Why are Luxury Vinyl Tiles So Popular?
Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) has gained immense popularity in recent years due to its affordability, durability, and ease of maintenance. However, like any other flooring option, LVT is not without its drawbacks. So, before you jump on the bandwagon and replace your entire property with LVT, let’s delve into the disadvantages of luxury vinyl tile flooring to help you make an informed decision when choosing the right flooring for your home or business.
Disadvantage 1 – Cheap, but Not So Cheap
While luxury vinyl tiles boast affordability compared to real hardwood, it’s not as cheap as say laminate flooring. Laminate flooring may set you back around £20 per square metre. Whereas, decent luxury vinyl tiles will cost £30+ per square metre . Not exactly breaking the bank, but once you factor in the cost of underlay and a flooring professional to fit the tiles the price will add up. But remember installing LVT is an investment for you and your property. At Flooring Hut, we are proud to off a supply and fit service. Interested in taking the hassle out of laying floors? Click here: supply and fit service.
Disadvantage 2 – Tricky to Fix
Hopefully, you have paid for a professional installation and your luxury vinyl tile flooring is laid correctly and looks amazing. But what if a few months or years down the line a tile becomes accidentally damaged. Unlike hardwood, where sanding and refinishing can work wonders, repairing LVT often involves replacing entire planks, which can be time-consuming and costly. That being said, if you look after your floor properly, then this should be an unlikely event for you.
Disadvantage 3 – Environmental Concerns
Luxury vinyl tiles are primarily a PVC product, raising environmental concerns. While some manufacturers offer eco-conscious options, traditional LVT contributes to plastic waste and isn’t readily biodegradable. If sustainability is a priority, explore alternatives like hardwood, cork or bamboo flooring. These alternatives are often sourced from renewable materials and have a lower environmental impact, making them a more sustainable choice for environmentally conscious consumers. At Flooring Hut, we offer real hardwood flooring for our environmentally conscious customers.
Disadvantage 4 – Beauty is in the eye of the beholder
Despite advances in design, some LVT can still scream “fake.” While the textures and patterns get better every day, you might find yourself yearning for the genuine look and feel of natural materials like wood or stone. Furthermore, luxury vinyl tiles are susceptible to the effects of sunlight and prolonged exposure can lead to fading or discoloration. UV-resistant coatings may help mitigate this issue, but it is essential to be aware of the potential for fading over time. Flooring Hut’s own range of luxury vinyl tiles have been carefully chosen to scream “aesthetic” when laid down and have been UV coated to ensure longevity of colour.
What will you choose?
Luxury vinyl tile flooring offers numerous benefits and remains a popular choice for a reason, but being aware of its limitations empowers you to make an informed decision for your home or business. Remember, these “disadvantages” might not be dealbreakers for you. Weigh these factors against your needs, budget and priorities. At Flooring Hut, we believe in transparency and being honest with customers. We hope this article has helped you make an informed choice about whether luxury vinyl tiles are the right flooring choice for you.
ENDS
