You’ve probably seen LVT before and not even realized it!

If you’re looking for a great flooring option, LVT is perfect! There’s a huge selection of colours, textures, and styles – no matter what kind of look you’re going for. It’s waterproof, and a scratch-resistant coating makes it an ideal choice for wet areas such as bathrooms or kitchens. Cleaning is also super easy – just sweep and mop regularly.

If you are considering LVT for your home, then you are in for a treat! This guide will teach you everything you need to know about luxury vinyl tile flooring – from the history of LVT to the benefits of choosing it for your home.

So, what are you waiting for? Keep reading to learn more about LVT and how it can transform your home!

LVT is Luxury Vinyl Tile, and it’s quickly becoming one of the most popular flooring materials on the market.

Luxury vinyl tile, or LVT, is a type of flooring that has been increasing in popularity over the past few years. LVT is made of vinyl, but it is designed to look like wood or stone, so you get the beauty of those materials without the hefty price tag. It is easy to maintain, incredibly durable, and relatively inexpensive compared to other flooring options.

The predecessor to LVT was a rubber floor tile originally invented as far back as 1894 in the USA by Philadelphian architect Frank Furness. However, the material deteriorated over time being prone to drying and cracking.

Around a quarter of a century later in the mid 1920’s we first saw the emergence of PVC, invented by Waldo Semon. Born in Alabama, 1898 Waldo went on to create over 5000 more synthetic rubber compounds as well as going on to hold 116 patents for his work though he is best known for inventing Polyvinyl Chloride, the worlds third most used plastic.

It wasn’t until peace time did vinyl tiles really started to gain traction. The end of two world wars lead to a housing boom in the US during the 50’s, thousands of military personnel returned home to rebuild their lives and the first thing many of them did was buy a home.

Across the US and abroad, homeowners we’re quickly becoming more fashion conscious and keeping up with the latest trends helped fuel the rapidly growing market for home improvements.

So, what exactly is LVT?

Luxury vinyl tile, or LVT, is a type of flooring that is made to look like stone or wood but is actually made from vinyl, or more specifically, layers of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and calcium carbonate (limestone).

Creating vinyl is an exciting process! Different compounds are mixed with PVC to make a mixture that’s ready to be compressed into rolls. After the material has been thoroughly heated and dried, it’s transformed into a sturdy sheet of vinyl that can be used in any number of applications.

Once you have your sheets of vinyl, it’s time to construct the tiles. Each tile is made up of a number of different layers, starting with a base layer which has a textured base to improve contact with the adhesive, a thick middle sheet for rigidity and strength, a printed layer containing the photorealistic image of the floor, a wear layer, and then lastly a protective UV guard to keep your floor looking tip top for years to come.

The very top layer is easy to maintain using the matching brands floor cleaning and restoring solutions. Damage a tile beyond repair? Worry not, there is always a few spare tiles left over after fitting. Lifting and replacing individual tiles is a simple job for a professional and is much easier than refitting ceramic tiles or clicked together flooring.

Finally, you get the natural beauty of real wood or stone floors while saving money at the same time. What could be better?

Why is LVT so popular?

LVT has quickly become one of the most popular flooring options due to its low cost, ease of installation, and durability. It is also available in a variety of different styles, textures, and colours, so it is easy to find something to match any space or design.

LVT is also resilient to water and wear, meaning it can stand up to moisture, foot traffic, and spills without showing damage or signs of wear quickly. It is also fairly easy to clean and maintain; other than the regular sweeping to remove any surface grit all you need to do is use one of the cleaning kits designed for your brand of LVT.

We supply all the cleaning kits for our brands of LVT here at RH Flooring Solutions, so if you’re running low, feel free to drop into our flooring showroom and we’ll order you some more.

Overall, LVT is a great flooring option that is both stylish and affordable. Its durability and easy maintenance make it a popular flooring option for those looking for a low-cost and low-maintenance flooring solution.

How do you install LVT?

Installing LVT is not a difficult process, The question isn’t can you do it, but should you?

As is often the case, watching professionals on YouTube showing you how easy things are never really translates to reality. Installing LVT is a relatively straightforward process after you’ve completed the training and attempted it several times under supervision of course. It takes training and practice to achieve a flawless look to your floor.

You could be tempted to try fitting some large sized LVT tiles, after all how hard can it be? However, do you really want to fit a few hundred individual herringbone pieces over 40+ square meters, only to get to the end and find your painstakingly laid parquet pattern looks like it’s waving on a flag?

Another point to make is self-installations are very rarely covered under warranty, having your LVT flooring installed by recognised fitters means you get all the benefits of a manufacturer’s warranty, giving you complete peace of mind should anything happen to go awry.

Our advice would be, come and have a chat with us if you want a long lasting, professional finish to your LVT flooring.

How do you care for LVT?

Caring for your LVT flooring is an essential part of making sure it lasts and looks great for years to come. Here are a few best practices to keep in mind when caring for LVT:

1. Clean your LVT floors regularly to remove dirt, debris, and any spills. For best results, sweep or vacuum the LVT to remove surface grit before mopping it with a damp cloth.
2. Avoid waxing or polishing your LVT floors as they may make them slippery.
3. Use a pH neutral cleaner and a soft cloth to avoid damaging the LVT.
4. If you notice scuffs or scratches on your LVT then it’s time to get out your brand specific LVT restorer.
5. Place mats or rugs at entrances and in high traffic areas to reduce the wear and tear on your LVT.
6. Place mats under furniture or heavy objects to prevent them from marking the floor.

These steps will help you keep your LVT floor in good condition and help it last longer.

LVT is a great investment for your home!

Luxury vinyl tile is a great investment for your home. Not only does it look great, but it is also extremely durable and easy to maintain. Here are some of the advantages of having LVT in your home:

1. LVT is much more affordable than real wood or stone flooring, yet it has the same look and a much warmer feel compared to stone or marble.
2. LVT is very durable and can handle heavy foot traffic.
3. Unlike most flooring, LVT is waterproof, making it a great choice for kitchens, bathrooms, and other high-moisture areas.
4. LVT is a great choice for pet owners. It doesn’t stain, and you can easily wipe away any pet messes.
5. Scuffs and grazes from pet claws can build up over time, use the LVT restorer to bring back that flawless finish.
6. LVT is low maintenance and easy to clean. All you need is a soft cloth and some cleaning solution. Running low on Cleaning Solutions? Drop into RH Flooring on Clifton Moor and we’ll order you some more.
7. LVT comes in countless styles and colours, so you can easily find a style that matches the look of your home. We have samples from Invictus, Harvey Maria, Karndean, Moduleo and more.

Congratulations on investing in LVT for your home! With the right care and maintenance, it will last for years to come. Make sure to stop by our showroom on Clifton Moor in York – we’ve got a great selection of LVT and carpet samples. Choose the perfect pairing for any room and make those lasting memories today with your new LVT flooring!