9 Myths about LVT Flooring

There's no question that LVT (luxury vinyl tile) flooring is one of the fastest-growing categories on the market. As a result, many luxury vinyl flooring myths are floating around, and you may need some clarification when deciding on a purchase for the home or office.

As experts on LVT, we've decided to clear up nine of the more common myths circulating in the flooring community. By debunking these myths, we hope to help you make a better, more informed choice when selecting your preferred flooring.

Luxury Vinyl Tile Flooring Myths

Vinyl is a highly durable, stylish and affordable material with many misconceptions surrounding it. These myths will often prevent buyers from purchasing or installing LVT flooring in their homes or offices. While there are several myths, we have chosen to debunk the following nine.

1. All LVT Flooring Is the Same

Vinyl flooring is a popular type that comes in many different styles. It often finds use in homes and businesses, as it is cost-effective and easy to install and maintain.

LVT flooring is also seen as more durable than other options, such as carpet, linoleum, basic tile and more. Certain LVT flooring is even made to look and feel like natural stone, wood and clay.

There are so many different types of LVT these days that it's hard to tell if you are walking on vinyl at all. Additionally, LVT options are water-resistant and have a thick layer of protection to help preserve your flooring for a long time.

To make the claim that all LVT flooring is the same is unequivocally false. The flooring itself comes in three different forms — planks, tiles and rolls. Top it all off with an assortment of designs and textures, and you'll have more variety than you ever need.

2. Vinyl Flooring and Laminate Are the Same

These flooring options have entirely different construction processes and are made from different materials. LVT is far more durable thanks to its core layer made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), wood plastic composite (WPC) or stone plastic composite (SPC). In contrast, the laminate's core is constructed of fiberboard wood.

Additionally, LVT is considered waterproof by most manufacturers. Laminate is less water-resistant overall. Laminate is also usually cheaper than LVT flooring, though LVT is seen as more cost-effective. Vinyl is also better for absorbing noise, making it quieter underfoot than laminate.

And finally, laminate has a scratch-resistant layer, whereas LVT does not. LVT's protective layer can vary in thickness to increase its protection, but it's still not scratch-resistant like laminate. Both options are easy to clean, maintain and install. 

3. LVT Is Hard to Maintain

Natural wood or stone surfaces can be notoriously difficult to maintain. You must often wax, polish and buff these surfaces to keep them looking luxurious. It's a different reality for LVT flooring.

LVT flooring is one of the lowest-maintenance choices a homeowner can make. The protective wear layer makes it so that buffing and waxing are rarely required for long-term maintenance. Depending on the thickness of the wear layer, your LVT flooring can last from 10 to 20 years before you may need new flooring.

Daily sweeping and vacuuming can rid you of unwanted debris that could cause damage. Weekly to biweekly light mopping should be all that is needed, as LVT is naturally scuff-, stain- and water-resistant. If you somehow manage to damage a plank beyond repair, LVT is easily replaceable. Simply pop out the plank or tile and place a new one.

4. LVT Wears Down Too Easily

Consumers may have mixed up this myth with cheaply made laminate flooring products. Some laminate flooring with low-quality design printing processes will often quickly disappear under heavy foot traffic and lots of wear and tear.

Some homeowners might believe that the images embossed on the top layer of the LVT will fade. But what you actually get is a thoughtful design set in each constructed tile and plank, with a durable wear layer that protects the pattern beneath. Depending on its thickness, this layer ensures the design does not fade away so quickly.

The wear layer is a clear coat defense that is highly durable and difficult to stain or scuff. So long as you're quick on the cleanup, stains and scuffs will cause you no problem. This layer also possesses particular dent- and scratch-resistant properties, but it is not indestructible. 

LVT flooring requires less maintenance than most other flooring options. It's also relatively cost-effective, is made to look luxurious and can last a very long time.

Technology has advanced so much over the years that today's LVT flooring far outshines the vinyl flooring from the past. Colors and patterns can take 10 years to fade. With proper maintenance, colors can last 20 years.

5. LVT Is One-Dimensional

Lower-end laminate and vinyl flooring use cheap raw materials without textures and protective layers. This is different for LVT flooring. In fact, LVT manufacturers use the hot press method to add actual texture that can be seen as well as felt.

LVT flooring is also a fantastic option for a large variety of rooms. Thanks to its water-resistant properties, it works tremendously well in areas that consistently collect moisture, such as kitchens, bathrooms and other humid spaces.

Where LVT is most multidimensional is in its variety of patterns and designs. Vinyl flooring may have been a boring option in the past, but today's LVT can produce basically any color or design you can imagine. Manufacturers can also design it to mimic other high-end materials, such as hardwood, stone, clay, marble and more. 

6. Luxury Vinyl Flooring Is Toxic and Bad for the Environment 

Another common vinyl myth is that LVT is toxic and not eco-friendly because it is made from synthetic materials. However, this is mostly false. Years ago, when manufacturing standards were lower than they are now, vinyl flooring contained high amounts of cadmium, lead and volatile organic compounds. 

Fortunately, the Environmental Protection Agency encourages manufacturers to make products that meet the Indoor Air Quality certification standard. This means that safe, nontoxic vinyl flooring is easier to find. Many brands also use sustainable manufacturing processes. Plus, LVT flooring is a long-term option, reducing the need for frequent replacements and making luxury vinyl flooring a more sustainable choice. 

7. Luxury Vinyl Tile Looks Cheap 

One of the biggest LVT flooring myths is that luxury vinyl only has outdated, low-quality designs and looks fake. The reality is that modern LVT flooring uses advanced embossing and printing technologies to create realistic designs. Depending on your preference, these designs can mimic stone, wood and tile designs. 

With textured finishes and high-definition imaging, LVT closely mimics natural materials for a sophisticated look at a lower cost. It is especially beneficial in bathrooms, living rooms and kitchens, where you want the polished look of tile or hardwood without the upkeep. 

8. LVT Can't Handle Moisture 

Many people believe that LVT flooring is unsuitable for areas exposed to water and humidity. In truth, luxury vinyl is highly water-resistant, with some varieties being waterproof. 

LVT flooring was specifically engineered to prevent issues like warping, mold and swelling that typically come with natural materials when exposed to moisture. For this reason, the flooring is ideal for moisture-prone areas like kitchens, bathrooms and basements. 

9. LVT Is Challenging to Install 

Another misconception about vinyl flooring is that it is challenging to install and requires expensive tools. However, the LVT installation process can be user-friendly, with many options available. One of the simplest installation methods is the click-and-lock design, which is quick and requires no adhesive or tape. 

Another option is the peel-and-stick installation, which requires you to peel back a paper to reveal the adhesive and stick the plank or tile onto the surface. Sheet vinyl installation is another option that involves rolling out the sheet and cutting it to fit the room size. If you don't have time to do it yourself, some LVT flooring providers offer installation services to do it for you. 

Get Luxury Vinyl Tile Flooring with Carpet & Tile Mart 

Are you interested in installing LVT flooring now that you know the truth? Carpet & Tile Mart is a floor supercenter with more than a dozen locations throughout New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware. While we offer various hardwood, tile, laminate and carpet products, we also have a wide range of luxury vinyl tile flooring options. 

Our LVT floors are durable and highly detailed, with textures and designs that match your preferences. They are also easier to install than other flooring types. If desired, we'll also handle the installation for you. To get started, browse our LVT flooring or visit a store near you today.