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Is laminate flooring best for your property? It depends!
As with many home improvement projects, the choice of flooring to install depends on several factors, such as your budget, preferences, and the features of your property.
Laminate flooring offers the beauty and warmth of natural wood and stones without breaking the bank. Keep reading to find out whether it’s the perfect flooring for your building.
Laminate flooring is a synthetic floor covering that has several layers.
First, it has a backing that serves as a moisture barrier. Next is the core layer, which is made of composite wood (fibreboard or plywood).
The third layer is a printed image that takes the appearance of actual wood, stone, or tile. And the last layer is the wear layer, a thin and opaque plastic that protects the other layers from damage.
Yes, laminate flooring is still in demand, and its qualities make it an excellent choice for most rooms in your house. The popular designs are tile and stone laminate floors, but you can customise the flooring to mimic any traditional type of flooring.
Laminate flooring materials are plastic and engineered wood. We’ll discuss their pros and cons.
Plastic laminate combines kraft paper, wood veneer, melamine, and resin. It’s used on countertops, wall panels, and doors.
This type of flooring uses real wood and acrylic lamination. It’s suitable for people who want the natural feel of real wood but still want the benefits of laminate flooring.
The laminate flooring is versatile and cost-effective, making it useful in both residential and commercial settings.
You can install laminate flooring in living areas, kitchen, bathroom, and basement.
Commercial-grade laminate flooring is suitable for offices, healthcare and educational facilities, hotels, and shopping malls.
Below are some benefits of installing laminate flooring:
Despite its advantages, laminate flooring has some drawbacks, such as:
There are various options when it comes to laminate flooring. We’ve sorted them based on their characteristics.
Laminate flooring colours range from natural to light or dark. However, you can have two or three tones to match the appearance of natural wood or stone.
Applying finishes to the surface of a laminate floor enhances its appearance. Depending on your preference, you’ll find finishes for a contemporary, natural, or rustic feel. Some common laminate flooring finishes are:
Laminate flooring showcases a wide range of designs and patterns, such as:
The best type of laminate floor depends on your budget, personal preferences, and intended use. Generally, laminate flooring materials are affordable, but if you want high-quality, you should be willing to spend a little bit more.
Lower-priced laminates will have low image layer quality, low abrasion criteria (AC) rating, thinner planks, and less moisture resistance. Therefore, if you're expecting high foot traffic within a space, a thick laminate floor would be ideal. Also, a high AC rating determines how much stain and scratch the material can endure.
Here's a list of the best laminate flooring brands:
The cost of laminate flooring depends on the type of laminate you choose. We’ve tabulated the price range for the popular laminate flooring options available in the UK.
| Laminate flooring options | Price range (square metres) |
| Oak | £16 - £25 |
| Chestnut and hickory | £16 - £35 |
| Walnut | £17 - £30 |
| Exotic faux wood | £25 - £50 |
| Faux stone | £15 - £35 |
| Faux marble and granite | £19 - £55 |
| Faux ceramic tile | £10 to £25 |
Yes, you can find laminate flooring at a relatively low price. It falls within the budget range and costs between £10 to £15 per square metre. This range of laminate flooring has simple designs and a thinner wear layer, which affects its overall quality and durability.
Yes, you can purchase laminate flooring at a premium price point. It ranges between £25 to £50 per square metre based on certain factors, such as the brand, enhanced stain and scratch resistance, and design details.
Installing laminate flooring would cost between £600 to £3,500, including the supply of materials and labour. The prices depend on the size of the room, the type of laminate, and how long it takes to install. Other factors that influence the overall installation cost are underlay, underfloor heating, skirting boards, and trims.
Laminate flooring doesn't necessarily make your property worth more or less. However, the resale value of the property should increase if you install premium laminate flooring.
But it won't be the same as hardwood. Also, if the previous flooring needed an upgrade, replacing it with laminate will make the property more attractive.
Fitting laminate flooring involves a number of steps: measuring the room, preparing the subfloor, installing the underlay, and placing the laminate planks. The steps are described below:
There are three types of laminate flooring installation: glued, pre-glued, and glueless click.
Yes, laminate flooring requires an underlayment because it reduces noise, improves underfoot comfort and insulation, and extends the lifespan of the flooring. It also protects the flooring from moisture that may seep through the ground.
Yes, you can install laminate flooring as a DIY project if you have the required tools and confidence in your abilities. But if you're unsure or want to install a complex design, it's best to hire a professional.
Although laminate flooring requires low maintenance, you should take steps to ensure it remains in good condition. These steps include preventing dirt and potential damage, regular sweeping, wiping spills as soon as they occur, and maintaining optimum humidity levels.
1. Prevent Dirt and Potential Damage
Place door mats outside and inside entrances to prevent people and pets from trailing dirt around the house. You should also consider placing felt pads under your furniture to prevent scratches that may damage the flooring.
It’s important to note that stiletto heels can damage laminate flooring. You should consider moving around the house without shoes and encourage your guests to do the same.
2. Regular Sweeping
Allowing dirt, mud, grit, and other debris to accumulate on laminate flooring can result in scratches over time. Hence the need to sweep regularly.
Ensure to use a soft brush to prevent abrasion. A vacuum cleaner without the beater bar can also come in handy when you need to pick up dirt along the edges and between the tiles.
3. Wipe Spills Fast
If you leave water on laminate flooring for a long time, it can lead to warping or damage. It may also void the warranty. Therefore, you should prevent spills from occurring in the first place. And when they do, wipe them immediately.
4. Maintain Optimum Humidity Levels
You should keep your humidifier between 35 - 65% during winter to prevent your flooring from shrinking. This is perfect for rooms without electric heating. Additionally, during summer, you should keep the internal temperature at 18.5°C - 24°C and avoid adjusting the thermostat regularly.
To clean laminate flooring, you should consider damp mopping and using the manufacturer-recommended cleaning solution. The cleaning frequency depends on the foot traffic, the season, and where you live.
1. Damp Mopping
After sweeping or vacuuming, you should use a damp mop or cloth to wipe the floor instead of string mops or steam cleaners that hold a lot of water. Also, if there are spots with tough stains, apply acetone, then scrub it gently before wiping it with a damp cloth.
2. Apply the Appropriate Cleaning Solution
You should apply the recommended laminate cleaner instead of detergent, soap, or other floor cleaners, then wipe the floor with a microfibre mop.
Yes, you can repair laminate flooring if there’s a shallow scratch or the finishes are looking dull. But if the damage is significant, like a large scratch, raised or curled edges, or a chip, then it’s time to replace your flooring.
Laminate flooring can last between 10 to 25 years. The lifespan depends on the quality of the flooring, if it was properly installed, the amount of abuse it receives daily, and your maintenance culture.
Generally, laminate flooring performs well. It endures heavy foot traffic and still manages to last a long time without scratching, staining, or fading. Also, many manufacturers now offer both waterproofed and water-resistant models to prevent moisture damage.
Yes, laminate flooring has environmental benefits. For starters, it’s made from the byproduct of renewable timber species like pine. As a result, it doesn’t contribute to deforestation or energy consumption and carbon emission. Also, it’s recyclable and poses no negative impact on the environment when uninstalled.
Laminate flooring can fit into various properties, whether you have kids, pets or receive a lot of guests.
Yes, laminate flooring is good for pets. It’s resistant to stains and water, and you can easily clean dirty paw marks and accidental spills.
Kids can play on laminate flooring. It repels dust, so you don’t have to worry about allergens. Also, it offers traction when kids run around and won’t scratch when they race around the room in a bobby car.
Yes, you can install laminate flooring in an area with high foot traffic. However, you should choose one that’s thick and has an AC rating of 4 or 5.
Yes, you can install laminate flooring in places that get wet, like the bathroom. But you have to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and take necessary precautions to ensure water doesn’t stay longer on the flooring material.
No, laminate flooring isn’t waterproof. Rather, it’s water-resistant, which means it can tolerate accidental spills unless left unattended for a long time.
Laminate flooring is perfect if you’re looking for a floor that’s durable, affordable, and can be installed as a beginner DIY project.
But before you go for it, you should weigh the pros and cons. Installing laminate flooring will no doubt give your building a facelift but won’t rake in the same ROI as natural hardwood and stones.
If you’re still not sure about what’s best for your property, you should contact a professional who’ll assess the space and make recommendations.
Vinyl floors have been rising steadily to fame ever since they came out – and for all the right reasons. They’re durable and affordable and come in endless designs that imitate natural materials. If you’ve been considering them for your property, you’ve come to the right place!
We’ve prepared a detailed guide to vinyl flooring, its types, pros, cons, and price. All you have to do is read on!
Vinyl flooring is a synthetic floor manufactured from a thin vinyl layer and a protective top layer. The design is printed on the vinyl layer, and it mostly imitates natural floors like wood, stone, and marble.
Yes, vinyl floors are extremely common in houses because of their charming designs and durability. You can also find them in commercial properties because of their resistance to wear and water damage.
Vinyl floors come in many types that fit different aesthetics and needs, and we’ve listed them down for you in this section.
No, they aren’t the same. Vinyl floors are made from fewer layers and are less durable than LVT floors. Here’s a brief list of their differences:
Now that you understand the difference between the two floors, it’s time to discuss vinyl floor types in detail!
Vinyl sheet flooring comes in large rolls that are 10-12 feet wide. They’re usually the go-to choice for large rooms because they’re more affordable than tiles and can be laid down easier.
Here are the vinyl sheet flooring pros:
Here are the vinyl sheet flooring cons:
Vinyl roll flooring comes in large rolls that can cover the entire room at once. They’re more affordable than tiles but more challenging to fix if damaged. In most cases, you’ll need to replace the entire floor if damage occurs.
Here are the vinyl roll flooring pros:
Here are the vinyl roll flooring cons:
Vinyl tile flooring comes in equally sized square tiles that are laid down one by one. Some tiles need adhesives to stick to the subfloor, while others have specific designs that click together without the need for glue, like puzzles.
Here are the vinyl tile flooring pros:
Here are vinyl tile flooring cons:
Vinyl plank flooring comes in equally sized planks that imitate hardwood and are laid down one by one. The planks are installed using either pressure-sensitive or hard-set adhesive, and most of them come with ready underlayments.
Here are the vinyl plank flooring pros:
Here are the vinyl plank flooring cons:
Vinyl flooring is an ideal fit for many places because it packs needed qualities, like durability and affordability. If you don’t know where to install your vinyl tiles, here are some ideas:
Vinyl floors are famous among residential property owners because they look similar to natural materials without the extra cost. Here’s a list of rooms where you can install vinyl:
Vinyl floors strike a perfect balance between practicality and aesthetics, making them a top choice for commercial properties. Here’s a list of places you can install commercial vinyl flooring:
Here’s a table showing the reasons why you should consider vinyl flooring.
| Advantages of Vinyl Flooring | |
| Durability | Vinyl floors are manufactured from multiple layers, which enhances their durability. They normally stay from 10-20 years without needing replacements. |
| Aesthetic Appearance | Vinyl planks imitate the endless types of hardwood, while tiles imitate stone and marble. Both choices make for aesthetically appealing floors in various settings. |
| Water Resistance | Vinyl floors are made from PVC, which is a waterproof material. Rolls and sheets are the most resistant to water because they have fewer seams, while tiles and planks are slightly susceptible to damage. |
| Easiness of Cleaning | Vinyl floors only require regular sweeping and mopping with water to look clean. |
Here’s a table showing the drawbacks of choosing vinyl flooring.
| Disadvantages of Vinyl Flooring | |
| Susceptibility to UV Damage | If vinyl floors are placed right in front of a large window or glass door, their colours might fade after a while because of the direct exposure to sunlight. |
| Challenging to Recycle | If you’re pro-environment, you should know that vinyl is much more challenging to recycle than natural materials. You’ll most probably have to throw it out after removing it. |
| No Effect on Property Value | Natural floors like wood and marble can increase a property’s value in case of resale, but vinyl doesn’t share the same privilege. |
Thanks to its manufacturing versatility, vinyl flooring comes in endless styles, patterns, and colours. We’ll discuss some of them in this section.
Vinyl flooring comes in neutral colours that mimic natural materials, like brown, grey, black and white. It also comes in bright colours to fit different aesthetics. Here’s a list of the most famous colours of vinyl flooring:
Vinyl flooring comes in three finishes that enhance its resistance to scratches and give it a slight glow. Here’s a brief roundup of them:
Vinyl floors have elegant patterns that make it hard to distinguish them from natural floors. Here’s a list of the most famous patterns you can find while shopping.
The answer ultimately depends on your needs, budget, style, and personal preference. Suppose you want a new floor in your bedroom or living room. Your best options will be tiles or planks because they give you more freedom in choosing patterns.
Meanwhile, rolls and sheets are better for bathrooms and kitchens because they’re more resistant to water.
There are many renowned brands that sell vinyl floors in the UK, and we’ve listed the most famous ones for you.
To install vinyl flooring in your property, you’ll spend an average of £15-60 per square metre. That said, it’s important to note that the range can slightly change according to the type of vinyl you choose.
Yes, you can. You can find vinyl floors as cheap as £8 per square metre if you dig deep enough. Since vinyl is made from readily available materials that are easy to manufacture, it’s one of the most affordable floors on the market. However, you should expect lower quality than usual if you settle for this low price.
Yes, you can. LVTs are naturally pricier than standard vinyl floors because they’re made from more materials and can last longer. Their average price range is £30-60.
The cost of installing vinyl floors can go anywhere from £20 to £50 per square metre. The exact price depends on the labour costs where you live and the installation method you choose.
Unfortunately, vinyl flooring can either have no effect on the value of your property or lower it. It won’t make much of a difference if it’s still new and looking neat. However, if it’s old and showing signs of tear, it might lower your resale value.
Installing vinyl flooring isn’t much of a tall order, but it’s best left to professionals because any mistake can lead to a replacement of the entire floor. Here’s a general idea about the process of installing vinyl floors.
Before installing new floors, you need to measure the room and know how many tiles or planks you’ll need. Also, you should mark where you’ll lay down the floor pieces so that you don’t make any mistakes.
The second step to do in floor installation is to remove the baseboards in your room using a pry bar. Then, prepare the subfloor by making it even. You can either sand it or use a self-leveller, but the latter is more recommended for vinyl floors.
Now that you’ve prepared your floor accordingly, you can lay down the new tiles or planks. Some of them may need to be cut to fit into corners and doorways, and you can easily do so using a utility knife.
The specific mechanism installation, whether glue-down or interlocking, depends on the type of vinyl you buy.
If you want to know how each type of vinyl floor is installed, here’s a brief roundup of the methods:
No, you don’t. Most vinyl floors are cushioned and can be installed without an underlay, but only if the subfloor is even and smooth.
No, you don’t need an expert, but it’s highly recommended you get one, especially if you haven’t installed floors before. It might sound easy in theory, but installing floors requires attention to detail, and mistakes are common. For seamless results, you should hire an expert.
If you want your vinyl floors to last for the longest time possible, you need to maintain them properly. Here’s how you should do so.
Some stains can lead to the colour of your vinyl floor fading, like lemon juice or vinegar. Meanwhile, some can cause discolouration, like ink. To avoid an unsightly appearance on your floors, you should clean these stains right after they happen. Use a mixture of water and a cleaning detergent, and clean using a dry rug.
Vinyl floors are susceptible to denting from heavy furniture, especially if they’re old. If you don’t want dents all over your floors, you should use protective pads under the furniture legs. You can also rotate the furniture in the room twice or thrice per year, but this isn’t a convenient solution for many.
Doorways, hallways, and stairways take the heaviest traffic in the house, which means they show signs of wear and tear faster than other places. To keep them looking new for a long time, use doormats in all of your house’s entrances and rugs in the hallways and stairways.
You should never clean a vinyl floor using an abrasive powder, steam cleaner, varnish, black soap, or acetone. They all have damaging effects that can drastically shorten your floor’s life.
Here are the steps you should follow to clean your vinyl floors efficiently.
First, you should vacuum or sweep your vinyl floors to remove any loose dirt and dust as a result of foot traffic. For best results, you should do this once or twice per week.
After removing all the loose dirt, you should wipe your floors using a mixture of water and cleaning detergent. That said, make sure to ask your floor manufacturer about suitable detergents so that you don’t use a damaging solvent.
Yes, vinyl flooring can be repaired, but only if the damage is mild. Suppose your floor has scratches and tiny cuts; you can fuse them using a seam sealer. As for more extensive damage, it’ll most probably call for a tile or sheet replacement.
The average lifespan of vinyl flooring ranges anywhere from 10-25 years. Factors like maintenance, traffic load, presence of a protective layer, and thickness of the floor can affect this number, though.
Vinyl flooring is a highly efficient option for both commercial and residential properties. It’s cost-effective and won’t make a dent in your bank account, all while giving you needed floor qualities, like durability and water resistance.
While it doesn’t last as long as natural materials and lacks some of their timeless charm, it’s definitely a considerable second choice if you’re on a budget.
No, it isn’t. Vinyl is a type of synthetic plastic that doesn’t degrade in nature, which means discarded floors fill up unnecessary space on the planet after they’re not in use anymore. Also, vinyl is challenging to recycle.
Yes, it is. Vinyl flooring is a versatile option that can fit in any room, and it’s pet and kid-friendly, which is a plus for big families.
Yes, vinyl flooring is ideal for pets because it resists scratches and cuts. Since most pets have sharp nails that they like to test on the floors, it’s a win-win choice!
Yes, vinyl flooring is good for kids because it doesn’t stain easily. If your kids run around all the time carrying food and drinks, you have nothing to worry about.
Yes, vinyl flooring is suitable for high-traffic areas because it doesn’t show signs of wear easily and resists water and scratches.
Yes, it is. Vinyl floors are mostly resistant to water damage, making them a suitable choice for wet environments like kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.
Yes, it is. Vinyl is a synthetic material that’s completely waterproof. However, the quality of installation can affect the degree to which the floor resists water. If you have a faulty installation, your floors might show signs of water damage.
Vinyl floors are an ideal choice for many settings, and they’re your best bet if you’re on a budget. After learning everything you need to know about them, you can decide whether you want to install some new vinyl floors or not!
If you need more information or a more accurate price quote, get in touch with us now!
Fitting LVT flooring can either be done by yourself or with professional help, depending on the site and the type of LVT flooring. However, it might be a bit challenging.
So, if you’re having a hard time figuring out how to install LVT flooring, this guide should make things easier for you. We’ll walk you through the process, provide tips on fitting the tiles in different rooms, and more!
Before installing LVT flooring, you need to measure your room to find out how many LVTs you need. Take measurements with a tape measure and write them down on a piece of paper before ordering the tiles.
Moreover, you need to check the installation costs to make sure that the whole thing is within your budget.
LVT flooring costs around £45 per metre square in the UK. However, there are various variables that affect the cost, like supplier and flooring quality.
It’s also important that you familiarise yourself with LVT's pros and cons. The main advantages of LVT are easy maintenance, durability, heat fluctuation resistance, and of course, the natural look and feel. It’s super simple to install, too.
The downside is that LVT is prone to discolouration. It’s also difficult to uninstall if glued down.
Here are all the tools required to fit luxury vinyl tiles:
There are three primary types of LVT flooring fitting methods: click/lock, glue-down, and loose lay.
Click or lock LVT flooring integrates a tongue and groove system that’s used to join the tiles together. This is the easiest type of LVT flooring to install. It’s pretty easy to uninstall as well.
Additionally, there’s a newer type of click LVT flooring called the Valingr 5G click system flooring. It features a better lock mechanism, providing improved stability.
On the other hand, glue-down LVT flooring requires adhesive materials for installation. The tile thickness is noticeably thinner than lock LVT flooring, meaning that glue-down LVTs are more strict when it comes to subfloor uniformness and preparation.
Loose lay LVTs are super simple to install. They don’t use a lock system, nor do they require special adhesive materials. All you have to do is lay them in place, making them easy to install and uninstall without requiring professional help.
This is made possible with a bottom layer featuring a high friction coefficient, allowing it to grip the subfloor more effectively.
To fit luxury vinyl tiles properly, follow these steps:
6. Lay the vinyl tiles: For click and loose-lay types, you don’t need adhesive. However, with glue-down, a special adhesive material is required.
Here are some tips for a smooth LVT flooring installation in different rooms:
When installing LVT in hallways, it’s good practice to install the tiles lengthwise to make the hallway appear longer. For example, if the LVT flooring extends to other rooms, you might need to cut a 1-inch wide strip down the side of the hallway to fill in along the wall.
LVT flooring has a waterproof top surface that makes it suitable for wet environments like kitchens. However, you need to include expansion cracks along the walls and cover them with trim. This prevents water from finding its way through the outermost sides of the flooring.
Similar to installing LVT in kitchens, it’s important that you make expansion cracks near the walls to make your flooring8 suitable for wet environments like bathrooms.
Additionally, make sure that the toilet flange is flush to the surface of the floor.
When installing LVT in your bedroom, adding an underlayment can be a good idea to improve the room’s sound absorption properties for a good night’s sleep.
LVT flooring is a great option for conservatories because it tolerates temperature fluctuations pretty well. Installing LVT in conservatories is no different than installing it in a room. Still, we recommend choosing more natural-looking LVT tiles for conservatories.
There’s no right or wrong way to lay vinyl plank flooring as it depends on the shape of your house. As a general rule of thumb, try to make the floor direction parallel to the long walls in all of your house’s rooms. However, for long hallways, you don’t need to do that.
As for transitions, you’d want to maintain a 1 ⅛ inches gap between one of the two halves of the transition to connect the flooring to the metal tracks. Any less than that, and you’re risking a strip that won’t fit.
Just make sure you install the tracks before laying the floor, not after.
While it’s not mandatory, installing underlayment for your LVT flooring is definitely recommended. Underlayment does a great job at absorbing sounds.
It’s also worth mentioning that you don’t need a specific subfloor type to install underlayment; it can be beneficial for all subfloors, including wood, concrete, and others.
That was everything you needed to know about fitting LVT flooring.
LVT flooring installation is pretty simple, whether you opt for installation service or do it yourself. You’re basically getting yourself one of the best modern flooring solutions for residential and commercial use.
So what are you waiting for? Order your preferred LVT tiles and get them fitted right away!
New flooring trends arise every day, but LVT flooring remains a favourite for many people because of its durability, ease of maintenance, and elegance. But how much does LVT flooring cost?
Renovation can be pretty pricey, so you should know how much each detail will cost so that you don't break your bank. And that's why we're here!
We'll tell you everything you need to know about the costs of installing the different types and styles of LVT flooring. So let's jump in!
The average LVT fitting cost per square metre can be anywhere from £15 to £60. If you buy mid-end quality floors, you should expect to pay about £15 to £40. But if you opt for a more luxurious option, you might pay from £40 to £60. However, many factors affect the final cost of installing LVT flooring, like location i.e. your living room or kitchen, flooring style, and vinyl brands.
Here's a list of the factors that affect the price of installing LVT flooring.
The costs of installing luxury vinyl tiles might differ slightly according to where you live. This is because taxes aren't the same all around the UK as you can read more on in this article by Tax Rebate Services. For instance, Scotland might have different tax rates from Wales and England.
Also, workers' salaries and rates are different in every city. So the average LVT fitting cost will vary. Ideally, before installing new floors, you should ask about fitters' rates and average installation costs in your area.
There are many luxury vinyl (LVT) flooring types you can choose from, and each one has a different price. Here's a brief roundup of them.
Floating luxury tiles are easy to install because they click together and don't need adhesive. Accordingly, they don't have high installation prices. That said, they're pricier than many other types to buy. Floating vinyl tiles will cost you around £30 to £70 per square metre. Added to installation fees, you might need to pay up to £80 per square metre.
Unlike floating tiles, peel-and-stick tiles have adhesive on their backings so that they can stick to the floor right away. Generally, buying such tiles will cost you about £12 to £20 per square metre. However, to install them, you'll need to prepare your subfloor.
Preparing the subfloor might cost you about £12 per square metre. After adding your fitter's rate and cost of underlayment, the average cost to fit vinyl flooring might go up to £50 per square metre.
Glue-down luxury vinyl tiles are budget-friendly to buy, but they cost the most to install. This is because you'll need to buy adhesive and hire a professional installation service to install them.
DIY installation isn't recommended here because mistakes are common.
Generally, buying glue-down tiles will cost you anywhere from £15 to £30. Added to installation fees, you might need to pay about £45 to £60 per square metre to install glue-down tiles.
Budget flooring prices start from £7 per square metre, which is excellent if you're on a budget. However, you should know that budget flooring isn't as durable as other types and doesn't have a long lifespan. Also, it's more prone to scratching and scuffing.
If you insist on buying budget vinyl tiles, you can put them in low-traffic rooms. This way, they won't wear fast and will stay with you longer.
Standard flooring might be the best option for people on a budget because it doesn't cost much and is more durable than budget flooring. Generally, it can cost you anywhere from £15 to £25 per square metre. The only issue with standard vinyl tiles is their limited shapes and colours. So it might be challenging to find tiles that match your decor.
Most luxury vinyl tiles in this category are click-together, so they don't cost much to install but can be pricey to buy. Generally, their average cost is £20 to £40 per square metre.
The best part about such tiles is that they come in many colours and patterns and are durable enough to last more than ten years with you.
High-end floors are the best option for many people because they come in many shapes, textures, and colours. Whether you want stone-like floors or a vintage, wooden look, you'll find tiles that fit your interior decor. Also, most brands provide a lifetime warranty with high-end floors. However, these privileges come at a high price of more than £40 per square metre.
Some features in your house might affect the cost of installing LVT flooring. For instance, the price will go up if you have stairs or many corners around your house. It'll also increase if your flooring needs surface preparation before installing tiles.
As for the room size, the bigger your rooms are, the more you'll pay to install vinyl tiles per room.
Luxury vinyl tiles come in many styles; some mimic real wood, and some look like stone. As a result, vinyl flooring prices vary depending on the style you choose.
Generally, marble and stone tiles are more budget-friendly because they're general designs that you can find anywhere. However, if you want to install a specific pattern like lumbar or oak wood, you'll have to pay more.
The brand you buy your vinyl tiles from will dictate how much you'll pay in the end. Popular brands like Baelea and Quick-Step are naturally pricier than others, with tiles that cost anywhere from £20 to £80 per square metre. However, you'll pay less if you settle on a lower-end brand.
The average cost of fitting LVT flooring in the UK ranges from £12 to £20 per square metre. However, this price isn't cemented. You might get a lower price if you want the fitter to complete many jobs, not only one. Also, if you live in a less busy city, you might find lower prices. Cities like London have higher living costs, so labour rates are naturally higher.
Other than fitting costs, your subfloor might need preparation or levelling. There isn't an average price here because it varies significantly according to the condition of your subfloor. But don't expect to pay less than £3 per square metre.
Finally, installing skirting boards will cost £4 or more per square metre. So the average cost of laying LVT flooring is £20 to £30 per square metre, minus the cost of buying vinyl tiles.
Installing standard vinyl flooring is much more budget-friendly than installing luxury vinyl flooring, considering that the former costs about £10 to £15 per square metre. Meanwhile, the cost of the latter starts from £15. This is because luxury vinyl tiles are thicker, more durable, and considered more prestigious. So naturally, fitters charge more for installing them.
Floor underlayment is a thin layer of material you install between your new tiles and your subfloor. It doesn't cost much and is essential for a neat installation. However, its price will vary according to the quality you choose.
If you choose a low-quality underlayment, you might pay about £3 per square metre. But if you opt for a more luxurious material, you'll pay up to £8 per square metre. So the average cost to lay vinyl flooring, in the end, depends on the type you choose and the size of your room.
The time LVT flooring installation takes ultimately depends on the application method. There are two popular methods, glue-down and interlocking.
Interlocking consists of clicking luxury vinyl tiles together without the need for adhesive. Workers will nail down some base planks around the room and attach the rest of the tiles to them.
Interlocking is easier, faster, and more budget friendly. Its only downside is that it isn't as secure as gluing. As for time, if you install LVT flooring by interlocking, it might only take you one day to finish.
The other method, glue-down, involves gluing luxury vinyl tiles to the floor. It's slower than interlocking because workers need time to apply adhesive and glue each tile. However, it's more secure and less likely to slip under your feet. This method will take you from two to three days, depending on the size of your rooms.
If you already have luxury vinyl tiles that you want to replace, you should know that removing them will cost you a considerable amount of money. The average cost of vinyl flooring removal is about £14 to £20 per square metre. You'll need to pay more if you ask the workers to dispose of the old materials.
LVT floorings are an excellent option nowadays because of their elegance and durability. But before installing them, you should consider how much they'll cost.
Generally, buying luxury vinyl tiles will cost you anywhere from £7 to £50 per square metre, depending on the quality and shape you choose. As for the average vinyl flooring installation cost in the UK, it's about £20 to £30 per square metre.
While not all types are equally budget-friendly, you can settle on a lower-quality type that matches your decor and doesn't break your bank. So what are you waiting for? Now that you know the average cost of fitting vinyl flooring in the UK, you can set aside a budget and renovate!
We supply and fit LVT flooring across Kent and London. If you need LVT flooring for your property get in touch today for a free quote.
When planning your new home, you need to think carefully about the type of flooring you’ll use for every room. After all, changing the flooring isn’t that simple. Not to mention, it can be quite costly.
LVT or Luxury Vinyl Tile flooring is a modern type of flooring that can be suitable for various rooms in your home. It’s beautiful yet functional, and you won’t likely need to make any major maintenance to it regardless of the foot traffic.
In this guide, we’ll explore which rooms is suitable for LVT flooring.
LVT or Luxury Vinyl Tile flooring is a commercial type of flooring that combines the beauty of natural-material flooring and the durability of engineered flooring. It’s available in a wide range of beautiful designs, is easy to maintain, and withstands tough conditions quite impressively.
Moreover, LVT flooring is sustainable as it meets the certification standards of WELL and LEED.
LVT flooring can make an excellent choice for your home, particularly in the living room, kitchen, and bathroom. It has everything you need in a floor; looks, ease of cleaning, comfort, and durability.
Vinyl flooring is suitable for lots of rooms. Here’s where LVT flooring can be a good choice:
Living spaces are where you spend the majority of your waking time at home. The living room is suitable for relaxing and spending time with family and friends, making it a high-traffic room.
You should also consider that if you have a pet or more, battering is inevitable, which is why you need beautiful flooring that’s also durable.
Vinyl flooring mimics the authentic appearance of natural wood, giving you a relaxed feeling in the living room. At the same time, it’s durable enough to withstand high foot traffic. It’s also quiet, easy to clean and maintain, and has a warm underfoot feeling.
Kitchens can get quite messy. From spilt liquids to dropped food particles and even broken glasses or dishes, keeping your kitchen clean feels like a tough job.
Luckily, LVT flooring is very easy to clean, making it the right choice for kitchens. No matter how messy your kitchen gets, cleaning the LVT flooring won’t take more than a few minutes. Not to mention, the natural wood look of LVT flooring goes along quite well with many kitchen cabinet designs.
The bathroom is the wettest and most humid room in your home. Natural wood flooring might cause problems like slipping accidents, mould growth, termites, and other issues related to water damage.
LVT flooring, on the other hand, is waterproof and tolerates humidity, making it a good choice for bathrooms. And since there are lots of styles of LVT flooring, you can easily match its appearance with your bathroom’s design.
A conservatory is an indoor area with some of the benefits of the outdoors. It lets you enjoy the view of greenery, sunbaths, and even grow plants
To complement the design of your conservatory, LVT flooring that looks like real wood or stone would look spectacular. And because LVT flooring adapts quite well to temperature changes, you don’t have to worry about sunlight damaging it.
Underfloor heating is necessary, especially in the colder regions of the country. You also need to install underfloor heating if you’re planning to install a heat pump.
Some types of flooring can’t withstand the high heat emitted from underfloor heating systems. But LVT flooring is resistant to temperature changes, making it compatible with underfloor heating.
So if you have underfloor heating or planning to install it, rest assured that LVT flooring won’t cause any problems.
Basements are where most people store unnecessary or barely used items, so they can get quite messy. LVT flooring makes your basement less messy since it’s easy to clean and maintain.
In addition, you properly move heavy items around a lot in the basement, which could cause damage to your flooring. However, LVT flooring has a scratch-resistant top layer, so even if you move things like furniture and appliances in the basement, your flooring will remain as good as new.
The flooring of the stairs in your home can make a huge difference in its overall style. But what really matters is that the stairs are used by everyone, so the flooring must be durable to withstand high foot traffic.
Vinyl flooring makes a good choice because it’s tough and easy to maintain.
When deciding whether LVT flooring is a good choice for a particular room, consider the surrounding environment.
High traffic rooms would benefit more from the durable LVT flooring such as your living room or your kitchen than low traffic rooms. Moreover, since LVT flooring remains dry even when the room is wet, installing it in high-humidity rooms would definitely make sense.
Plus, LVT flooring is suitable for hot and cold environments, even if the temperature fluctuates frequently.
There are 4 primary types of luxury vinyl flooring based on installation: stick down, locking system, loose lay, and glue-down.
Stick down LVT flooring is stuck down directly to the subfloor that has to be dry and 100% flat. Since bedrooms allow for personalisation, stick-down LVT is a good choice for this room. Not to mention, the limited foot traffic means that no special adhesion is necessary.
On the other hand, locking system LVT flooring requires an underlay, and the subfloor doesn’t have to be perfectly flat or dry. This type of flooring is very easy to install yourself, enabling you to save some cash on installation costs.
Not to mention, you can uninstall the flooring in case you decide to move to a new home. However, locking system LVT flooring allows for limited customisation, so if you want to personalise your bedroom’s flooring, it may not be the best option.
Loose lay LVT contains vinyl and phthalate-free plasticisers. It requires an adhesive material for the planks at the perimeter of the room only. This makes it similar to stick down LVT.
There’s another less common type of LVT flooring, called glue-down. However, it can be a bit tricky to install by yourself since it requires gluing the subfloor first, so you’d better leave installing this one to a professional.
It’s also worth noting that LVT floor comes in a wide range of designs, styles and patterns to suit different home styles. You can find LVT flooring that looks like every type of wood flooring and stone flooring.
Luxury vinyl tile flooring is the best type of vinyl flooring for the living room because it’s quiet, durable, easy to keep shiny, and has a warm underfoot.
Both luxury vinyl tile and sheet vinyl would make good choices for the kitchen, thanks to their durability and water-resistance properties. Both are also easy to maintain and clean.
Luxury vinyl tile is the best type of vinyl flooring for the bedroom. It looks spectacular, allows for personalisation, and provides a warm underfoot feeling.
There are countless perks of installing LVT flooring in your home. Here are some of them:
To recap, LVT flooring is quite versatile, and it can be installed in many rooms in your home. It’s particularly suitable for kitchens, bathrooms, conservatories, and living rooms.
Any room that can get messy, wet, or busy would definitely benefit from LVT flooring. And since LVT flooring is durable, looks appealing, and won’t require much effort to install, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t install it in some or even all of your home’s rooms.
Are you looking for durable and practical flooring that doesn’t lack the pleasing aesthetic of natural materials? If so, it’s time to look into the different types of LVT flooring.
Luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) flooring combines the elegance of natural materials and the durability and ease of maintenance of artificial ones. It’s a golden solution for industrial and commercial facilities and places where moisture is common. Nowadays, LVT floorings are quickly rising to the top of the market with their favourable qualities.
To learn more about the different types of LVT flooring and which one is suitable or the best for you, read on!
We’ve all heard about vinyl floorings before, but what is LVT flooring, in particular?
LVT flooring means luxury vinyl tiles flooring, and it’s a type of flooring that looks like real wood or stone but is much thinner and more practical. It’s often manufactured from many layers that add to its durability, and it’s a dream for DIY enthusiasts for how easy it is to install it.
LVT flooring can be installed by glue fastening or snapping its tiles together. In addition, its tiles are extremely thin, making it more favourable for people with shallow floors. This way, they won’t have to add depth to their floors before installing new tiles.
On top of that, LVT floorings are more durable than real wood and more resistant to scratches and wear. Not to mention, they’re water-resistant, making them a perfect alternative to laminate floorings.
After giving you a brief introduction to LVT flooring, it’s time to dive into more details regarding its types. There are four types of LVT flooring, and we’ll give you a brief roundup of them.
As their name refers, self-adhesive vinyl tiles and planks don’t require glue for installation. Instead, they have adhesive layers on their backs that stick by pressure. So to install them, you’ll only have to remove the protective layer on each tile, position it correctly, and press it down on the floor.
Removing self-adhesive tiles is equally easy. You can first use a blow-dryer to heat each tile and melt the adhesive. Then, you can cut the tiles into small chunks and remove each piece.
Installing glue-down LVT flooring is a bit more challenging than installing self-adhesive tiles. This is because, this time, you’ll need a type of glue that can stick vinyl floors.
While less suitable for DIY lovers, glue-down LVT floorings are more durable than self-adhesive tiles and less likely to move under your feet. This is especially the case if they’re installed by a professional.
To install glue-down LVT tiles, apply the glue to the ground first. Then, press each tile in its proper place till it’s glued to the floor. Removing this type of LVT flooring is challenging and calls for a professional’s help, mainly because the glue doesn’t melt easily.
Unlike the previous two types, interlocking vinyl tiles don’t require any adhesives for installation. Instead, they have complementary designs that allow each two tiles to join. In other words, you’ll only need to click the tiles together in their proper places to install your new LVT flooring.
While removing interlocking tiles isn’t particularly challenging, you’ll have to remove an entire row if you want to remove a specific tile. This is because the entire row is connected.
Loose lay vinyl planks were specifically designed to provide easy installation. They don’t require adhesives and don’t have locking systems. Instead, they adhere to the floor by friction.
The high friction between their bottom layer and the floor causes them to grip the subfloor tightly, leaving no chance for the tiles to move beneath your feet. To ensure the planks don’t roll, you can use adhesive in the room corners.
The best part about loose lay vinyl planks is that they’re reusable. So you can easily remove and install them somewhere else. On top of that, they don’t leave any residues behind. So generally, they’re one of the best types of vinyl flooring.
There are many vinyl flooring types on the market, but why is LVT flooring special? Here are four reasons why you should install LVT flooring in your house.
What makes LVT floorings more appealing to customers is that they’re moisture-resistant, unlike many other flooring types.
The pros of LVT floorings is they are manufactured from PVC, which gives them a very high water resistance. As a result, you can install LVT tiles in your laundry room, basement, bathroom, or kitchen.
Of course, the degree of moisture resistance depends on the flooring’s installation. For instance, if the installation is faulty and there are open seams between every two tiles, water will seep into your subfloor, which will eventually damage the entire floor.
Also, if you accidentally pour any liquid on your floor, you should be quick to wipe it, even if your floors are water-resistant.
The part where LVT floorings shine among other types is their unprecedented durability. While real wooden floors are more attractive aesthetically, they don’t last as long.
More so, LVT floorings are always a winner when kids and pets are around, and generally, in high-traffic rooms. Even if your pet likes to scratch the floor with its nails, you won’t see a scratch or any signs of wear.
Floors that aren’t water-resistant are often challenging to clean because how can you efficiently clean a floor without water? However, this isn’t the case with LVT floorings. Instead, you can clean them in whatever way you like.
For instance, you can use a vacuum, mop, or water and soap. You won’t have to worry about water seeping through the floors and damaging your subfloor. However, it’s fair to warn you that you shouldn’t put too much water on your floors, no matter how water-resistant they are.
The constant advances in the floors industry have made differentiating between real wooden floors and types of floor vinyl extremely challenging. They’re equally elegant and have high-end finishes, so you might not notice the difference.
Not to mention, LVT floorings are available in many attractive designs and colours. For instance, you can choose a floor that looks like stone, wood, marble, and the like. To sum it up, they satisfy every taste.
Many types of vinyl floorings are available on the market, and many people confuse LVT and LVP floorings. For starters, LVP flooring, also known as luxury vinyl plank flooring, is manufactured in the shape of planks to resemble real wooden floors. Meanwhile, LVT floorings are manufactured in the shape of tiles.
Both types are water-resistant, making them popular among other flooring types. They’re manufactured from multiple plastic layers, making it impossible for water to seep through them and reach the subfloor. You can install either type in any room you want, even if it’s susceptible to moisture.
LVT and LVP are available in many colours and designs, and they greatly resemble natural materials like wood and stone. They’re also equally easy to install, clean, and maintain.
There isn’t a definite answer to this question; however, we can clear things up a bit for you. First of all, LVP flooring looks more like hardwood than LVT flooring. So if you’re going for the authentic wooden look in your house, you’ll love how it looks.
On the other hand, LVT flooring looks like stone and bamboo floorings because it’s cut into smaller pieces.
Other than that, there are nearly no differences between the two types. They share the same pros and cons. For starters, they’re both durable, water-resistant, easy to install, and affordable.
But unfortunately, they’re also non-biodegradable, can fade when exposed to sunlight for long hours every day, and can cause health problems for people with breathing problems. But how?
Vinyl floorings, in general, emit pollutant gases known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Although these gases aren’t harmful to healthy people, they might cause some health issues for people with lung or breathing conditions.
Yes, LVT floorings are entirely water-resistant, unlike other types of flooring that are only partially resistant to moisture. This is because they’re manufactured from a durable wear layer, rigid core, and attached underlayment. The multiple layers, combined with the durable manufacturing materials, ensure that water doesn’t damage the floor.
The best LVT flooring type depends on your needs. If you want your floor to look like real wood, then you should get LVP flooring. But if you want a stone-themed aesthetic, you’ll do better with vinyl tiles. Finally, if you want to install new flooring in your bathroom or kitchen, you should consider WPC flooring, also known as waterproof plank flooring.
Installing LVT flooring costs about £20 to £60 per meter square. However, this price is only for purchasing the tiles. Installing them will also cost you money if you hire a professional to do it. It might cost you anywhere from £5 to £20 per meter square. Any issues with your subfloor might cause the price to go up.
Choosing new flooring for your house is always a dilemma between settling for a higher price and a more elegant look or an affordable price and a low-quality finish. However, you can say goodbye to this dilemma with LVT floorings.
They’re durable, affordable, water-resistant, and look elegant. They’re also very easy to install, clean, and maintain. All in all, they’re a good choice for high-traffic and water damage susceptible rooms.
If you want to install LVT floorings, contact us now!
LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile) flooring is a type of flooring that looks like real wood or stone without sacrificing durability.
Whether you’re a homeowner, landlord, property investor, or property developer, the flooring of your property is one of its most important assets.
Investing lots of money in flooring, only for it to look average and start wearing out within a couple of years, can definitely be frustrating. That’s why familiarising yourself with flooring types and styles such as LVT is essential.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about LVT flooring, including its types and benefits. So, let’s get started!
Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) is a type of flooring that’s made up of multiple layers. It mimics the look of natural materials such as wood. LVT is relatively new, but it’s growing in popularity at a very fast pace.
LVT flooring is either manufactured as planks or tiles. It makes an excellent alternative to tiles and laminate flooring, thanks to its durability and water-resistant properties.
LVT floorings are great for those who want to add the warmth of natural materials to their property without sacrificing practicality. They come in spectacular designs, and you can even find them in different wood species and grain patterns.
LVT planks and tiles are very thin and flexible, to the point that you can cut through them with a knife. Not to mention, they can be used with underfloor heating.
There are various types of LVT flooring, which include:
Here are some of the perks of installing LVT flooring in your house or commercial property:
Unlike other types of floorings, LVT flooring looks natural and beautiful. With designs that mimic the look and feel of wood and stone, you can create a relaxing indoor environment that doesn’t look industrial.
One of the biggest advantages of LVT flooring is longevity. The top area is covered with a wear layer that extends the life of the flooring. Some manufacturers even incorporate multiple layers of wear, including a urethane-treated layer that offers additional protection against everyday tear and wear.
Moreover, the base is made up of 3 stacked layers that provide a strong locking system.
LVT flooring is manufactured with non-phthalate plasticizers. Not to mention, it’s compliant with WELL and LEED standards. In other words, buying and installing LVT flooring on your property means that you’re directly contributing to a greener environment.
Thanks to the wear layer, LVT flooring has excellent scuff and stain resistance properties, making it very easy to maintain. All you need to clean your LVT flooring is a normal 2-bucket cleaning system.
LVT flooring is manufactured using the hot-press technique, where the baking process combines the vinyl layers using fusion. This provides LVT flooring panels with top-notch strength.
LVT flooring is pretty durable, so you should expect it to last anywhere from 10-20 years in good condition. Of course, some factors come into play, like the flooring’s installation, maintenance, and the setting in which it’s installed.
It depends. LVT floorings should at least be water-resistant, meaning that they can withstand pet mishaps, topical spills, and tracked moisture. So as long as you dry the area up as soon as possible, you should be OK.
However, some manufacturers offer waterproof LVT floorings by integrating waterproof core materials, like WPC and SPC. This makes the flooring hold up pretty well against things like plumbing leaks.
Choosing the best type of LVT flooring largely depends on your personal preferences. For example, you might consider opting for loose lay LVT flooring because it’s cheaper. Not to mention, you can install it yourself.
Also, if getting the best design is vital to you, you’ll probably opt for glue-down LVT floorings since they’re the most beautiful and natural-looking.
That was everything you needed to know about LVT floorings.
If you’re in the process of choosing a suitable flooring for your property, you should now be able to decide if LVT flooring is the right option for you.
So what’re you waiting for? Get in touch to check out our LVT flooring options now
Installing the best vinyl flooring in your house is a wonderful idea, at least until you’re bombarded with all sorts of decisions. Often, the numerous options and unlimited information can be a bit overwhelming.
But that’s why we’re here! We’ll run you through the crucial facts about vinyl flooring. That includes its characteristics, types, pros and cons, thickness, styles, installation process, LVT flooring brands, and more. This way, you get to decide on the best LVT flooring, UK, for your new home, no guesswork involved!
So many factors contribute to which vinyl flooring fits your room. For one, your floor should complement your walls, furniture, and other features.
When choosing the luxury vinyl floor design, you need to consider if it matches your vision. And you’ll be able to find a design you want in any vinyl type! Moreover, the floor should be a base for all the furnishings since it’ll probably be more permanent than the wall colour and everything else.
Speaking of colours, your vinyl floor’s colour will strongly impact its ambience. To illustrate, you can opt for darker tones to absorb the light and give your room a warm atmosphere. Otherwise, you can get bright vinyl flooring to reflect the light and give your room the illusion of space.
What also contributes to how spacious a room feels is the size of the vinyl floor design. We typically recommend small patterns in small rooms and big ones in big rooms.
Additionally, sturdiness, wear resistance, soundproofing, and easy maintenance are all features you should consider. They’re especially relevant for high-traffic areas, kitchens, and bathrooms.
We’ll run you through the different types of vinyl flooring and the differences between them to help you make an informed decision. The main types of vinyl floors are:
But how are they different from one another? After all, they mostly look similar. Firstly, vinyl planks are synthetic planks that assume the appearance of hardwood. But unlike wood, they’re cheap, easy to install, and easy to clean. Nonetheless, compared to vinyl planks, vinyl sheets are more affordable.
Also, installation is somewhat different since the vinyl sheet is sold as a large roll that you can spread and cover your whole space with. That means you won’t see any seams. In comparison, the other type comes in planks. Not to mention, vinyl planks’ fiberglass backing makes them more sturdy than vinyl sheets.
Secondly, we have luxury vinyl, either tiles or planks. When we compare luxury vinyl flooring to regular vinyl, we’re assured that it’s more sturdy and durable than the former type with a tough wear layer. Also, it resembles wood or stone or features other patterns.
The main distinction between LVT and LVP is their shape. As the names suggest, the former is in tile form, and the latter is in plank form. Also, LVT assumes the appearance of stone, whereas LVP assumes the appearance of hardwood.
Thirdly, WPC refers to luxury vinyl planks that are 100% waterproof, thanks to the core of four-layer construction.
Fourthly, SPC is an upgrade from LVT. Its multiple later gives it high peel strength, noise dampening qualities, and heat and sound insulation ones.
Vinyl flooring is composed of a synthetic material known as polyvinyl chloride resin. It’s super hard-wearing and durable while maintaining a soft underfoot. Accordingly, it’s a good fit for high-traffic spots.
Sometimes, thickness plays into it as well. To elaborate, quality sheet vinyl is homogeneous, containing one solid layer. Therefore, it should be about 3.5mm thick to be durable.
As for LVT and LVP, they’re durable and waterproof with a layered design. To illustrate, there’s a wear layer for protection, a print layer with the pattern, a waterproof core to avoid swelling and warping, and a backing layer that serves as a sturdy base.
As for vinyl planks, the wear layer protects them against dents, scraps, and stains. So, you’ll find thicker vinyl floors with warranties of up to 25 years. Otherwise, thin vinyl planks typically come with a 5 to 10-year warranty.
Flooring cleaning and maintenance is certainly something to think about, and it’s easy with vinyl floors. Just vacuum the floor gently or sweep it with a soft brush to remove dust. You can also use water to clean it since it’s water-resistant.
When dealing with rigid core vinyl, all you need is a quick sweep to wipe up everyday stains and spills. But for a more thorough clean, you can use a steam mop on a low setting. When it comes to sheet vinyl, you can vacuum or whip it down easily.
We can’t discuss maintenance without scratch resistance. Unfortunately, vinyl flooring isn’t entirely scratch-resistant. Does that mean you can’t install it if you have heavy furniture? No, just put furniture pads under the furniture, and you’re good to go. Also, regular cleaning ensures there’s no dust build-up, which could cause scratches.
Now, you probably want the best type. We’d choose SPC for the most heavy-duty vinyl flooring. That’s because it’s arguably the most stable type, making it resistant to dents and giving it a soft underfoot. For that reason, it’s an excellent choice for high-foot traffic areas and commercial use.
What’s interesting is that SPC isn’t the thickest type of vinyl. It’s usually 4mm to 6mm. Meanwhile, WPC tends to be 5mm to 8mm thick.
Now, you might be overwhelmed and unsure where to look for high-quality vinyl flooring. So, we’ve got some recommendations for the best vinyl flooring brand, UK.
First on our list of LVT brands is Karnean, which has been in the business for about 50 years. It believes that top-quality vinyl flooring should be beautiful and practical, which explains why the company is one of the most established globally.
In addition, its products are realistic in their imitation of stone and wood. Not to mention, they’re environmentally friendly, durable, and reasonably priced.
Then, we have Amtico with over 50 years of experience, providing us with some of the best LVT flooring on the market. It’s well known for its quality, functionality, and durability. For that reason, the brand accommodates domestic and commercial use.
Moreover, Shaw, the company owned by Berkshire Hathway, is widely known for its diverse flooring type. It also offers good-quality vinyl flooring for a reasonable price.
Of course, prices may vary according to the type of vinyl flooring you pick. For instance, vinyl sheets may be £10 and above, whereas vinyl planks may be £15 and up. As for tiles, the cost may start at £15. Then, of course, you’ll have to factor in the price of fitting your vinyl flooring, which can be about 50% of the total cost.
To learn how much vinyl flooring costs, you need to calculate the floor area. Simply use this equation: [Length of Floor] x [Width of Floor] = Floor Area. Then, divide the area by the size of one tile to get the number of tiles you need.
To start with, a myth we need to debunk is that the thicker the floor is, the more durable it becomes. Instead, it’s the wear layer that grants a flooring product its durability.
What matters is that you decide on the needed thickness based on the amount of traffic it gets. For instance, 2mm to 4mm is good enough for a low traffic spot. Otherwise, 4mm to 6mm is more fit for heavy traffic spots.
When it comes to installation, you can either hire professionals or do it yourself since it’s effortless to lay vinyl flooring. Also, if you have underfloor heating, you can install LVT, as they work well together. Overall, you can install all vinyl floors over water-based underfloor heating.
In addition, if you have concrete subfloors, WPC can be an excellent flooring choice. Still, other vinyl floors are acceptable as well. What matters is that the concrete is in good condition. It should be clean, smooth, and dry without holes or cracks.
Last but not least, you won’t need any underlayment for vinyl floors because they already have a base layer. This enhances their durability and comfort. So, unless your subfloor is uneven or has humidity issues, you don’t have to install an underlayment.
You’ll find vinyl floors in a plethora of patterns and colours. We’re looking at the top flooring trends for 2022, and it seems that wood-look planks are the most popular ones!
For instance, you’ll find traditional Oak, Walnut, and Birch-effect vinyl floorings. There are also classic styles, including rustic wood-effect vinyl flooring and matte finishes. You’ll also find dramatic grain patterns. These are some of the most realistic vinyl plank flooring options, and they might even assume the texture of hardwood.
Not to mention, you can opt for sandstone-effect vinyl flooring, which brings a contemporary but classic vibe to your house.
Of course, the variety of colours adds to the versatility of vinyl floors. You can undoubtedly opt for colours stone-effect vinyl flooring. So, do you want bright colours, such as turquoise, orange, red, cherry, or neutral ones that resemble natural stone?
Last but not least, slate designs are some of the most popular stone-look vinyl planks. They give you that slate-effect without breaking the bank.
With that in mind, you see how you can find vinyl planks that look like hardwood and vinyl tiles that look like natural stone. However, you can also find stone-look planks and wood-look tiles, thanks to the accessibility of the best value LVT flooring.
The best vinyl plank flooring is popular for a reason or several ones. To start with, it’s waterproof, meaning that you can install it in bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.
Also, it requires minimal cleaning, which is a major advantage in such high traffic areas. And it keeps its lustre, thanks to the protective layer. Not to mention, it won’t suffer many scratches and stains.
What makes this feature especially alluring is the fact that these planks look like hardwood. They’re, in fact, highly authentic. So, you can get the wood-effect without its drawbacks! You can also find stone, marble, and other effects.
We want to give you the whole picture, so here are our concerns with vinyl plank flooring. Although it’s durable, it isn’t as durable as hardwood. So, it’ll live up to ten or twenty years, and it’ll get scratched or scuffed with time.
Also, if it gets badly damaged, there’s no repairing it. Your only choice is to replace the damaged planks, and even that isn’t easy. The only time you can fix a plank is if the damage is minimal (like a scratch).
Regarding its environmental impact, LVP emits low quantities of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These compounds are harmful, especially if you have respiratory allergies.
For that reason, opt for the best vinyl wood plank flooring, as it’ll stop releasing the compounds after a week or two. Meanwhile, cheap ones won’t do so for up to two months. Another environmental issue is that vinyl planks aren’t biodegradable, so recycling them won’t be easy.
When it comes to the best vinyl plank flooring brands (UK) for waterproofing, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. That’s because it depends on your budget and the other features you’re after. But since we’ve talked about Shaw previously, we must say that most of its products are 100% waterproof.
Another brand that stands out is NuCore. It’s the one brand among almost all vinyl floor companies that only puts out 100% waterproof floors, so you won’t have to check its individual products for that feature.
In terms of installation, you can classify LVT into glue-down and click varieties. Luxury vinyl click flooring reviews, UK, will tell you that it facilitates DIY installation. The composition of both types is almost the same, which makes vinyl click flooring a solid option.
Nevertheless, we wouldn’t recommend click flooring if you plan on installing it in a high traffic area or a room with high moisture levels or changing temperatures.
To answer that question, we need to look at particular features. Vinyl is 100% waterproof, so the water and dampness won’t damage it. Not to mention, vinyl flooring is stain-resistant. Accordingly, you can clean it easily.
One area where vinyl is better than other waterproof options is its comfortable underfoot. In other words, your bathroom floor won’t be cold and hard. However, vinyl floors’ topcoat is non-durable and not UV resistant, so they aren’t a good idea for bathrooms that get a lot of light.
Vinyl flooring is excellent for basements, and here’s why. It’s water-resistant and moisture resistant, enabling it to handle the moisture levels of the basement without getting damaged. But if you plan on adding plywood or something else under the vinyl, know that it’ll decrease the vinyl’s moisture-resistance capabilities.
Additionally, when you install vinyl flooring over your concrete, you don’t need to dig nails, which is very difficult. Instead, you use double-sided tape or snap the planks together.
As we’ve mentioned, vinyl floors are an excellent idea for your high-traffic kitchen. After all, they’re affordable, practical, easy to clean, and durable to an extent. So, it’ll be easy to clean up spills and stains with a simple wipe.
Of course, the best vinyl floor covering would be waterproof and moisture-resistant. This way, you don’t have to worry about the heat emanating from the stove or the water dripping from the kitchen tab. Also, vinyl has cushioning and quality insulation. In other words, it provides a warm and comfortable underfoot.
Overall, installing vinyl floors is an excellent idea. Of course, you know the features you need, the conditions of the rooms in which they’ll be installed, and more. Also, vinyl flooring types are so versatile that you can choose one with those factors in mind. So, do the maths, and get the best luxury vinyl flooring, now!