Product Type Luxury Vinyl
Ideal for high-traffic areas, luxury vinyl flooring combines
practicality with long-lasting beauty.
Luxury Vinyl 101
Luxury vinyl tile and plank (LVT/LVP) are among the hottest trends today. They mimic the look and feel of real ceramic, stone, or wood, but are waterproof and resistant to scratches, odors, and scuffs. Whether you’re looking for a classic look with extra durability or trendy, modern styles in an easy-to-install format, luxury vinyl may be the solution for you!
Luxury Vinyl Plank & Tile
Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) and Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) are innovative flooring solutions, replicating the look of natural materials while offering durability, easy maintenance, and affordability.
Embossed LVT mimics intricate patterns such as wood, marble, slate, or travertine.
Advantages
WATER RESISTANCE
Can handle spills and moisture, making it suitable for kitchens and bathrooms.
EASY MAINTENANCE
Simple to clean and maintain, requiring regular sweeping and occasional mopping.
COMFORT
Has a softer and warmer feel underfoot compared to hard surfaces like tile or laminate.
INSTALLATION TIME
Quicker to install compared to traditional unfinished wood.
DIY-FRIENDLY INSTALLATION
Often comes with click-and-lock or adhesive options, making it easier for home installations.
Considerations
COST
More affordable than natural materials, but it can be pricier than other flooring options.
SUSCEPTIBLE TO SHARP OBJECTS
While durable, sharp objects can still potentially puncture or damage the surface.
NOT ECO-FRIENDLY
Some variations may not be as eco-friendly as other flooring options.
LIMITED REPAIR OPTIONS
If damage does occur, repairs can be challenging and replacement may be necessary.
NOT AS VALUE-ADDING
May not add as much home resale value as authentic hardwood or natural stone.
OFF-GASSING
Some LVT/LVP products may emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) initially, but this is decreasing with newer products.
Construction
Vinyl Composition Tile
Versatile and durable, Vinyl Composition Tile (VCT) offers a myriad of practical applications in both residential and commercial spaces. Ideal for high-traffic areas, its resilience makes it suitable for kitchens, bathrooms, offices, and retail environments. With an extensive range of colors and patterns, VCT tile provides a customizable solution for stylish and functional flooring.
Advantages
AFFORDABILITY
Cost-effective compared to many other flooring options, making VCT budget-friendly for both homes and offices.
DURABILITY
Known for durability and resistance to wear and tear, VCT is suitable for high-traffic areas and can withstand heavy foot traffic without showing significant damage.
DESIGN VERSATILITY
Comes in a wide range of colors and patterns, providing flexibility in design, making it easy to match with various interior styles and ideal for custom designs.
INSTALLATION EASE
Can be glued down to the subfloor which makes it a feasible DIY project for those with some experience.
WATER RESISTANCE
Resistant to water, making it a suitable option for areas prone to spills or moisture, such as kitchens and bathrooms.
Considerations
SUSCEPTIBLE TO SCRATCHES AND DENTS
Can be susceptible to scratches and dents, especially in high-traffic areas with heavy furniture or sharp objects.
LIMITED COMFORT
Does not provide the same level of comfort underfoot as some other flooring options, such as carpet or hardwood.
NOT IDEAL FOR UNEVEN SUBFLOORS
VCT requires a smooth and even subfloor for proper installation–uneven surfaces may result in an uneven appearance and can affect longevity.
PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION FOR LARGE AREAS
While DIY installation is possible for smaller areas, professional installation is recommended for larger spaces.
SUSCEPTIBLE TO FADING
Over time, exposure to sunlight can cause some VCT colors to fade.
Care & Maintenance
VCT is a porous material and dirt and grime may become permanently embedded in the exposed tile if all of the wax is allowed to wear away. Damage can be irreversible- protect your VCT!
Use mats in heavy traffic areas or under office chairs to protect your VCT floor.
Glue-Down Vinyl
The glue-down installation involves the use of an adhesive to adhere your dry-back luxury vinyl flooring to its base using an adhesive. This method creates dimensional stability that ensures the flooring maintains its natural characteristics.
Advantages
DURABILITY
Known for its durability, making it suitable for high-traffic areas.
STABILITY
With proper installation, glue-down vinyl flooring creates a stable and firm surface that resists movement and shifting.
WATER RESISTANCE
Many glue-down vinyl products are water-resistant, making them suitable for use in areas prone to moisture.
DESIGN OPTIONS
Comes in a variety of designs, colors, and patterns, allowing for customization to match different interior styles.
EASY MAINTENANCE
Vinyl flooring is generally easy to clean and maintain, only requiring simple sweeping and occasional damp mopping.
AFFORDABILITY
Compared to some other flooring options, glue-down vinyl is often more budget-friendly.
Considerations
INSTALLATION COMPLEXITY
Glue-down vinyl can be more complex and time-consuming than other vinyl flooring, requiring careful adhesive application.
DIFFICULT REMOVAL
Once glued down, removal can be challenging and may damage the subfloor during removal.
VOC EMISSIONS
Some adhesives used to install glue-down vinyl flooring may emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can contribute to indoor air pollution.
TEMPERATURE SENSITIVITY
Extreme temperature fluctuations can impact the adhesive bond, potentially leading to issues such as lifting or warping.
SUBFLOOR PREPARATION
The subfloor must be smooth and free of imperfections for a successful installation.
INSTALLATION
Install by professionals recommended.
Installation
There are two glue-down methods:
- HARD SET—Similar to a broadloom carpet adhesive, a hard set adhesive secures the vinyl flooring firmly in place. This is especially useful for the healthcare or retail industries that experience heavy rolling traffic, such as wheelchairs and gurneys or shopping carts and dollies. Hard set adhesive allows your glue-down flooring to absorb a heavy point load, which means furniture and fixtures are far less likely to leave noticeable marks.
- PRESSURE SENSITIVE—Pressure sensitive adhesive allows for an easy installation process, making it especially suited for the retail and hospitality industries or those that continually change their brand and look.
Rigid Vinyl Plank
Rigid Vinyl offers the best of both worlds—the comfort and waterproof performance of vinyl with the rigidity and easy installation of laminate. It’s constructed by attaching luxury vinyl to rigid plank, using a high-quality composite core that provides more rigidity and stability over an imperfect subfloor. This creates an incredibly dent-resistant and waterproof product. The vinyl layer provides authentic hardwood looks and textures, while the wear layer increases strength and protects against scuffs and scratches. Rigid Vinyl is ideal for any room—even bathrooms, kitchens, and mudrooms.
Advantages
DURABILITY
Highly durable and resistant to scratches, dents, and stains, making it suitable for high-traffic areas.
WATER RESISTANCE
Unlike some flooring options, rigid vinyl is water-resistant, making it a good choice for areas prone to moisture.
EASY MAINTENANCE
Cleaning is simple and typically only requires regular sweeping and occasional mopping.
VERSATILITY IN DESIGN
It comes in various designs, colors, and patterns, allowing for flexibility in achieving the desired aesthetic for your space.
COMFORT UNDERFOOT
Some options have built-in underlayment, providing a comfortable and quieter surface.
DIY-FRIENDLY
Many rigid vinyl products feature click-and-lock installation systems, making them ideal for DIY-ers and reducing installation costs.
Considerations
INITIAL COST
While it can be more affordable than some premium flooring options, rigid vinyl may have a higher initial cost than traditional vinyl or other budget-friendly alternatives.
TEMPERATURE SENSITIVITY
Rigid vinyl can expand or contract with temperature fluctuations, so it’s important to acclimate the flooring to the room’s temperature before installation.
NOT BIODEGRADABLE
Rigid vinyl is a synthetic material and is not biodegradable, which may be a concern for environmentally conscious consumers.
DIFFICULT TO REPAIR
While it’s durable, if a plank is damaged it may be challenging to repair and often the entire plank will need replaced.
VOC EMISSIONS
Some rigid vinyl products may emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), especially right after installation–choose low-VOC or VOC-free options for better indoor air quality.
Construction
Next Steps
Learn what to expect before, during and after your professional flooring is installed and what steps to take to keep your
flooring looking brand new for years to come. All this and more from your experts at Thornton Flooring.
Design Consultations
Call today to schedule a time for one of our flooring experts to visit your home and provide professional measurements & estimates for your next project, entirely free of charge. There’s no obligation to purchase from us after your appointment. We’re simply here to make sure you get the right solution for your needs at the right price.
