When the time comes to install some new flooring in your home, you certainly have a lot of options. Many people are choosing luxury vinyl tiles otherwise known as LVT as this is a durable material that looks great and doesn’t cost the earth.
However, even after you’ve made the choice to go for LVT, you’ve got one more option to consider. What type of LVT are you going to use? If you’ve never used this flooring type before, you may not have even realised that there was more than one kind so what are the different types of LVT?
There are four main types of LVT that we will discuss in this article. These are self adhesive, glue down, interlocking and loose lay. Each of these has it’s pros and cons and it’s worth weighing these up before making a final decision.
In this guide, we will be explaining the differences between these LVT types as well as helping you make a more informed decision on which is best for your home.
Self Adhesive LVT Flooring
The first type of LVT flooring is self adhesive. These come in the form of either planks or tiles and are one of the easiest methods if you want to take on a DIY project. This is because they come with pressure sensitive adhesive already applied to the underside of the tile or plank. You do not need any additional equipment and it’s merely a matter of putting the tiles into position and pressing them down.
They’re also relatively easy to remove, particularly if you heat them up first using something as simple as a hair dryer. You can then cut them up and lift them off the subfloor.
The downside of these is that they are often prone to water seeping through the edges which can cause lifting. Moreover, this type of LVT requires an immaculate subfloor as imperfections will easily show through.
Glue Down LVT Flooring
There are other types of LVT tiles and planks known as glue down or stick down. These are still quite thin like self adhesive tiles but rather than being preglued, require an additional adhesive. This is, of course, a little extra work and many people opt to call in the pros for this. However, that means that you will have to pay more for this type of LVT as you’ll need to include installation costs.
The great thing about glue down LVT is that it can be directly applied to the subfloor without the need for an underlayment, which is the case for almost every vinyl flooring project. On the downside, this does mean that you’ll need a very smooth subfloor or any imperfections will show through.
However, one of the best things about glue down LVT flooring is that there are so many choices. This is a great option if you still want something relatively affordable but that looks a lot more expensive and high end. With a wealth of patterns and colours to choose from, you can let your imagination run wild.
Interlocking LVT Flooring
If you have ever had or worked with laminate flooring, you will be very familiar with the interlocking system that’s used to hold everything together. This is very similar to interlocking LVT flooring. The planks lock together and are normally installed over the top of an underlayment. Sometimes you will hear this being called a floating floor.
What people love about this is that it’s very easy to install. If you want to get the job done yourself without hiring a professional then interlocking LVT flooring is a good choice. Moreover, since the planks are much thicker than glue down or self adhesive, you don’t have to worry so much about the subfloor being perfect.
One of the downsides to locking LVT flooring is that it is very sensitive to temperature changes. This means that using it in environments like conservatories isn’t a good idea as the flooring may expand and contract which causes all kinds of problems.
When you’re finished with interlocking LVT floor, it’s very easy to uninstall and requires you only to unlock the planks and lift them up.
Loose Lay LVT Flooring
The final type of LVT flooring is known as loose lay LVT. What’s great about this type is that it does not require any additional equipment to lay. The planks are simply laid on the subfloor using the wall and boundaries to hold everything secure. No need for glue or locking mechanisms. On the bottom of these LVT pieces, there is a decent amount of grip to prevent slipping.
One of the reasons that this type of LVT flooring is so popular is because of its versatility. Because it is thick and forgiving, there’s really no need to worry too much about the condition of the subfloor or what it is made from.
If you ever want to remove this type of LVT flooring, it’s incredibly simple and requires nothing more than lifting the pieces. However, some people find that the design options with loose lay LVT are lacking. If you have a vision for your home that’s anywhere near elaborate then you may find that there aren’t many options that cater to your tastes.
So, Which Should You Choose?
One of the first things you should think about when choosing between the different types of LVT is how easy it is going to be to install and remove. Most types can be done as a DIY project but if you go for glue down then you might need to hire a professional as this is the most difficult to get right.
When it comes to removal, interlocking LVT flooring and loose lay are by far the easiest to lift. It goes without saying that, when removing tiles or planks laid with adhesive, you’ve got to contend with this as well as remove any excess from the subfloor. This can be tricky and time consuming.
Secondly, you will need to think about the suitability of each LVT type compared to your home. There are some that are designed for use in high traffic areas where others are better for floors that are only occasionally used.
For example, self adhesive vinyl tiles and planks are great for use in mid-traffic domestic homes but wouldn’t stand up to the heavy traffic in a commercial setting. If you want something that can be used in any level of foot traffic then interlocking or glue down would be your two main choices. Loose lay planks are typically only suitable for low to mid traffic areas because they are less stable and more prone to move.
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What Do The Four Types Of LVT Have In Common?
There are clearly a lot of differences between the types of LVT flooring but one thing that they all have in common is that they need to be treated correctly prior to installation. Even if you’ve chosen self adhesive tiles for a quick and easy DIY project, you’ll still need to go through this first step.
All types of LVT flooring must first be acclimated to the room. You can do this by leaving the material in the room for between 24 and 48 hours before installation. Make sure that the room remains at a consistent temperature and lay the tiles or planks out across the room.
Another thing that all types of LVT have in common is that they are all suitable for rooms where there is, or will be, underfloor heating. There may be a few minor exceptions to this so it is always best to look at the manufacturers guide beforehand. Generally speaking, however, you can lay it over heated floors without a risk of damage. Just make sure you turn the heating off while you install the LVT.
Finally, while there are some types of LVT that are more forgiving than others, it is a good idea to have a properly prepared subfloor for the best results.
Conclusion
Choosing to use LVT is a wise decision. This type of flooring is inexpensive and yet still provides a high quality finish that looks very much like natural raw materials. There are a whole host of patterns and colours to choose from but you must first decide on which type of LVT suits your needs.
There are four main types; self adhesive, glue down, interlocking and loose lay. As with anything, there are pros and cons to each which mostly relate to ease of installation and removal. Before making a decision be sure to read through this guide to help you make the most informed choice.