Vinyl floor tiles are water-resistant and easy to maintain and can be adhered down with either glue or self-adhesive tape for quick installation and underfloor heating compatibility.
A luxury vinyl tile (LVT) closely resembles the texture and look of stone and ceramic tiles, while wood-look LVTs come in plank sizes that can be grouted like natural hardwood flooring.
Both types of tile flooring are challenging yet different from ceramic, which may chip when dropped on hard surfaces. Explore each option to determine which is right for you.
Durability
Vinyl flooring is highly resilient, designed with many layers that resist scratches, dents, gauges and mildew to last 10-20 years with proper care. Plus it’s more pet- and child-friendly than ceramic tiles!
Vinyl floors require similar care as any floor surface to look their best. Regular sweeping, mopping, and the use of furniture pads can all help prevent dirt build-up while closing blinds or curtains during the day will protect from direct sun exposure while UV blocking tint or film can help to ensure they do not fade over time.
Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) has gained increased attention thanks to manufacturers creating varieties resembling wood, stone and terrazzo surfaces. LVT comes in either flexible or rigid core options with SPC and WPC being among the more durable choices; rigid varieties tend to be thicker and compact with an ultra waterproof layer designed to keep floors dry even in liquid environments.
LVT flooring is typically self-adhesive and easy to install yourself as an inexpensive DIY project, similar to sheet vinyl. You can select one colour or combine them for an eye-catching pattern – and is even compatible with underfloor heating!
Ease of Installation
Most vinyl floor tiles are self-adhesive, making installation an easy DIY project. The adhesive is applied directly to the underside of each tile and covered by a protective layer; simply peel back this layer when ready to affix them to your flooring surface. This method is popular for wood-look tile flooring because no separate underlay needs to be put in place and requires less preparation than other methods.
Some vinyl varieties have even been created to emulate natural materials like stone and wood, known as luxury vinyl tile (LVT), making your home more modern. LVT products typically have unique scratch, stain and water-resistance surfaces for easy care.
Vinyl floors tend to be softer underfoot than concrete and other hard surfaces, providing greater comfort while walking on them. Some varieties even feature a padded layer for extra cushioning! When installing new vinyl flooring tiles or planks, it is important to remember they may require 24 hours to adjust to their new environment – leaving them stacked up in their destination room will help the product adjust more easily to temperature fluctuations in that room.
Styles
Vinyl floor tiles can be designed to mimic the appearance of various natural materials like stone and wood while offering your space an entirely unique aesthetic. Vinyl is an especially cost-effective option for those wanting the look of hardwood flooring without paying high premiums for installation costs.
TrafficMaster Seashore Wood Peel and Stick Vinyl Tile Flooring employs an intricate grain pattern to evoke the look of genuine wood grain, featuring low gloss textures with elegant linear designs for an eye-catching aesthetic. Furthermore, its no wax vinyl wear layer makes this durable enough for heavy foot traffic; regular sweeping and damp mopping should keep it looking fantastic!
If you’re searching for something more luxurious than your average vinyl tiles, luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) may be right up your alley. These thicker vinyl pieces often resemble ceramic and porcelain tile and make up water-resistant surfaces that are easy to maintain.
Some brands of LVT even allow you to add grout, making the floors nearly indistinguishable from natural stone. The only real distinction is using grout containing marble dust, which may cause discolouration over time. Furthermore, products with wear layers lower than 8 mils (.2 mm) should also be avoided, and their thickness can usually be seen either on packaging or product description pages on websites.
Cost
Vinyl floor tiles have become an increasingly popular flooring option in the UK marketplace due to their flexibility, affordability, water resistance, ease of maintenance, and ease of cleaning. Many companies provide various vinyl options – wood-look floors are among the many offerings from multiple providers that mimic the look of hardwood. Furthermore, certain brands even provide click vinyl flooring which can be installed without adhesive saving you on installation costs.
Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) flooring can be found in any room of your home, providing waterproof protection from water intrusion. Available in various colours and patterns to complement any decor, this type of floor also comes in several sizes to meet any space. LVT even comes designed to resemble natural stones like marble or ceramic tiles and includes grout to enhance its appearance further.
Vinyl tile installation is a straightforward DIY task that doesn’t require professional expertise or tools like trowels and thin-set mortar to complete. Furthermore, its cost is substantially less than ceramic tiles installation services – depending on which style of vinyl you opt for it could range anywhere from self-adhesive tiles sold at big-box home improvement centres to tiles installed by professional contractors.