Vinyl Flooring

When it comes to flooring options, vinyl is a versatile and resilient choice, offering a host of benefits. Whether you’re considering vinyl over other alternatives or seeking insights into its wearability and installation, this guide addresses common queries surrounding luxury vinyl tile (LVT) flooring.

 

What is LVT flooring?

Short for luxury vinyl tile, LVT flooring is a durable, design-led floor covering made from multiple layers. A typical LVT plank or tile includes a stable backing layer, a core that’s built to resist moisture, a realistic printed design layer and a tough wear layer on top to protect against daily use. Many click LVT floors also come with a built-in underlay for comfort and sound reduction.

The beauty of LVT is in its versatility. It offers authentic wood and stone effects with impressive detail, while being waterproof, pet-friendly and easy to clean. Whether you want a warm wood-look hallway or a stone-look bathroom floor, vinyl has an option to suit.

 

Is vinyl flooring better than laminate?

Both vinyl and laminate flooring have their perks but vinyl takes the lead where moisture resistance matters. LVT is fully waterproof, making it ideal for bathrooms, kitchens and utility areas. Laminate, while durable, can swell or warp if exposed to ongoing moisture.

LVT also mimics natural materials very convincingly, especially in higher-end ranges. While laminate is often more budget-friendly, click LVT has the advantage of performing well in homes with children, pets and busy daily life.

 

Do you need underlay for LVT click flooring?

Most click LVT products come with a pre-attached underlay, meaning you can install them directly over your subfloor. This keeps installation quick, tidy and cost-effective. If your chosen product doesn’t include an attached underlay, you can add one; just choose an underlay designed specifically for LVT to maintain floor stability.

 

Is vinyl flooring hard wearing?

LVT is known for its tough wear layer that resists scratches, dents and everyday foot traffic. It's designed for busy homes and can handle moisture, spillages and muddy footprints with ease. Click LVT is particularly popular in high-use areas as it stays looking great with minimal maintenance; a quick sweep and occasional mop are usually all it needs.

 

How do you install LVT click flooring?

Fitting LVT click flooring is easier than you might think. Start by letting the flooring acclimatise in the room for at least 48 hours before installation, keeping the temperature steady between 18 and 30°C. This helps the boards adjust to their environment and prevents movement later on.

Make sure your subfloor is clean, dry, smooth and level. Any bumps or dips can cause the planks to shift or leave gaps. LVT vinyl flooring is designed to be a floating floor, so don’t glue it down, and  make sure you leave an expansion gap of about 8mm around the edges to allow for natural movement.

When you’re ready to lay the floor, start in a corner and work your way out. The boards lock together using a built-in click system; simply angle the short edge into place first, then lower the long side to snap it into the previous plank. Stagger the joints as you go for a more natural look and a sturdier floor. Use spacers to keep your expansion gap consistent, and in tighter spots, like under door frames or along a wall, a pull bar can help ease the boards into place without forcing them.

Once you’ve laid the last plank, take out the spacers and fit your skirting or trim to cover the expansion gap (just don’t fix anything directly through the flooring, as it needs to stay floating). After that, you’re all set; your new vinyl floor is ready to walk on straight away.