Using the words ?luxury? and ?vinyl? in the same sentence may once have seemed like an oxy-moron. But new technologies have yielded a product that offers striking visuals and performance attributes that often make it a preferred flooring choice to natural materials like hardwood and stone. In addition, the long economic downturn that began in 2007 created a desire for value-added products, and LVT certainly fit the bill.
Visuals: Luxury vinyl flooring takes on either of two forms: stone (slate, travertine, marble, etc.) or wood. The ability to replicate real hardwood and stone using advanced photographic technologies is LVT?s foundation.
Shapes: One thing that distinguishes LVT from other types of vinyl flooring is the shape of individual pieces. LVT products are usually square, ranging in size from 12x12 to 24x24, but are now available in 12x24 rectangular and even hexagonal shapes. As well, because LVT often imitates wood flooring, it comes in standard plank shapes such as 3x36, 4-1/2x36, as well as an extra long and wide 7x48 size.
Composition: LVT can be composed of virgin vinyl, recycled content or a vinyl/limestone mixture. Any wood-look LVT will be made of all vinyl. Stone-look LVT might have some stone composition.
Construction: LVT construction usually consists of four layers fused together. From the top down:
- Finish: An aluminum oxide, urethane or ceramic-based layer prevents light scratching and shoe scuffs.
- Clear film: This layer protects against rips and tears.
- Design layer: This is the photo-realistic print of stone or wood.
- Core: The bottom layer gives the product structure and solidity.
- Ease of maintenance: Damp mopping is the recommended cleaning procedure for LVT.
- Water resistant: LVT is pretty much impervious to wet spills.
- Scratch, stain and dent resistance.
- Durability: It?s not unusual to see 20-to-25 year warranties on LVT.
