
• −Glue-down installs need a genuinely flat, dry subfloor
• −Not a renewable material — PVC recycling infrastructure is still catching up

FAQs

• Is LVT the same as vinyl flooring?

  LVT is a premium subset of vinyl. Traditional sheet vinyl is a single continuous roll; LVT is individual planks/tiles with a thicker construction, a proper wear layer, and much more realistic printing.

• Can LVT go in a bathroom?

  Yes — it's one of the best choices. Fully waterproof, warm underfoot, and available in convincing stone effects. Use glue-down or an SPC hybrid for wet rooms.

• How does LVT compare to laminate?

  LVT is quieter, warmer, waterproof and more expensive. Laminate is cheaper, harder-wearing against dents, and easier to replace individually. LVT for kitchens and bathrooms, laminate for living rooms if budget is tight.

• Does LVT need underlay?

  Click LVT: yes, a purpose-made 1–1.5 mm LVT underlay. Never use standard laminate underlay — it's too soft and voids the click warranty. Glue-down LVT: no underlay, ever.

• Will LVT fade in sunlight?

  Cheap LVT can fade in south-facing conservatories. Look for UV stability rated at Blue Wool 6+ or a stated fade warranty. Reputable ranges are fine in normal windows.