Luxury Vinyl Tile- The Newest Waterproof Tile in the Industry
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If you haven’t heard yet, vinyl flooring is making a huge comeback! Luxury vinyl tile, also known as LVT (or LVP) is not your typical linoleum sheets or rolls that were mainstream years ago. Today, luxury vinyl tiles are more durable, can be waterproof, scratch-resistant, and easy to install and low-cost, making them a popular choice for flooring. LVT is no secret to design professionals. In fact, as you begin to explore your options for flooring, you will quickly find that luxury vinyl flooring is used in most designers’ homes. But what is Luxury Vinyl Tile? We’ll cover the most asked questions on LVT to help make it easier for you to find the best luxury vinyl tile for your home.


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1. What is Luxury Vinyl Tile (or LVT/ LVP)?

Luxury Vinyl Tile is generally much thicker than its predecessor. LVT offers a high level of durability, resilience, and greater design options. LVT was originally made for commercial buildings. Through time and with advances in technology, LVT made its way to residential floors. Almost all types of luxury vinyl tile flooring have four layers. The top layer is the finish, under this is the image layer, which can look like hardwood or natural stone. The next layer is the core, which adds rigidity to the tile and, depending on the product, can be water-resistant. And finally, some LVT flooring products may have an attached underlayment which is an added benefit once installed.


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2. Can you use luxury vinyl tile in the shower? And is it waterproof?

LVT is meant for all flat surface. However, installing them directly in your shower is not ideal. Most luxury vinyl tiles can get wet but are not designed for frequent and prolonged exposure to water (as in a shower). As a matter of fact, many homeowners opt for LVT because they are water-resistant and oftentimes waterproof, making them ideal for kitchens and bathroom floorings (outside the shower). When searching for LVT, ask for water resistance and waterproof options. For a beautiful looking bathroom, surround the shower or bathtub with a hardwood look luxury vinyl tile.


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3. Does luxury vinyl tile scratch? How does it hold up?

Luxury vinyl tile products have hardening layers designed to provide maximum scratch and stain resistance. If you’re looking for a floor that will withstand damages from everyday life and remain beautiful for many years, opt for LVTs. Luxury vinyl tile can stand up to daily wear and tear even in the most active homes. And if you have pets or kids, then this is the perfect flooring for you. 


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4. Does luxury vinyl tile increase home value?

Although LVT won’t boost your home value, it gives you the best value for your money spent. Luxury vinyl can last about 10-20 years once installed. Not every home buyer will comment on the flooring unless it is obviously installed poorly. To help you with this, be sure to look into your home’s floor plan and correctly transition between materials. With a good transition between rooms, like the foyer to the living room, no one will ever suspect your floor is LVT. If you choose your material wisely based on durability and style, it will be a great investment you won’t regret.


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5. Does luxury vinyl tile need underlayment? How is luxury vinyl tile installed?

With new advances in Luxury Vinyl flooring, most LVTs do not need underlayment. MS International LVT comes with foam insulation backing making installation a breeze. Whichever brand you decide to use, always study the installation guide. If you decide to use underlayment, you should first make sure your subfloor meets the requirement. Remember that LVT needs to be installed on a flat surface, free from dust and damages. If you want to reduce sound and add cushion, you can use additional underlayment. It all depends on your needs.


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6. What are some styles I can find with LVT flooring?

The beauty of Luxury Vinyl Tile is how versatile it is. You can truly achieve the look of hardwood flooring or natural stone tiles with LVTs. Choose from a variety of stone styles like monochromatic slate gray or classic Carrara marble, which makes an elegant choice for kitchen and bathroom. Create beautiful visual effects and textures with LVT flooring that mimics hardwood. You can find everything from traditional oak, rustic walnut and even exotic wood-like planks as wide as 7”. Opt for dramatic grain patterns to enhance the wooden-plank look.


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