Vinyl Flooring (LVT)

What is luxury vinyl flooring?

Luxury vinyl tiles and planks (LVT) are built in layers. At the bottom is a stable core or backing. Above it sits a high-definition printed design of wood or stone, then a clear wear layer that takes the knocks, and finally a protective top coat that resists stains and scuffs. Embossed textures follow the printed grain, so the surface looks and feels convincing. Luxury vinyl is very different from the thin sheet vinyl of the past: it is thicker, more realistic and far more durable.

How to choose vinyl flooring

Rigid core click: SPC or WPC

Rigid core planks click together and float over the subfloor, so they are quick to fit and forgiving of small imperfections. SPC (stone plastic composite) has a dense mineral core that is very stable, resists dents and copes well with temperature changes. WPC (wood plastic composite) has a lighter, foamed core that feels softer, warmer and quieter underfoot.

Glue-down (dry back)

Thinner dry-back vinyl is glued to a smooth, level subfloor with a vinyl floor adhesive. It is extremely hard-wearing, keeps the floor height to a minimum and is the usual choice for large areas and commercial vinyl flooring. Individual planks can be replaced if one is ever damaged.

Thickness and wear layer

Overall thickness, from 4mm to 8mm, affects how solid the floor feels and how well it hides an uneven subfloor. The wear layer, the clear top layer that protects the design, matters more for durability: a thicker wear layer lasts longer under heavy traffic, pets and children, so it is worth paying for in hallways and kitchens.

Look and format

Planks recreate wood floors, from light and grey oak to walnut. Tiles recreate stone, slate and marble without the cold, hard feel. Herringbone and chevron vinyl give a parquet look with easy care.

Rooms and underfloor heating

Because it is water-resistant, vinyl is one of the best floors for kitchens, bathrooms, utility rooms and hallways. For showers and wet rooms, choose a floor made for wet rooms and seal the edges. Most luxury vinyl can be used over underfloor heating; check the maximum temperature on the product page. Very hot, sunny conservatories need a product rated for them, as strong heat can make vinyl move; see our conservatory LVT.

Fitting vinyl flooring

Whatever type you choose, the subfloor must be clean, dry and flat, because vinyl will show any bumps beneath it. Click vinyl floats over a thin, firm LVT underlay unless one is already attached, with a small expansion gap at the walls. Glue-down vinyl needs a smoothed subfloor and the right adhesive. Let the packs settle in the room first. Our installation guide and measuring guide explain the details, and our flooring accessories include matching trims and door bars.

Care

Sweep or vacuum regularly, then clean with a damp mop and a pH-neutral cleaner. Avoid steam mops unless the manufacturer allows them, and wipe up standing water rather than leaving it. Felt pads under furniture prevent dents, and a door mat stops grit scratching the surface. Prefer real wood in your living areas? Compare our engineered wood flooring.