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Researched numerous flooring types, finally settled on LVT flooring, and now wondering what’s next. If this scenario strikes a chord with you, you’ll certainly want to keep reading.
We created this guide to give you an in-depth understanding of the diverse effects of LVT flooring, how each variety complements different rooms, and much more.
Don’t worry about having a limited selection of LVT flooring effects compared to other countries. All effects are generally available in regions that sell this type of flooring. They mainly involve styles resembling natural flooring materials like wood and stone.
Some people believe that because each LVT effect mimics a different material, they were all produced using different components.
That’s not entirely true; the materials used to create various LVT flooring effects are quite similar (though quality varies from one supplier to another). You’ll get why once you understand how this flooring is manufactured, so allow us to explain.
LVT is made by combining multiple durable, synthetic layers, with the top one being a high-resolution image of the desired effect. This means that whether you get an LVT wood effect or a ceramic one, the key distinction will be in the picture added on top.
Do various LVT flooring effects age differently? A question we get asked a lot, and the short answer to it is no. All varieties of this flooring have a lifespan of up to 25 years.
That said, certain aspects may show signs of wear and tear faster than others. Light shades, for example, aren’t as forgiving as darker ones when it comes to concealing damage.
Each effect of LVT flooring is available in a huge selection of colours and shades. So, if you’re going for a warm wooden effect, you’ll have a variety of brown hues, ranging from pastels to darks, to choose from.
LVT flooring, regardless of the effect, typically comes in two types of finishes: “no-wax” and “wax.” In a nutshell, the no-wax variety gives the surface a shine without needing to wax it, whereas the wax finish, as the name suggests, relies on waxing.
It’s worth mentioning that over time, the no-wax finish may lose its lustre, but you can easily restore it by adding another no-wax layer.
Aside from these standard LVT finishes, you might find different manufacturers adding special treatments to the surface. That’s mainly to enhance durability or add extra features, such as making the flooring slip-resistant.
The diverse patterns and layouts that LVT effects offer are one of the main selling points of this flooring. While most patterns work well with a variety of effects, some of them are better suited to specific ones.
For example, herringbone is a classic pattern for wood flooring, which is why we use it for LVT with wood effect. The Flemish bond pattern, on the other hand, has a brickwork layout that perfectly complements stone and ceramic LVT effects.
Each room in your house should have specific design elements that elevate its unique aesthetic. When it comes to flooring, this primarily depends on mastering the art of matching suitable LVT flooring effects with different areas of your home. Here’s how:
Bathroom styles vary greatly depending on personal preference; some prefer minimalism, while others favour opulence. There are three LVT effects that, with the right fixtures and accessories, can complement any taste:
We should warn you that if your LVT bathroom flooring isn’t properly installed, excess water can easily damage it, so make sure to have it installed by a professional.
The flooring style you select for your kitchen can transform it from a boring space to a focal point. However, before we reveal our favourite effects, you should know that the secret to a true transformation is the colour, and we’re about to spill the beans.
If you want to draw attention to your kitchen cabinets, paint them dark and choose light-coloured flooring. When you want to add a dramatic touch, do the exact opposite (light cabinets and dark flooring). Most importantly, never, ever have all your kitchen elements in the same colour.
Now, here are the best LVT effects for kitchens:
Aside from offering plenty of designs that round out any bedroom’s decor, LVT is an excellent choice for this area of your home. It provides great insulation, is soft underfoot, and muffles the sound of footsteps.
You can achieve the cosy and warm vibe that most homeowners seek in their bedrooms through any of the following LVT effects:
When we explain to our clients that the LVT flooring they choose can affect the size and lighting of their living rooms, they’re always astonished.
Simply, if you want to make the space appear larger, go for dark LVT shades and light-toned furniture. However, if your living room isn’t receiving enough sunlight, you can brighten it by choosing light LVT shades.
Here are a few LVT effects that offer a wide range of hues and give the room a welcoming atmosphere:
Hallways are the busiest areas of a home, and the level of LVT flooring durability is ideal for them.
Since hallways connect multiple spaces, they’re one of the most seen areas by guests. So, making them look nice is never a bad idea, and these LVT effects can help with that:
Many people want to create a seamless transition between their floors and staircases. If you’re one of them, we recommend you use the same flooring effect on both, as that’ll achieve the harmonious look you want.
However, if you don’t want that, choosing stairs that are lighter or darker than the floor won’t ruin its appeal. In fact, if you live in a busy household, we suggest using dark LVT colours for your stairs. Since this area sees a lot of foot traffic, it’ll be practical to have a hue that hides damage.
The following are great effects of LVT for stairs:
Shopping for LVT effects for commercial properties differs significantly based on the general ambience you want to develop.
For example, when it comes to offices, most people want to create a more formal yet inviting environment, in which case the following LVT effects make the ideal choices:
For hospitals, however, it’s usually preferable to stick with calming, bright, and practical effects, such as:
You’ve probably wondered if the different types of LVT flooring impact the effects that you can choose from; let’s take a look:
All LVT effects are available in the click variety, and these are:
That’s great because it’s one of the easiest types to install and closely resembles the appearance and patterns of natural flooring.
The term “click” actually refers to the installation method in which tiles are locked together by tapping or clicking down on each one to secure it to the floor underneath.
Just like click LVT flooring, the glued variety comes in all effects and is also named after its installation technique. This type requires the use of adhesive to secure it in place, which makes the process more complex. It is, however, cheaper to purchase.
LVT is a type of luxury vinyl flooring that’s manufactured in the shape of square or rectangular tiles. Due to its style, the following are the most common effects of this variety:
LVP is another type of luxury vinyl flooring named after the shape it’s manufactured in, which is long narrow planks.
This type is primarily available in a wood effect. That’s because its shape makes it perfect for replicating traditional natural wood flooring patterns, such as parquet and herringbone.
Yes, some LVT effects may be more expensive than others. But that has less to do with the material that LVT is mimicking and more to do with the quality and method of installation.
LVT, like any other flooring type, is manufactured in varying qualities to suit a wide range of budgets.
So, for instance, you’ll find that an LVT effect of highly realistic and textured wood will be more expensive than a similar LVT effect with simpler colour and texture schemes. That’s because more advanced technologies and materials were used to achieve that level of precision.
Besides, there are several LVT installation techniques with varying costs, and we already mentioned two of them. If you get an LVT effect in a click form, you’ll pay more than if you get it in the glued one.
By now, you possess all the information you need to choose the best LVT flooring effect for the various spaces on your property; the ball is in your court.
If you’re still unsure about how different effects will fit in with your home’s decor, you could always seek the advice of a professional. Contact All Floors Trade Centre today and one of our experts will be happy to step in to help you make an informed decision!