18 December 2021

Is there a big difference in quality between LVT brands?

There’s a lot to think about when fitting a new floor. Do you want a style and finish that gives your home or commercial space the wow factor? Do you want something durable, hard-working and efficient on cost?

Thankfully, there is a flooring solution that genuinely ticks all of the boxes, from practicality to price.

It’s called LVT – and there are many reasons to seriously consider it as a flooring option for your home or business.

But is there a difference in quality between LVT brands?

We’ll answer that question shortly, but first, let’s look at exactly what LVT is.

What is LVT?

LVT – or Luxury Vinyl Tile flooring – has become hugely popular across domestic and commercial spaces in recent years. And when you look at a professionally installed LVT floor, it’s easy to see why. It looks fantastic.

LVT comes in two types – as a plank, giving the effect of wood, or as a tile, to create the look of stone. Each one is incredibly realistic, providing a natural look without the expense, upheaval or maintenance of real wood or stone flooring.

Hundreds of sizes and styles are available, allowing you to create a bespoke design to suit your budget and style.

How is LVT flooring manufactured?

With LVT, it’s all about layering. Each plank or tile is made from multiple layers of vinyl, each with a pivotal role to play.

The key layers of LVT include:

Protection – the top layer prevents damage from stains or heavy footfall
Wear and tear – more resistance and comfort is built into layer two
Design – the aesthetic layer provides the look of wood or stone
Acoustic – the layer that minimises the impact of sound in the room
Underlay – some LVT includes a layer of rubber for additional noise reduction and cushioning.

Benefits of LVT

There are so many benefits to LVT flooring that it’s tough to know where to start. But to give you a feel for why LVT is so popular, here are our top ten benefits (in no particular order).

1. Durable
When you want a floor covering that lasts, LVT is right up there as one of the best options available. Thanks to those multiple layers, it’s ultra-durable and can withstand an incredibly high footfall over several decades.

2. Versatile
LVT works in any space, whatever the room temperature, and is even compatible with underground heating systems to make for one toasty room.

3. Water-resistant
Remember that protective coating we mentioned earlier? It makes LVT perfect for those rooms where spills are frequent, such as kitchens and bathrooms. But, to be honest, it’s a great feature for any room.

4. Stain-proof
If only it were just water finding its way onto your floor: food, drinks, toiletries, mud – the list goes on. Luckily, LVT flooring allows for easy cleaning – simply wipe up your spills; no need for scrubbing.

5. Hassle-free fitting
Genuine stone or wooden flooring is extremely time-consuming and tricky to install. But you don’t get that problem when you choose LVT flooring, which can be laid and ready to walk on in a matter of hours.

6. Replacement tiles
Although LVT is hard-wearing and durable (with a lifespan of up to 30 years), it isn’t completely bulletproof. The good news is that if part of your floor ever does get damaged, it’s possible to replace just the affected tiles rather than the whole floor.

7. Cost-effective
While a beautiful stone or wooden floor might look amazing, fitting natural components in your home or commercial space comes at a cost. LVT gives you that natural look and feel without the hefty price tag.

8. Low maintenance
Who wants to spend hours cleaning their floors? Nobody. And LVT doesn’t require the constant care and maintenance that natural stone or wood flooring demands. Plus, it’s quick and easy to mop up spills – none of the scrubbing you often get with carpets.

9. Great on the eye
LVT looks fantastic in any room, and at a glance, high-quality LVT can easily be mistaken for real wood or stone. Plus, with so many finishes to choose from, you’re sure to find a style that you love.

10. Practical
LVT is much warmer than genuine wood or stone and doesn’t get as slippery as tiles. It’s long-lasting, hard-wearing and can be used in any room, making it a fantastic flooring option.

Not all LVT is created equal…

So, we’ve shown you why LVT is a great flooring choice but is there a difference in quality between brands?

This is where a flooring specialist, such as Beyond Flooring, can help you separate the wood from the trees. Because, as with any trend, the number of manufacturers jumping on the LVT bandwagon has grown significantly in recent times.

While there are many high-quality brands to choose from (and we can help you choose the right one for you), we’re big fans of Karndean.

Karndean has been creating exceptional LVT solutions for almost forty years now and has become a world leader in flooring. The difference with Karndean is that they place quality and durability above all else – values that match our own – and with so many designs on offer, there is something for every need, style and taste.

Karndean offers three types of LVT fitting:

Glue down works effectively on a completely dry and flat floor. It goes right to the wall edge for a tight, neat finish and is exceptional when your design combines the beauty of both a wood and stone effect.

Rigid core uses a click-lock style and is ideal in place of laminate or hardwood flooring, with all the benefits of LVT – a long-life, stain and water resistance, simple to fit and cost-efficient.

Loose lay can be used on any subfloor with little to no preparation and is perfect when you want to reduce the noise transfer in multi-occupant homes or commercial buildings. Using a grip backing, this style of LVT lays quickly and with minimal fuss.

If you’re not sure what fitting style is best for your space, our specialist team is on hand to help you. We can also provide advice on the extensive range of tiles available from Karndean and other LVT manufacturers, ensuring your final design will deliver the look and feel you want for your room.

Remember, laying a new floor is not something you want to do every day and should always be considered a long-term investment. While you might look at the price of LVT against other low-cost flooring options such as lino, there really is no comparison.

Why choose Beyond Flooring?

There are hundreds of flooring manufacturers, suppliers and installers, so it can be hard to know where to turn.

At Beyond Flooring, our mission is to enhance your environment with expertly fitted flooring. We only use quality products, and we offer a two year warranty on all domestic projects. We also have extensive experience installing Karndean flooring and other LVT products, so we know how to ensure the perfect finish.

If you need a little inspiration, check out our customer gallery, or visit our showroom. Our friendly team are always happy to help you select the perfect flooring for your home.