Luxury vinyl tiles or planks, commonly known as LVTs or LVPs, offer a cost-effective way to replicate the look of wood or stone in your home. Vinyl provides easy to clean finish which can seamlessly flow throughout all areas of the home, including bathrooms. As LVTs are glued down, the end result is a solid and quiet finish underfoot.

When considering flooring options for your home, it's important to weigh the pros and cons of each. Here are some key characteristics of LVT flooring to help you determine if it's the right choice for your home.

Guide content
  • Construction
  • Quality
  • Installation
  • Maintenance & Underfloor Heating
  • Suitability for Different Spaces

Key Features:

Construction:

Luxury vinyl tiles/planks (LVT/LVP) consist of multiple layers, including a pvc base, a fill layer for thickness and stability, a photographic image replicating wood, ceramic or stone designs, and a clear vinyl wear layer for durability. The quality and thickness of the wear layer significantly impact LVT's durability and scratch resistance.

Quality:

The wear layer's thickness is crucial for durability. Opting for LVT with a thicker wear layer ensures resistance to wear-and-tear, making it a worthwhile investment. LVT options mimic the texture of real wood or stone, providing an authentic look and feel. Higher quality options will typically look nicer and be more durable in the long run.

Installation:

LVTs require a solid and smooth subfloor, so it is always recommended to throw a self levelling screed first. Once this is done, the LVTs will be glued straight to the screed without the need for expansion gaps. As a result, vinyl can flow between rooms without trims and you are able to cut flush to existing cupboards or skirting where necessary.

(Side note: Cutting flush to skirting can save money, but it might cause complications if you want to replace the skirting later on since the floor is cut short. Removing skirting before you screed and installing later, would avoid this headache down the line.)

Maintenance & Underfloor Heating:

LVT is easy to maintain, requiring regular sweeping and light mopping with a microfibre mop (steam cleaning is not recommended.

Dimensional stability can be an issue due to environmental factors, leading to gaps or uneven surfaces. Proper acclimatization and installation within specific temperature ranges are essential. Spills should be promptly cleaned to avoid moisture casing issues over time.

Most LVT options are compatible with certain underfloor heating systems, provided recommended heat settings are followed.


Suitability for Different Spaces:

  • Kitchen: LVT is an excellent choice for kitchens, offering easy cleanup and installation
    without disrupting existing cabinetry.  
  • Hallway: Perfect for high-traffic areas like hallways, LVT's hardwearing properties
    withstand constant movement.
  • Bedroom: LVT is suitable for bedrooms, providing a warm and comfortable surface. Area
    rugs can enhance warmth and texture.  
  • Bathroom and Laundry: LVT can be used in bathrooms and laundry rooms with proper
    ventilation and temperature control.
  • Living Space: LVT is well-suited for lounges and living areas. It can be complemented
    with rugs for added warmth and texture.



Choosing LVT or hybrid flooring offers a practical and visually appealing solution for various spaces in your South African home.