Whether it’s luxury vinyl tile (LVT) or plank (LVP), we’re seeing
luxury vinyl flooring (LVF) in every room in the house. That stylish, sophisticated look is even making it a popular choice for high-end homes. Aesthetics aside, it's also ultra-functional, being waterproof and durable with low maintenance and uncomplicated installation.
If you haven't already been introduced, ask your flooring pro for samples and more information. You'll be amazed at how realistic the wood, stone, or tile mimics are. It comes in an almost unlimited number of colors, patterns, and designs and is embossed for added depth and dimension. Texturing appearances such as wire-brushed, hand scraped, weathered and distressed, are also available, as are matte, gloss or high gloss finishes.
Images are taken with 3D photography so colors and patterns are vibrant. They look almost as if they are jumping off the floor. Any LVF follows the trends. For tile, the big news is texturing, such as wood, stone, concrete, marble, leather, and fabric. Patterns are big and bold and include geometrics, chevron, and herringbone.
Once the images are taken, LVF is cut in square, groutable tile-sized pieces, to create LVT. Many feel the extra seams add to the realism. Others take it further by using grout. Now considered a major design tool, grout comes in a wide color palette.
Like all LVF, this has a thick, top, clear plastic wear layer that protects the floor from scratches and scuffs. It keeps spills at the top where they wait to be wiped off. It's one of the most recommended floorings for a home with kids and pets.