There is increased knowledge when it comes to house decoration and design. As a matter of fact, many customers are looking for floor materials that are unique, durable, and improve home appearance.
Besides being economical and pocket-friendly, the floor material should be elegant, luxurious, and easy to install, maintain and repair.
However, with technological advancements, two flooring options exist and are taking over the market by replacing the standard and ancient ceramic tiles, stone, and wood flooring.
These are LVF flooring and LVT flooring.
So, if you love style and elegance, this article is for you.
What is LVF Flooring?
LVF stands for Luxury Vinyl Flooring.
It is a form of flooring that involves waterproof materials that make the floor impervious to water and any fluids. When you look at the floor, it resembles genuine stones or wood flooring that takes different shapes, designs, and forms.
Moreover, LVF materials are undeterred by any form of scratches, cracks, and dents resulting from heavy furniture, children’s toys, and pets.
However, you may confuse the floor with your standard hardwood or ceramic tiles that are water-resistant. Such floors allow some levels of water or liquids to seep through them over time.
What Does LVT Mean?
LVT is an abbreviation meaning Luxury Vinyl Tile.
It is a kind of flooring where the tile material used is a replica of natural wood or genuine stones whose ability is unique and takes different forms, sizes, and effects. As a result, LVT gives your floor an authentic look, durability, and more practical experience when it comes to maintenance.
Besides, LVT flooring materials are watertight hence more impervious to water. Finally, a combination of aluminum and clear PVC make your flour surface more hard and resistant to scratches and dents that may arise from pulling your heavy furniture, kids playing with toys, or pet.
Is LVF the Same as LVT Flooring?
NO.
When ordered, they come in different shapes and sizes that require different methods of installation. For example, LVT takes the form of tiles, whereas LVF takes the shape of planks.
LVF flooring gives your floor a wood look in everything from variety, texture, and color when installed in your home. However, you will need longer planks that are like laminate planks used in home flooring.
That means you will need to peel the strip planks that resemble natural wood and stick them to the adjacent plank to lock and hold them together.
On the contrary, as the name suggests, LVT takes the form of ceramic tiles when it comes to installation. As a result, your floor will have a uniform square look of natural stones or reel wood. Therefore, you will need to snap the tiles together to form a stone or tile flooring.
Nonetheless, both LVT and LVF are resilient flooring types that give the same benefits when installed in your home.
Is LVT Better Than Laminate?
It gets tricky when presented with these two types of flooring. First, they give the impression of being the same as the final floor look, layout, and style.
However, according to a report by the inter press service news agency-business, the demand and need for LVT flooring are projected to rise from 3630 million US dollars to 7460 million US dollars in 2024. This consumer increased demand for LVT flooring makes it a better choice than laminate flooring.
Here is why
- Laminate and LVT flooring vary in production material. LVT is made from PVC-based material, making it more durable, rugged, warmer, and quieter than laminate flooring made from high-density fiberboards put together by pressure.
- LVT flooring is better than laminate flooring because it is watertight, impervious to water and other liquids. Unlike laminate flooring, the fiberboard gives in to pressure over time, allowing water to seep through.
- LVT flooring gives you freedom of choice from a broader range of wood and stones regarding style, color, and design. However, laminate flooring is only limited to one choice of uniform wooden planks.
- LVT flooring can withstand high traffic and areas with high moisture compared to laminate flooring, which works perfectly well in areas with low traffic flow. Moreover, it is equally cheaper to repair and maintain.
Pros and Cons of LVT Flooring
Pros of LVT Flooring
LVT flooring is a good choice for homeowners because
- LVT flooring is easy to install, clean, maintain and repair compared to other flooring options like lamination, stone. Ceramic and wood floors.
- When installed, the LVT floor offers warmth, softness, and a quieter environment.
- Because of the tough and scratch-resistant layer, LVT flooring best suits high traffic areas, rooms with children.
- The PVC watertight material used to make LVT flooring makes it suitable for rooms exposed to high moisture and water, like the bathrooms, and kitchens
- LVT floors can stand the taste of time than other types of flooring.
- LVT is cheaper when it comes to installation and maintenance compared to other types of floor.
- LVT flooring offers a wide choice of variety and authentic designs.
Cons of LVT Flooring
LVT flooring has a few disadvantages that as a homeowner, you need to know
- The process used to install the LVT flooring involves the use of adhesives. Therefore once installed on your floor, it is not easy to remove.
- Aluminum and clear PVC used to manufacture LVT might emit some dangerous and volatile gases to the environment.
- When combined with other materials during installation, the LVT flooring cannot be recycled.
- When part of the LVT flooring is damaged, it is impossible to repair the damaged part.
- The cost of purchase is relatively higher than other forms of flooring.
Cost of Installation
Besides the cost of material and the LVT flooring costs, several factors determine the LVT flooring cost of installation. These include
- The time you take to install the flooring
- Installation product
- Tools used
- Labor charges
- The area to floor per square feet
- Where you live
Though, the good news is that you can cut down the installation costs by doing it yourself. But, it may present a challenge if the surface requires extra work to be done before installing LVT flooring. Therefore you will require a professional to install the LVT at a cost.
The standard recommended tabulation of LVT installation cost is in comparison with the LVT flooring cost. It is usually between 20% and 50% of the total flooring costs. Nonetheless, this again is subject to other factors, such as the condition of the floor.
In addition, some professionals will charge the cost of installation per hour. For example, one might charge $36 per hour, which may also attract extra charges. For example, you will add an extra $32 per hour if you need to remove the floor, making it $68 per hour.
That is one side of the coin; the standard valuation for installation cost is per square foot. Again, this varies depending on the factors listed above. However, the cost varies between $3 per square foot on the lower side and $10per square foot on the higher side.
Which is better: LVT or LVP Flooring?
The two flooring methods are the same for the material used, the homeowner’s benefits, the value, and durability. Besides, LVT gives the floor a tile look and style, while the LVP gives your floor a wooden style that resembles the laminate planks.
Therefore, determining which is better will solely depend on the homeowner because it is a question of choice, style, and final surface finish.
Best LVT Brands
Amtico
Amtico LVT brand is one of the oldest brands with 50 years of experience and service. The brand produces simple and solid yet stunning LVT designs that offer a contemporary feel to your home, office, and business. It is rated on an average scale of 9/10 based on its reputation, quality, design and reliability, thickness, and product warranty.
Karndean
This is a brand that has over 40 years of experience in offering LVT flooring materials. The Karndean makes flooring for homes, offices, megastores, and commercial spaces. It presents you with various LVT floorings such as reel wood and natural stones both in tile and plank form.
Quick-step
Consider quick-step for LVT floorings that vary in color and design with protected surfaces that are resistant to wear but ideal for high traffic areas. Besides, their LVT floorings come with quick installation instructions that allow easy v-grooved clickable joints for faster and secure fitting.