Are you considering a flooring upgrade for your home or business but feeling overwhelmed by the myriad of options available? Do you desire a flooring solution that combines both cost-effectiveness and high performance quality?
If so, you're not alone. Many homeowners and business owners seek a flooring material that strikes the perfect balance between budget-friendly and durable.
At Custom Built, we understand the importance of finding the right flooring solution that meets your needs without compromising quality. With our 15+ years of experience in home and commercial remodeling, we've installed over 100,000 sq ft of LVT, building knowledge and valuable insights into this stellar flooring option.
In this article, we'll focus on Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) and the following areas of interest:
- What is Luxury Vinyl Tile?
- Cost of LVT
- How to Install LVT
- Pros of LVT
- Cons of LVT
What is Luxury Vinyl Tile? An Overview of Value
Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) is a modern and innovative flooring option that has taken the market by storm. It is a resilient flooring known for its exceptional durability, versatility and striking resemblance to natural materials like hardwood or stone.
LVT is crafted using advanced manufacturing techniques that allow for precise and realistic printing of intricate patterns, textures, and colors, resulting in a floor that replicates the beauty of natural materials without the associated drawbacks.
One of the key features that set LVT apart is its versatility. Whether you want the warmth of wood, the elegance of marble, or the contemporary appeal of concrete, LVT can effortlessly mimic these aesthetics. This makes it an ideal choice for homeowners and designers who seek to create stunning and cohesive interior designs throughout their living spaces.
Cost of Luxury Vinyl Tile During a Home Remodel
One of the key advantages of LVT is its cost compared to traditional hardwood or stone flooring options. The cost of LVT can vary based on factors such as brand, design, quality, and installation method.
On average, the cost of LVT can range from $1.50 to $12.00 per square foot, making it an alternative that doesn't compromise aesthetics. Additionally, LVT often comes in DIY-friendly formats, allowing homeowners to save on installation costs.
Here’s a breakdown of the low-to-high LVT cost ranges:
|
Quality Cost |
Examples |
Cost per sq ft |
|
Low-Cost |
$1.50 - $5.25 |
|
|
Average-Cost |
$4.00 - $7.75 |
|
|
High-Cost |
$7.25 - $12.00 |
How to Install LVT for Your Home Remodel
LVT is relatively easy to install, and some types come with self-adhesive backing, making it a suitable option for DIY enthusiasts. However, for a professional finish and to ensure the best results, it's recommended to hire a skilled installer. The installation process typically involves preparing the subfloor, laying down the LVT planks or tiles, and making precise cuts to fit the edges of the room.
Some manufacturers offer innovative installation systems, such as click-lock mechanisms, which simplify the process further. Proper installation is essential to ensure the longevity and performance of your LVT flooring.
Pros of Luxury Vinyl Tile Flooring
1. Luxury Vinyl Performance and Durability
Luxury Vinyl Tile is designed to withstand heavy foot traffic, making it an excellent choice for high-traffic areas such as hallways, kitchens, and entryways. The wear layer on LVT provides excellent resistance against scratches, stains, and scuffs, making it ideal for homes with kids and pets.
It also offers superior moisture resistance, making it suitable for areas prone to spills and moisture, like bathrooms and basements. With proper care, LVT can maintain its beauty and durability for many years, making it a long-lasting investment for your home.
2. Design Options and Realism in LVT
Luxury Vinyl Tile offers a wide range of design options that mimic the appearance of natural materials such as hardwood, stone, and ceramic tiles. With advanced printing technologies, LVT can replicate the texture, grain, and color variations of these materials with impressive realism.
You can find LVT in various sizes, shapes, and patterns, allowing you to achieve the desired aesthetic for your space. Whether you prefer the classic elegance of oak or the rustic charm of reclaimed barn wood, there's an LVT design to complement your interior style.
3. Comfort and Sound Absorption
In addition to its aesthetic appeal and durability, Luxury Vinyl Tile provides a comfortable underfoot feel thanks to its flexible and cushioned nature. The added comfort layer makes it a popular choice for areas where you spend a lot of time standing, such as kitchens and laundry rooms.
Additionally, LVT also has excellent sound-absorbing properties, reducing the noise levels in your home and creating a peaceful environment. This acoustic benefit is especially valuable in multi-story homes or rooms where noise reduction is desired.
Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) has emerged as a popular flooring choice for homeowners seeking a winning combination of aesthetics, durability, and affordability. This innovative flooring option offers a plethora of advantages that make it an attractive choice for various spaces within your home. Whether you're looking to revamp your kitchen, living room, bathroom, or even a commercial setting, LVT's pros make it a standout contender.
4. Low Maintenance Requirements
PC: Cutesy Crafts
The maintenance of LVT is also hassle-free, which adds to its appeal for busy homeowners. Regular sweeping and occasional mopping with a damp cloth will keep your flooring looking pristine for years. Unlike natural hardwood, LVT doesn't require refinishing, waxing, or polishing, saving you time and money on maintenance efforts.
To ensure your LVT flooring retains its beauty and longevity, here are 7 tips for proper maintenance:
- Place doormats at entryways to trap dirt and prevent abrasive particles from scratching the floor.
- Use felt protectors on the legs of furniture to prevent scratches and dents.
- Promptly clean up spills and avoid using harsh cleaning agents that may damage the surface.
- Avoid dragging heavy objects or using sharp objects that could gouge the flooring.
- Use rugs or mats in high-traffic areas and pivot points to reduce wear.
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning and care to preserve the warranty.
- Conduct regular inspections to identify and address potential issues early on.
5. Affordability Without Compromising Quality
Luxury Vinyl Tile provides a high-end look without the high-end price tag. While replicating the appearance of luxurious materials, it comes at a fraction of the cost of genuine hardwood or stone. This factor, combined with its long-lasting nature, makes LVT an attractive choice for homeowners seeking to enhance their living spaces without the inconvenience of constantly replacing materials.
From its impressive durability to its versatile design options, Luxury Vinyl Tile offers a range of benefits that make it an appealing flooring choice. Whether you prioritize resilience, aesthetics, comfort, or affordability, LVT proves to be a versatile and reliable option that can elevate the ambiance and functionality of any room.
Cons of Luxury Vinyl Tile Flooring
With any product, there are considerations. Let's dive into the cons of LVT and understand how to address them effectively:
Brand and Quality Matter
The brand and quality of Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) have a significant impact on the overall performance and durability of the flooring. Choosing a reputable brand that prioritizes research, development, and quality control can result in LVT that meets high industry standards and stands the test of time.
High-quality LVT is often crafted using superior materials and advanced manufacturing techniques, leading to a robust wear layer that can resist scratches, stains, and fading.
On the other hand, opting for a less reputable brand might lead to subpar LVT that doesn't meet the same standards of quality and durability. Flooring from such brands may wear out more quickly, show signs of damage sooner, and fail to provide the expected performance. Lesser-known brands might cut corners on material quality, manufacturing processes, or wear layer thickness, resulting in a less resilient product.
Vulnerable to Sharp Objects
Luxury vinyl tile is vulnerable to sharp objects due to its construction and composition. LVT typically comprises several layers, including a wear layer on the top, a printed vinyl layer with the design, and a backing layer. While the wear layer is designed to provide durability and protection against regular wear and tear, it may not be completely impervious to sharp objects.
Sharp objects such as heavy furniture with pointed legs, dropped kitchen utensils, or high heels can exert concentrated pressure on the wear layer, potentially causing scratches, punctures, or indentations. As a result, LVT flooring can be more susceptible to visible damage from such objects.
Not Suitable for Extreme Temperatures
LVT is not the best choice for areas with extreme temperature fluctuations, such as unheated sunrooms or outdoor spaces, as it may expand or contract with temperature changes, leading to potential issues. We recommend keeping your luxury vinyl flooring between 65 to 100 degrees to ensure long-lasting performance.
Limited Environmental Friendliness
While some LVT products boast eco-friendly features, not all options are sustainable. Certain vinyl tile products may contain harmful chemicals or be non-recyclable, making it essential to research and select environmentally responsible options.
Typically, flooring products are regulated by entities such as FloorScore by SCS (Scientific Certification System) - a global organization that certifies options based on their VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) score.
Low-VOC flooring (wood and wool) will emit fewer harmful gasses compared to high-VOC flooring (synthetic carpet). When researching your LVT options, it’s important to ask your remodeler or manufacturer about their VOC awareness and practices. This will lead to more eco-friendly flooring that is safer for you and your family.
Less Resale Value
While LVT provides a beautiful and practical flooring solution, it may not add as much resale value to a home as natural hardwood or stone flooring. Some potential buyers may prefer more traditional flooring materials, impacting the perceived value of the property.
Sensitivity to Standing Moisture
Although luxury vinyl tile is water-resistant, excessive moisture exposure can still damage the floor's integrity. It is essential to promptly clean up spills and avoid using LVT in areas prone to frequent water leaks or flooding.
Next steps to installing luxury vinyl tile flooring
If you were once burdened with the hassle of constant flooring maintenance and the search for a cost-effective yet high-performing flooring solution, you're not alone. Many homeowners and business owners have faced similar challenges when upgrading their floors.
In this article, we explored Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) and its cost and performance attributes. With LVT, you can achieve the best of both worlds – a budget-friendly flooring option that doesn't compromise durability and style.
At Custom Built, we understand the importance of finding the right flooring solution for your space. With our 15+ years of experience in home and commercial remodeling, we've gained the expertise to guide you through choosing the perfect flooring for your renovation goals.
For more information on the remodeling projects you can install LVT for, we recommend the following articles:
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