Flooring plays a crucial role in any room makeover. If you’re in the midst of remodeling and find yourself undecided between LVT, VCT, or other options,
vinyl flooring types
, then we might be able to assist you in making a choice to set up
What kind of flooring is the best choice for your area?
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Although luxury vinyl tile (LVT) and vinyl composite tile (VCT) might seem alike at first glance, they possess significant distinctions. LVT consists of four distinct layers: an initial resilient vinyl backing layer providing robust support; next is the vinyl core layer ensuring comfort when walked upon; then follows a photographic print layer displaying three-dimensional imagery that emulates the look of authentic materials; finally, there’s a protective “wear layer” guarding against damage and deterioration. Due to this intricate construction, LVT stands out with exceptional durability, making it ideal for high-traffic zones inside homes where frequent use can be expected.
Regarding VCT (vinyl composite tile), unlike LVT, it is made from a blend of vinyl resins, mineral fibers, plasticizers, and limestone. This composition ensures that the floor has strong yet adaptable structure, making it a preferred option for heavy-use commercial spaces like schools and eateries, along with domestic zones needing robust flooring—consider basements and garages.
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The Pros and Cons of LVT
For homes, luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) make an excellent choice as flooring if they align with your financial plan. Typically, this material ranges from $5 to $10 per square foot. After covering the upfront cost, maintaining the floor becomes quite simple through routine sweeping and mopping. Expect LVT to endure for about 25 years due to its distinctive construction. This type of flooring also provides numerous styles to match your preferred look, such as imitations of wood, stone, or tile, ensuring you can easily integrate it into your decor.
When considering drawbacks, LVT may get scratched or dented under severe conditions; these marks cannot be readily fixed because sanding and refinishing aren’t options. Additionally, keep in mind that extensive moisture contact with an LVT flooring could result in warping and deformation.
The Advantages and Disadvantages of VCT
VCT is a budget-friendly flooring choice that can be priced at around $2 per square foot. Its affordability stems from its thinner and more permeable design, which necessitates routine care—usually involving annual stripping and waxing—to maintain proper sealing and protection. This necessary maintenance ensures VCT remains highly resilient against moisture but is certainly a factor to take into account when considering installing it in your residence.
Something else to consider is that finding a VCT style that meets all your design preferences can be challenging due to the narrow selection available. Additionally, should you reach a point where you want to remove your VCT, it’s known for being particularly hard to take out because of its robust adhesive bond. One last thing to keep in mind:
If you’re trying to make environmentally conscious choices for your flooring options
, you may want to think twice about using both VCT and LVT since they both include PVC, which could have adverse effects on the environment.
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