When you invest in new flooring you want some assurance that it’s going to last for years to come and you won’t spend a fortune replacing it down the line. In this article, I look specifically at how long does LVT flooring last (luxury vinyl tiles) together with contributing factors, and how to look after your floor.
Let’s start with a little intro to LVT flooring. Luxury Vinyl Flooring (luxury vinyl tiles or luxury vinyl planks) is a multi-layered product made into either tiles or planks and can be installed on a variety of subfloors. The main component is PVC but it also includes transparent wear layers, and in some instances underlay.
To understand how long LVT flooring can last, we have to look at the different factors that contribute to its longevity such as quality, the wear layer, and foot traffic. In essence, LVT flooring should last for 25-30 years when looked after properly.
Factors Affecting LVT Flooring Lifespan
As mentioned above, LVT flooring is a broad spectrum that encompasses many brands like Luvanto and Karndean and thus there is a wide range of qualities too. Other important factors include the wear layer thickness, installation, and maintenance.
Material Quality and Thickness
When looking at how long does LVT flooring last, the underlying quality and thickness are two of the most important factors. If you opt for a cheaper brand that uses thinner core vinyl then your LVT flooring simply won’t last as long.
Some brands like Luvanto are known for their durability and excellent quality and you only pay a slightly higher premium for their deluxe products. There are other types of LVT flooring too like rigid core LVT that have a special thicker core layer that is more durable and offers better longevity.
Wear Layer Thickness
The top layer of LVT flooring is known as the wear layer. This is a fully transparent layer made of virgin or recycled PVC and is meant to protect the aesthetic layer and core structure. Our range of LVT flooring is available in various wear layer thicknesses and this has a direct correlation with longevity.
Simply put, the thicker the wear layer, the greater the longevity. For example, an extremely thin wear layer of 0.1mm is only suitable for light use and will typically last for 0-3 years. In contrast, a 1.0mm wear layer will last for 20+ years.
0.55mm and 0.7mm are the most common wear layer thicknesses and these will provide excellent longevity.
Installation Quality and Methods
Which do you think will last longer – Luxury vinyl flooring installed on an uneven subfloor with no levelling and excess dampness, or LVT flooring installed on a stable subfloor with a plywood base and little to no moisture?
Obviously the second one! Installation matters and it can severely affect the longevity of your LVT flooring. If you rush the installation and place your tiles on an uneven, damaged subfloor, the resulting tiles will be uneven too.
This could cause issues with damage and warping when walking on them. In short – don’t cheap out on the installation process.
Traffic and Usage Patterns
There is a simple rule for all types of flooring including carpets and real hardwood floors – more traffic and usage = more wear and tear. This is unavoidable and the rule applies to LVT flooring too.
LVT flooring placed in a high-traffic area such as a hallway or kitchen will not last as long as LVT flooring in a room only used a few times per day like a bedroom.
You must factor this into the equation but a way to bypass this is to opt for a thicker LVT type or something like rigid core LVT that is more durable.
Expected Lifespan of LVT Flooring
So, how long does LVT flooring last? In theory, 25-30 years. That’s a pretty sound investment and means you don’t have to worry about your flooring for decades. Compared to solid floors like stone or wood, LVT is also less prone to damage and wear and tear so it really is a great purchase if you want an alternative to carpets.
Look After and Maintain Your LVT Flooring to Improve Its Longevity
A product such as LVT flooring needs maintenance and care and if you never sweep, hoover, or mop it, you can’t expect it to last for the full 25-30 years.
You should strive to sweep and hoover the luxury vinyl tiles weekly and also lightly mop them semi-regularly. Don’t soak the floor in water though and make sure you drain the mop thoroughly before applying it to the floor.
By caring for your LVT flooring and paying that little bit extra initially for a quality brand with a thicker wear layer, there is no reason why your luxury vinyl tiles or planks won’t last for decades.
