Commonly Asked Questions About LVT Flooring

If you've been shopping around for flooring, you may have come across the term LVT. Luxury vinyl tile flooring is an excellent option for families and those who appreciate a floor that is convenient and easy to maintain. If you are seriously considering installing LVT for your home, then you'll want to know if this type of flooring is compatible with your lifestyle, preferences, and budget. We'll answer some of the most common questions people have before they install their LVT flooring, such as "is LVT flooring scratch-resistant?" Or, "how durable is LVT flooring?" With the answers to these questions, you can feel confident and knowledgeable before going through the installation process that this type of flooring is perfect for your home.

Questions About Durability

A commonly asked question is, "how durable is LVT flooring"? Many people have homes with pets or children and need a floor that will withstand messes and accidents. Other people just want a floor that will be able to last a long time under heavy foot traffic without needing a replacement. LVT flooring is durable and easy to maintain and clean. You won't have to spend tons of time cleaning up a spill after your kid knocks their cup on the ground for the fifth time in a week. The durability and convenience of LVT flooring make it a great choice for any home.

The reason LVT flooring is so durable has to do with its materials. What is LVT flooring made out of? LVT is made up of four different layers. A fiberglass or vinyl backing, a core, a decorative layer, and a wear layer.

Is LVT flooring waterproof? Thanks to its core layer, LVT is waterproof. This important layer is usually made out of wood plastic composite (WPC) or stone plastic composite (SPC). Both of these materials are highly dense, so even if they are exposed to a lot of moisture, they won't expand or contract. WPC is thick and feels soft when you step on it. SPC is thinner than WPC and much more rigid, so it doesn't have as soft a feel underfoot. 

Is LVT flooring scratch-resistant? The top wear layer protects against stains, fading, dents, scratches, and scuffs well. The thicker this wear layer is, the fewer scratches and stains you will see. So if you have kids or pets, choosing a thicker layer will help your flooring look nice for longer.  One of the best parts of LVT flooring is that it is incredibly durable and can resist scratching and stains. If you have pets or kids, then LVT is a great flooring choice, as it will hold up against daily wear and tough messes. 

Questions About Installation

Professionals can install your LVT easily and quickly. There isn't a lot of preparation you need to do before they come for the installation. It's best to let professionals handle the installation as you can be certain of the quality and performance of the floor after being installed. Still, you might have questions about the installation process. A frequently asked question is, "can you install LVT over the existing flooring?" The answer is yes; you can install LVT over hard surfaces. As long as your existing flooring is smooth and tightly sealed, you can install your new LVT flooring over it.

Does LVT need an underlayment? Typically, an underlayment is already attached to the back of the tiles. If that's not the case with your product, then it's a good idea to buy an additional underlayment as it can help with the overall quality and noise reduction in a room.

Can LVT flooring be installed on the stairs? Yes, LVT flooring can be installed on your stairs. It's a great option for stairs, as it's non-slippery, easy to clean, and holds up to heavy traffic. If you want a cohesive design for the flooring of your house, LVT will work just as well for your staircases as the rest of your house.

Should you be present for the installation? If you choose to hire a professional to install your LVT, an adult in the house should be present for the work. The adult will need to approve that it's the correct order before work can begin. As it's a construction project, you'll want to keep kids and pets out of the way until the work is completed. 

Questions About Post Installation

After the installation, you may have questions about the aftercare of your new flooring. Particularly concerning the length of time till you can actually enjoy your new floors. How long do you walk on LVT flooring after installation? Depending on the installation method, you may be able to walk on your floors immediately and go about moving furniture into the room if you used a method like the Fold-N-Tap installation. However, if your installation method requires adhesive, then you should wait a couple of days before walking over your flooring extensively. You should also never drag or pull heavy furniture back into the room after installation, as this may damage the flooring.

Are you wondering how to clean your LVT? After the installation, there is not much maintenance that needs to be done in order to keep your floors in good condition. You'll find that LVT flooring is very durable and will resist stains, moisture, and scuff marks. The best way to clean your LVT flooring is to sweep and vacuum regularly and wash the floor with a no-rinse cleaning solution. Also, be sure to clean up spills as they happen with warm water and mild detergent. 

With any flooring, you will want to ask a lot of questions to ensure that you're getting the right floor for your household. If you're thinking about installing LVT flooring in your home for the first time, some of the big questions about durability, like "is LVT flooring scratch-resistant?" can play a big role in your decision. Take a look at our range of LVT flooring to find your perfect flooring option.