Whether you are giving your home a long-overdue refresh or preparing a rental property for new tenants, flooring is one of those decisions that can make or break a space. It needs to look good, hold up to daily life and, ideally, not cost a fortune or need replacing too often.
That’s why many homeowners and landlords turn to LVT flooring as their go-to choice.
But, with plenty of variety in flooring available, what is LVT and is it worth the investment? In this blog, we look at the pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.
What is LVT flooring?
LVT stands for Luxury Vinyl Tile, and despite how the word vinyl might make you think of the cheap, thin flooring that curls, ripples and fades, LVT is something different.
Modern LVT flooring is a multi-layered, highly engineered product designed to replicate the look of natural materials. Available in wood and stone effects, it presents an authentic look without the hard work and potential drawbacks that may come with them.
Each plank or tile is made up of several layers working together:
- A wear layer that protects against scratches, scuffs and general everyday foot traffic
- A printed design layer that helps give the realistic appearance
- A performance core that helps provide stability and comfort
- A backing layer that provides added support and noise reduction
The end result is a floor that looks genuinely luxurious, performs brilliantly and is far more forgiving than hardwood or stone in real-world conditions.
What are the benefits of LVT flooring for homeowners?
If you are renovating your home, you want a floor that matches your lifestyle and the pace it runs at. You don’t want a floor that needs constant cleaning, repairing or replacing. LVT manages this; here’s how:
It works in every room
One of LVT flooring’s biggest advantages is that it can be used in every room. Hardwood can warp in humid conditions. LVT’s water-resistant properties make it an ideal choice for rooms where spillages or moisture are common. The bathroom and hallway, kitchen and utility rooms could all benefit from LVT!
Aesthetic appeal
The designs used by LVT manufacturers are incredibly realistic. Whether it be stone, wood or abstract patterns, the technology involved in the design process leaves you with a surface that looks like something it actually isn’t! Whether you like warm oak effects, cool stone or something truly vibrant and contemporary, there is a design that can suit all tastes and styles. Think of it as getting the premium aesthetic without the premium price.
Comfort
LVT flooring, whilst looking like wood or stone, provides an underfoot feeling that is considerably different. Where natural materials can be quite unforgiving, LVT is much softer, giving added reassurance, especially if you spend most of your time on your feet or you have small children in the house.
Low maintenance
Cleaning isn’t a task many of us look forward to, and cleaning the floors is often one we push to the back of the queue, especially when it comes to the bathroom! Thankfully, LVT flooring makes it less of a chore. Regular sweeping with occasional mopping is all you really need to keep it looking its best.
How can landlords benefit from installing LVT flooring?
For landlords, many decisions have an extra layer of consideration. It’s your property, but others will be living there. So do you go cheap, knowing you don’t get the full benefit from it, or do you invest wisely so repairs, replacements and expenses aren’t becoming a regular thing? Ideally, landlords need to look at longevity, practicality and cost-effectiveness.
Built to handle tenant life
Rental properties can take a beating. While many tenants are respectful and may treat the home as their own, many might be less careful and ignore small issues that can develop into substantial problems. From moving furniture to the chaos of pets, children, parties and more, the floor bears the brunt. LVT is built to withstand heavy use, as our table below shows.
| Feature | LVT | Carpet | Hardwood |
| Water resistance | High | Low | Moderate |
| Scratch resistance | High | Moderate | Low |
| Easy to clean | Yes | No | Moderate |
| Lifespan | 15-25 years | 5-10 years | 20-30 years |
| Cost to replace | Low-moderate | Low | High |
Low maintenance between tenancies
The easier a floor is to clean, the less you spend on end-of-tenancy cleaning and repairs. The smooth sealed surface of LVT doesn’t harbour dust mites or stains like carpet does, which can be hugely advantageous when turning a property around quickly.
Selling point for tenants
Those looking at renting a property not only shop with cost in mind, but also with the look and feel of a place. Somewhere that looks well-maintained, stylish and easy to look after will be much more appealing than somewhere that looks like it’s seen better days and may take considerable time to clean. LVT helps accentuate your property with its stylish finish and ability to stand out in photos.
Good investment
Landlords need to be tactical when it comes to spending. There could be some months when the property remains vacant, but bills will still need to be paid. Therefore, any investment in the property needs to be smart so you don’t spend more cash during these void periods. LVT is long-lasting and easy to clean, and despite its higher initial cost, you won’t need to replace it often, making it a smarter long-term move.
Is LVT suitable everywhere?
LVT flooring is a versatile option and can be a great choice for many rooms. However, it is particularly suited to:
- High-traffic areas: Hallways, kitchens, and open-plan living spaces
- Wet rooms: Bathrooms, utility rooms
- Rooms with underfloor heating: Most LVT is compatible with underfloor heating and provides excellent and consistent levels of warmth across the floor
- Spaces where comfort matters: Children’s bedrooms or playrooms and home offices
How to choose the right LVT flooring
There are numerous LVT flooring options on the market, so it is always worth doing some research before committing to one over the other.
We’ve listed three things worth considering before you make a purchase:
- Wear layer thickness: This is an incredibly important factor. A thicker wear layer means greater protection against scratches and wear. For busy family homes or rental properties, look for at least 0.3mm and ideally 0.55mm or above.
- Design and finish: You want the flooring to complement the space you are adding it to. Where possible, obtain samples and view them in your own lighting so you can see how the style aligns with the room aesthetic.
- Installation method: Some LVT flooring is click-fit while others are glued down. This can mean differing lengths of time for an installation to be completed, so consult your flooring provider to find out what options they provide.
For a comprehensive range of options, it’s worth exploring LVT flooring from established manufacturers who can offer advice and guidance on the most suitable product for your property and its needs.
Whether renovating your forever home or managing a portfolio of rental properties, LVT flooring offers a rare combination of style, durability and practicality. It can handle much of what is thrown at it and can prove to be a wise investment. You just have to decide which style suits your property the best!
