LVT flooring: the complete guide to luxury vinyl tile installation and benefits

Our Burley Minerale Herringbone LVT offers a click system making this easy to install in any room. With a honey brown hue, these tiles look just like real wood with a textured finish and have been designed to create a striking herringbone floor

The right flooring choice can transform any space from ordinary to extraordinary, creating an attractive space that balances beauty, durability, and practicality. When homeowners and designers seek an ideal solution that delivers the authentic look of natural materials without the maintenance demands, luxury vinyl tile emerges as an excellent choice for modern homes.

LVT flooring represents a sophisticated evolution in luxury vinyl flooring technology, offering unrivalled craftsmanship and fantastic finishes that rival traditional materials like real wood and natural stone. This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about luxury vinyl tiles, from their innovative construction to installation considerations and the latest design trends shaping today’s interiors.

What is LVT flooring?

Our Coliseum Minerale Pure Matt Click Tiles look like real marble for an authentic finish in a luxurious setting. Featuring a textured matt finish, this style is ideal for a high traffic area such as a kitchen

LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile) is a multi-layered flooring solution with a PU wear layer for enhanced durability and water resistance. Unlike traditional vinyl flooring, luxury vinyl tile consists of multiple engineered layers designed to deliver superior performance while maintaining the aesthetic appeal of natural materials.

The sophisticated construction typically includes four key components:

• Wear layer: A polyurethane coating that provides scratch resistance and stain resistant protection, with commercial-grade products featuring wear layers of 20 mm or greater

• Decorative layer: High-resolution photographic films that create realistic textures mimicking natural wood, stone, and ceramic tiles with remarkable authenticity

• Core layer: Available in both flexible and rigid core formats, this layer provides structural stability and comfort underfoot

• Backing layer: A stabilising foundation that enhances moisture resistance and adds structural integrity

Our luxury vinyl tiles are available in both rigid core (SPC) and flexible formats for different installation requirements. Rigid core options, including Stone Plastic Composite (SPC) variants, offer enhanced dimensional stability and dent resistance, making them particularly suitable for high traffic areas and busy households.

Benefits of LVT flooring

If you love the look of marble without all the maintenance, our Leonardo Minerale Pure Matt Click Tiles could be ideal. Showcased here in this open-plan kitchen, this design offers the look of veining with a textured finish for more authenticity

Complete water resistance

Our Teddy Bear F102 XL Vinyl Planks look like natural wood, however this luxury vinyl flooring is extremely comfortable underfoot and waterproof so it performs brilliantly in a bathroom

The 100% waterproof construction makes LVT flooring ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, utility rooms, and basements where moisture is a constant concern. Unlike traditional wooden floor options that can warp or swell when exposed to water, luxury vinyl maintains its integrity in moisture prone areas, providing peace of mind for everyday life.

Enhanced comfort and warmth

LVT provides cushioning and warmth underfoot for enhanced comfort in living spaces, offering a more comfortable walking surface compared to ceramic tile or natural stone. This comfort underfoot makes it an excellent choice for areas where family members spend extended periods, such as the living room or bedroom.

Our Cognac F019 Long Vinyl Planks instantly add warmth all year round to make a striking flooring. One of the benefits of LVT and LVP is their ability to work well with underfloor heating too, so you can enjoy absolute comfort underfoot all year round

Low maintenance requirements

One of the most significant practical benefits of luxury vinyl tile is its easy maintenance. Regular sweeping and occasional damp mopping using pH-neutral cleaners maintains the floor’s appearance without the need for waxing, polishing, or refinishing like traditional hardwood floors. This makes LVT particularly appealing for busy households where time and convenience matter.

Compatibility with modern home systems

Our Coquille F029 Big Vinyl Tiles offer an industrial look in a concrete-style design, which is perfect for a contemporary home. Either warm up the look with a rug or add underfloor heating - either way your flooring will be a lot warmer than real concrete

LVT flooring is compatible with underfloor heating systems when properly installed following manufacturer guidelines, allowing you to enjoy radiant warmth without compromising the floor’s integrity or appearance.

Long-term durability assurance

Our Oyster F015 Big Vinyl Tiles offer the look of concrete with subtle edges for a more seamless finish. Ideal for high traffic areas, such as a dining area, this design is perfect for a modern home

Warranties of at least 20 years for residential installations demonstrate the long-term durability manufacturers stand behind, reflecting confidence in the product’s ability to maintain its beauty and performance throughout everyday life in modern homes.

LVT flooring styles and designs

The extensive range of design options available in luxury vinyl tiles allows you to create spaces that reflect your personal style while enjoying the practical benefits of this innovative flooring solution.

Wood effect collections

Our wood effect Butter Crisps F002 Long Vinyl Planks are ultra durable, making them perfect for a child's bedroom. This stylish design is timeless with subtle bevelled edges and an authentic wood-like texture

Wood effect LVT offers the timeless beauty of natural wood without the maintenance concerns. Popular options include:

• Country oak: Featuring realistic grain patterns and warm tones that complement traditional and contemporary interiors

• Carpenters oak: Showcasing the crafted appearance of artisan-finished timber with subtle texture variations

• Oak effect planks: Available in various widths and lengths to create authentic wooden floor aesthetics

The advanced printing technology captures the subtle variations found in real wood, including grain patterns, knots, and natural colour variations that make each plank unique.

Stone effect patterns

Our Pisa Minerale Pure Matt Click Tiles come with a beautiful veining effect to replicate the look of real marble. This durable LVT flooring is shown here in matt but it also comes in a polished finish for more versatility

Stone effect luxury vinyl tiles replicate the elegance of natural materials like marble, slate, and travertine. These options provide the sophisticated appearance of natural stone without the cold surface or maintenance requirements, making them ideal for creating dramatic focal points in dining room spaces or conservatory areas.

Herringbone LVT

Our Toro F318 Herringbone luxury vinyl flooring offers you the chance to add a touch of classic charm toy our home. This style is ideal if you want to achieve a high end look at an affordable price

Herringbone LVT adds a contemporary twist to the timeless classic pattern, creating sophisticated focal points that work beautifully in both traditional and modern settings. The interlocking arrangement adds visual movement and interest to living room and dining room spaces.

Chevron LVT features slanted point planks in the trending Hungarian point style, offering a more dynamic and directional pattern than traditional herringbone. Both patterns create sophisticated focal points in living rooms and dining areas, demonstrating how inspired ideas can elevate interior design through thoughtful flooring choices.

Installation and preparation

Proper subfloor preparation is essential for smooth LVT installation and long-term performance. The foundation determines the final result’s quality and longevity, making this step crucial for achieving professional results.

Subfloor assessment and preparation

Professional fitters can assess existing floors and quote for necessary repairs or levelling services. The subfloor must be:

• Clean and free from debris

• Level within manufacturer specifications

• Dry and structurally sound

• Compatible with the chosen LVT product

Rigid core LVT can accommodate minor subfloor imperfections better than flexible options, but proper preparation remains important for optimal results.

Installation methods

Click system installation: Advanced click systems simplify installation without requiring traditional underlay, making this method popular for DIY enthusiasts and professional installers alike. The interlocking mechanism creates a floating floor that can expand and contract naturally.

Professional vs. DIY Installation: While click system installations can be DIY-friendly, professional fitting is recommended for best results and warranty compliance. Expert guidance ensures proper acclimation, subfloor preparation, and installation techniques that maximise the floor’s lifespan.

Choosing the right LVT for your space

Our Verona F023 Terrazzo Big Vinyl Flooring Tiles look like real terrazzo. This contemporary style is suitable high-traffic areas and will instantly add a striking finish to any floor

Selecting the appropriate luxury vinyl tile depends on several factors, including the intended use, traffic levels, and aesthetic preferences for each specific space.

High traffic considerations

Consider SPC (Stone Plastic Composite) flooring for high traffic areas requiring maximum durability. The enhanced core construction provides superior impact resistance and dimensional stability, making it ideal for hallway areas, utility rooms, and commercial applications.

Residential comfort zones

Standard LVT provides excellent comfort and versatility for residential living spaces where cushioning and warmth underfoot are priorities. This option works particularly well in bedroom areas and living spaces where family members spend significant time.

Moisture-prone applications

The water resistance of both standard and rigid core LVT makes both options suitable for moisture-prone environments, including:

• Bathroom installations where daily water exposure occurs

• Kitchen areas prone to spills and splashes

• Utility room applications with washing machines and sinks

• Basement areas where humidity may be elevated

Making informed decisions

Specialist retailers often provide free samples, allowing customers to evaluate texture, color, and quality before making final decisions. This hands-on approach helps ensure the chosen product meets expectations and complements existing interior elements.

Fast next day delivery options from many specialist retailers ensure quick project completion, minimising disruption during renovation projects.

Maintenance and care

Our Uni F301 Herringbone looks like reclaimed wood without the bother of having to treat it. Made from luxury vinyl, these planks have been designed to create a herringbone pattern and will help to brighten any room with its warm wood effect

The low maintenance requirements of LVT flooring make it an attractive option for modern lifestyles where convenience and durability are essential.

Daily care routine

Regular sweeping or vacuuming removes dirt and debris that could cause surface wear over time. This simple step prevents particles from acting as abrasives that might compromise the wear layer’s integrity.

Periodic cleaning

Occasional damp mopping with pH-neutral cleaners maintains the floor’s appearance without causing damage to the protective surface. Avoid harsh chemicals, steam cleaners, or abrasive cleaning tools that might compromise the wear layer.

Long-term benefits

Unlike traditional hardwood floors that require periodic refinishing, luxury vinyl tile maintains its appearance throughout its lifespan without additional treatments. There’s no need for waxing, polishing, or refinishing, making LVT an excellent choice for busy households where time is valuable.

The impact and stain resistance built into quality LVT products reduces maintenance requirements even in challenging environments, providing lasting beauty with minimal effort.

Why choose LVT?

LVT flooring represents a remarkable evolution in modern flooring technology, successfully combining the authentic beauty of natural materials with enhanced durability and practical benefits that suit contemporary lifestyles. From its sophisticated multi-layer construction to its impressive range of design options, luxury vinyl tile offers an ideal solution for homeowners seeking high end look results without the maintenance demands of traditional materials.

Whether you’re renovating a single room or planning a whole-house flooring project, the versatility of LVT makes it suitable for virtually any space, from moisture-prone bathrooms to high-traffic hallways. The combination of water resistance, comfort underfoot, easy maintenance, and extensive style options creates compelling value for both residential and commercial applications.

For those considering new flooring options, exploring the extensive range of luxury vinyl tiles available through specialist retailers, including opportunities to examine free samples in your own space, provides the best foundation for making an informed decision. With expert guidance from experienced retailers and proper installation, LVT flooring can transform any space into a beautiful, practical environment that enhances everyday life for years to come.