LVT vs Vinyl Flooring: What's the Difference and Which Is Best for Your Home?
When choosing new flooring for your home, two popular options are Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) and sheet vinyl flooring. Both offer practical, attractive and easy-to-maintain solutions, but there are some important differences to consider before deciding which is right for your room.
At SR Flooring, we supply and professionally install both LVT and sheet vinyl flooring throughout Stroud and the surrounding Gloucestershire areas. Here's a closer look at the differences and what you should consider.
What is LVT flooring?
Luxury Vinyl Tile, commonly known as LVT, is a type of vinyl flooring made up of individual planks or tiles.
It is available in a wide variety of designs, including realistic wood effects, stone effects and decorative patterns. Popular choices include straight plank layouts and more traditional herringbone designs.
LVT is particularly popular in:
Kitchens and dining rooms
Hallways and entrance areas
Living rooms
Bathrooms, where the selected product is suitable
One of the biggest attractions of LVT is the variety of styles available. It can give you the appearance of natural wood or stone while offering a practical flooring surface for everyday use.
LVT does require the correct subfloor preparation. Depending on the existing floor, this may involve plywood, primer, latex screed or featherfinish to achieve a smooth and suitable surface.
What is sheet vinyl flooring?
Sheet vinyl is supplied in large rolls and is generally installed as one continuous piece, although seams may be necessary in larger or awkwardly shaped rooms.
It is available in a huge range of colours and patterns, including wood effects, stone designs, tiles and decorative styles.
Sheet vinyl is often a popular choice for:
Bathrooms
En-suites
Kitchens
Utility rooms
Smaller areas where a practical, budget-friendly floor is required
It can be a cost-effective way to update a room without compromising on appearance.
The subfloor still needs to be suitably smooth and prepared, as imperfections can show through the finished vinyl.
LVT vs sheet vinyl: Which should you choose?
There isn't necessarily one right answer. It depends on your budget, the room, the appearance you're looking for and how the space will be used.
LVT flooring may be the better choice if:
You want individual wood-effect planks or tiles.
You like a herringbone or other decorative layout.
You want a premium-looking finish.
You're looking for a particular style or design.
Sheet vinyl may be the better choice if:
You're working to a tighter budget.
You want a simple, practical floor.
You're updating a bathroom, kitchen or utility room.
You like the appearance of a particular vinyl design.
Both options have their place, and the right choice comes down to your individual requirements.
Why does floor preparation matter?
Whichever type of flooring you choose, preparation is an important part of achieving a good finish.
Uneven floors, damaged subfloors, loose boards and old adhesive can all affect the finished result.
Depending on the condition of the existing floor, preparation might involve plywood, primer, latex screed or featherfinish.
Taking the time to prepare the floor properly helps create the right foundation for your new flooring.
Looking for new vinyl or LVT flooring in Stroud?
At SR Flooring, we offer professional flooring advice, home visits and fitting throughout Stroud and the surrounding areas.
We can bring samples to your home, help you compare different flooring options and provide a free, no-obligation quotation.
Whether you're considering sheet vinyl for your bathroom or a new herringbone LVT floor for your kitchen, we're happy to help.
Get in touch with SR Flooring today to discuss your flooring project.
SR Flooring – Quality Flooring. Professionally Installed.