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When it comes to flooring, you have now got a wide variety of options to choose from. If you want a cost effective solution for your home or commercial space then you may be considering Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT).
With so many options available to you, it can be difficult to know what is needed for each type of floor and what you may need to purchase for installation. Traditionally, flooring – especially carpet, has required an underlay.
Here at the Flooring Superstore, we want you to be able to purchase any product with confidence, knowing that it is the right flooring for you and can be installed correctly for you to enjoy for years to come. In this blog, our team of experts have compiled all the information you need to know about LVT and whether underlay is a necessary buy.
What is LVT?
Luxury vinyl tiles or planks (LVT) are the latest advancement in flooring, which combine the convenience of plank or tile format with the effectiveness of a highly detailed print layer in a range of finishes.
These finishes have a high level of realism when replicating wood and stone effect floors and deliver in detail the visual and textural aspect of naturally occurring features, for example, wood grain and knots.
They are easily installed and can be done yourself with either a ‘stickdown’ or click-lock system. If you need to trim your LVT flooring when installing, then a good craft knife will work, you can score the tile or plank and then snap it to size.
The use of PVC in its construction makes vinyl a highly waterproof flooring option. The click-lock installation system of Luxury Vinyl Tile is particularly good as it provides a waterproof seal for joints.
LVT is fairly durable thanks to scratch resistant technology and dents and damage can be repaired by replacing the affected tiles.
In terms of cost, Luxury Vinyl Tile tends to range from £20 per m2 to £60 per m2 which makes it by far one of the most affordable flooring options, especially if you want a natural aesthetic without the cost of real wood or stone tile flooring.
Does LVT flooring need an underlay?
Thanks to the manufacturing process and innovative design, most LVT is now made with base layers and in our case here at Flooring Superstore, a ‘wear’ layer on top. These add extra support and cushioning underfoot, allowing for more softness and warmth, and removing the need for underlay.
As LVT can be glued directly to the floor underneath, there is minimal movement of the tiles, reducing the chance of punctures that you may get if you have underlay below.
However, if you are purchasing LVT with the ‘click’ mechanism, then you can put specialist underlay underneath to prevent movement. Having LVT underlay in this case can help with noise reduction, moisture resistance and warmth. If you have underfloor heating then we would recommend purchasing an underlay that specifically says it is suitable, such as our specially designed EvoCore underlay. https://www.flooringsuperstore.com/catalog/product/view/id/19508/s/evocore-360-underlay/category/778/
Although it is an added cost, if you are wanting click tiles then we would recommend purchasing and installing an underlay on your subfloor before installing your LVT.
If you are purchasing ‘stickdown’ LVT then there is no need for an underlay.
LVT and underlay options from Flooring Superstore
At the Flooring Superstore, we offer high-quality luxury vinyl tiles in a range of fantastic finishes. Our range consists of some great looking styles which includes wood, slate, marble and many more. Our LVT tiles can create an elegant and attractive space in your home.
We want you to be happy with the LVT products you purchase from us which is why we offer a free sampling service to our customers, which allows a selection of up to four samples from our LVT product ranges, including the revolutionary EvoCore range. Samples are a great way of helping you choose the style of floor for you, not just to make sure that whatever type of tile you select looks great, but to also ensure that your chosen flooring style can fit your individual requirements for use.
When it is time to think about buying, you can save up to 50% on high street prices as well as being able to specify a date for your delivery, we deliver nationwide too! Which allows you to prepare and plan for your floor transformation.
For expert guidance on LVT flooring, including our EvoCore range, as well as accessories or specialist underlay, then our flooring specialists are the ones to call. The team is highly trained in all aspects of flooring design and installation and can work with you to achieve the perfect flooring for your budget.
Alternatively, you can access our help centre on the website which is full of useful information including a measuring guide, how to install LVT flooring or our find a fitter service if you do not want to do it yourself.
Please contact us today to discuss your next project, get a quote, or order your free samples.
Use our contact form on the website or call us on 03308 182 500.
