What is LVT Flooring? A Complete Guide for Homes & Commercial Spaces

LVT flooring has become a popular hard flooring option for both residential and commercial premises. It is known for its realistic appearance, durability, and flexibility - and is now widely specified for offices, retail spaces, hospitality, modern homes, and more.

Our helpful guide breaks down what is LVT flooring and how it works, where it performs best, and what to consider when choosing between residential and commercial options.

Key Takeaways:

1. LVT flooring combines realistic design with durability, replicating wood, stone, or concrete while offering the practical benefits of vinyl.
2. It is suitable for both residential and commercial environments, but products are engineered differently depending on footfall and performance requirements.
3. Commercial LVT features thicker wear layers and enhanced safety ratings, making it ideal for high-traffic spaces like offices, retail, healthcare, and hospitality.
4. LVT offers excellent design and installation flexibility, with multiple formats, patterns, and fitting methods to suit different applications.
5. Low maintenance and long lifespan make LVT a cost-effective flooring solution, delivering long-term performance without compromising on appearance.

What is LVT flooring?

LVT, or Luxury Vinyl Tile, is a multi-layered flooring product specifically designed to replicate natural materials such as wood, stone or concrete while offering the practical benefits of vinyl.

Most LVT products are constructed with a durable wear layer, a high-definition printed design layer, a rigid or flexible core and stabilising backing. This structure is what gives LVT its strength, dimensional stability and resistance to everyday wear.

When people ask, ‘what is LVT flooring?’, they are often surprised to learn how closely it mimics natural materials, both visually and physically. Modern manufacturing techniques allow the application of textures, grain patterns and finishes which are highly realistic, making LVT flooring ideal for spaces where appearance matters just as much as performance.

Key Benefits of LVT Flooring

There are many benefits and reasons why LVT is continuing to grow in popularity:

LVT flooring is:

• Hard-wearing and designed to withstand high footfall
• Easier to maintain than natural timber or stone flooring
• Resistant to moisture, making it suitable for kitchens and commercial wash areas
• Available in a wide variety of plank and tile formats
• Quieter and warmer underfoot than many traditional hard flooring solutions

The above benefits make LVT a strong contender for both domestic and commercial environments.

What is the Difference Between Commercial and Residential LVT?

While residential and commercial LVT may look very similar, they are manufactured to perform very differently.

Commercial LVT flooring typically features a thicker wear layer to provide increased resistance to scruffs, scratches and general abrasion. This thicker layer makes it suitable for spaces with constant high footfall - for example, offices, schools, retail units and healthcare settings, etc.

Residential LVT is usually designed for lighter use, and while it is still durable, it may have a thinner wear layer and a slightly softer construction focused on comfort rather than long-term commercial performance.

Other key differences include:

• Higher slip resistance ratings for commercial LVT products
• Greater dimensional stability in larger floor areas
• Compliance with commercial safety and fire regulations

It is important to understand this distinction as using a residential product in a commercial environment can lead to early wear and, inevitably, more frequent and costly replacements.

Is LVT Flooring Good for Commercial Use?

When correctly specified and installed, LVT flooring is an excellent choice for commercial spaces.

Commercial LVT flooring is specifically designed to cope with heavy footfall, furniture movement and regular cleaning regimes and is commonly used in the following commercial spaces:

• Offices and meeting spaces
• Retail and showrooms
• Hotels, bars and restaurants
• Healthcare and education facilities
• Gyms and fitness studios
• Leisure centres and sports clubs
• Serviced apartments and aparthotels
• Community centres, Town halls and council buildings
• Airport lounges and other travel terminals
• Care homes and assisted living facilities
• Salons and barbers

Its modular format also means that individual tiles or planks can be replaced if they do become damaged, rather than lifting the entire floor, which can be costly and disruptive.

From a design perspective, commercial LVT flooring allows businesses to achieve a high-end finish while retaining the performance characteristics required for busy working environments.

Design Options and Installation Methods 

One of the biggest advantages of LVT flooring for both residential and commercial flooring is its design flexibility. It is available in a variety of colours, patterns and finishes, including classic wood planks to modern stone effects.

LVT flooring can also be installed in a range of different ways, depending on the product specification. This includes:

• Glue-down systems for maximum stability, which is ideal in commercial settings
• Click systems for quicker installation in residential settings
• Loose lay options, which can be ideal in selected commercial applications

This type of flooring can also be laid in different pattern layouts, such as herringbone or parquet styles, allowing LVT to be used as a design feature as well as functional flooring.

Maintenance and Longevity of LVT Flooring 

LVT flooring is relatively low maintenance compared to natural materials. Regular sweeping and damp mopping are usually sufficient to keep it looking its best.

Commercial environments may require scheduled deep cleaning to keep them looking fresh. However, this is still far less intensive than maintaining timber or stone floors.

With proper installation and care, residential and commercial LVT flooring can offer a long service life. It is a cost-effective solution for businesses and homes that need durability without sacrificing aesthetic appeal.

For expert advice on selecting the right LVT flooring for your home or business, contact our team today, or view our full range of LVT flooring options.