LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile) flooring is a type of flooring that is made from a composite material consisting of several layers. It is designed to mimic the look of natural hardwood, stone, or tile flooring, but at a more affordable price point.
The different types of LVT flooring include:
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Glue-down LVT: This type of LVT flooring is installed by gluing the tiles directly to the subfloor. This installation method is typically used for commercial spaces or in homes with concrete subfloors.
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Loose-lay LVT: This type of LVT flooring is installed by laying the tiles on top of the subfloor, without the use of adhesive. This installation method is typically used for residential spaces with wood or concrete subfloors.
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Click-together LVT: This type of LVT flooring is installed by clicking the tiles together, similar to a laminate flooring installation. This is the most popular installation method and is suitable for residential and commercial spaces with wood or concrete subfloors.
Benefits of having LVT flooring in your home:
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Affordable: LVT flooring is a cost-effective option when compared to natural hardwood or stone flooring materials.
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Durable: LVT flooring is made from a composite material that is resistant to scratches, dings, and stains, which makes it a great option for high-traffic areas.
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Easy to install: LVT flooring is designed for easy installation and can be installed as a floating floor, meaning it does not need to be glued or nailed to the subfloor.
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Variety of styles: LVT flooring comes in a wide variety of styles, colours, and textures, so you can find a design that will complement the look of your home.
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Easy to clean: LVT flooring is easy to clean and maintain, which can save you time and money over the long term.
LVT AC ratings:
When choosing an LVT floor, it is important to consider the AC rating to ensure that the flooring you are purchasing is suitable for the level of foot traffic in your home. The AC rating system is used to measure the durability of LVT flooring, and it ranges from AC1 to AC5, with AC1 being the least durable and AC5 being the most durable. Here is a detailed explanation of each AC rating:
- AC1: This rating is suitable for low traffic areas such as bedrooms or home offices where there is minimal foot traffic.
- AC2: This rating is suitable for residential areas with normal foot traffic such as living rooms or dining rooms.
- AC3: This rating is suitable for residential areas with moderate foot traffic such as hallways or entryways.
- AC4: This rating is suitable for commercial areas with light foot traffic such as small retail stores or offices.
- AC5: This rating is suitable for commercial areas with heavy foot traffic such as shopping malls or airports.
It's important to consider the usage of the room, if you have children and pets, you should consider a higher AC rating. For example, if you have a high traffic area in your home, such as a hallway or entryway, you should choose an AC3 rating or higher. If you're installing LVT flooring in a bedroom or home office, an AC1 rating should be suitable.
What to consider when buying LVT flooring:
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AC rating: When buying LVT flooring, it is important to consider the AC rating to ensure that the flooring you are purchasing is suitable for the level of foot traffic in your home.
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Installation: Consider the type of installation method that is suitable for your home, if you need professional installation or if you can install it by yourself.
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Water resistance: If you have high moisture or water exposure areas in your home, consider purchasing LVT flooring that is water-resistant.
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Warranty: Look for LVT flooring that comes with a warranty, this will give you peace of mind knowing that your flooring is protected against any defects.
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Style and design: LVT flooring comes in a wide variety of styles, colours, and textures, choose the one that will complement the look of your home.
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Subfloor: Consider the type of subfloor you have, as different types of LVT flooring may require different types of subflooring.
In summary, LVT flooring is a cost-effective, durable, and easy-to-install option that can mimic the look of natural hardwood, stone, or tile flooring. When choosing LVT flooring, consider the AC rating, installation method, water resistance, warranty, style and design, and subfloor.
