This guide answers some of the most common questions about LVT flooring, including durability, installation, maintenance and suitability for different rooms. If you are considering LVT flooring for your home, these FAQs will help you understand whether it is the right choice.
You can also explore our buy LVT flooring online page or visit our Altrincham showroom to compare ranges in person.
WHAT IS LVT?
Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) is a high-performance, multi-layered flooring designed to replicate the natural beauty of wood and stone. It combines authentic-looking finishes with exceptional durability, comfort and practicality, making it ideal for both residential and commercial spaces. All the ranges in this showroom are suitable for a domestic environment and the majority are suitable for a commercial environment as well.
Modern LVT has moved well beyond the vinyl flooring of previous generations. High-definition print layers and textured surfaces mean that today’s LVT can be difficult to distinguish from real wood or stone at first glance, while offering significantly better water resistance and easier maintenance than the natural materials it replicates.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GLUE-DOWN LVT AND SPC CLICK LVT?
These are the two main types of LVT, and the difference matters. Glue-down LVT is a flexible plank or tile, typically 2.0–2.5mm thick, that is bonded directly to the subfloor with adhesive. It produces a thin, stable floor that follows the contour of the subfloor precisely, which makes it the preferred choice for design detail such as herringbone, borders and mixed layouts. Subfloor preparation is important — concrete usually needs a smoothing compound, and timber subfloors often need overboarding with plywood.
SPC (Stone Polymer Composite) click LVT is a rigid-core product, typically 5–6.5mm thick, that locks together and floats over the subfloor without adhesive. It is completely waterproof, faster to install and more forgiving of minor subfloor imperfections. SPC is often the better choice for straightforward projects, DIY installations and situations where speed matters. The choice between glue-down and click depends on your project, subfloor condition and whether you need design detail or speed of installation.
WHAT IS THE SIZE OF THE PLANKS OR TILES?
Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) comes in different sizes of planks and tiles to imitate the look of natural materials, making it significantly different from vinyl sheet or lino that comes in one piece. Each plank or tile is typically 2.0–2.5mm thick depending on the range, while SPC click products are thicker at 5–6.5mm because of the rigid core.
Size and format can also influence the overall look of the floor. Larger planks can create a more open feel, while parquet and herringbone options can add more design detail. Wider and longer planks tend to suit modern open-plan spaces, whereas smaller herringbone blocks work particularly well in hallways, kitchens and more traditional interiors.
WHAT IS A WEAR LAYER OR SURFACE GUARD?
Many LVT products include a protective surface treatment such as a PU coating or similar technology, sometimes referred to generically as a surface guard or protective top layer. This enhances resistance to scratches, scuffs and stains while making cleaning even easier. Wear layers range from 0.3–1mm depending on the range.
In simple terms, the wear layer is one of the most important parts of the floor because it helps determine how well the product will perform over time in different environments. A 0.3mm wear layer is suitable for light residential use such as bedrooms. A 0.5mm wear layer handles kitchens, hallways and living areas comfortably. A 0.7mm or 1.0mm wear layer is designed for heavy residential or commercial use and will last significantly longer under high traffic.
IS LVT SCRATCH RESISTANT?
LVT is scratch resistant but not scratch proof. It significantly reduces the risk of scratching compared with natural materials such as wood and stone.
Using felt pads under furniture, keeping grit off the floor and following the correct cleaning routine will help maintain the surface and reduce the risk of visible wear over time. The thickness of the wear layer also plays a role — products with a 0.5mm wear layer or above offer noticeably better scratch resistance than entry-level options.
IS LVT WATERPROOF?
Yes, LVT is fully waterproof, making it an excellent choice for moisture-prone areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, utility rooms and entranceways. Its water-resistant properties help prevent warping, swelling or lifting when exposed to spills or damp environments.
This is one of the main reasons LVT is so popular in modern homes, particularly where practicality matters just as much as appearance. Unlike engineered wood, which can be damaged by standing water, LVT can handle wet environments without risk. This makes it one of the few flooring options that works well in every room of the house, including bathrooms and wet rooms.
IS LVT SUITABLE FOR UNDERFLOOR HEATING?
Yes. LVT is one of the best flooring choices for underfloor heating. Its thin profile and stable construction mean it conducts heat efficiently and responds quickly to temperature changes. Most LVT products are rated for underfloor heating up to a surface temperature of 27°C.
Glue-down LVT performs particularly well over underfloor heating because the adhesive bond provides direct contact with the heated subfloor, maximising heat transfer. SPC click products also work well but the floating installation method means heat transfer can be slightly less efficient. Either way, LVT is a more reliable choice over underfloor heating than solid or engineered wood.
DOES LVT RESIST DENTS AND INDENTATIONS?
LVT is designed to resist indentations and pressure marks thanks to its rigid construction and durable wear layers.
As with any flooring, very heavy furniture or concentrated weight can still leave marks, so using floor protectors where needed is always sensible. SPC click LVT, with its stone polymer composite core, tends to resist indentation slightly better than flexible glue-down LVT due to its more rigid structure.
IS LVT EASY TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN?
Yes. LVT requires minimal maintenance. Regular sweeping or vacuuming and occasional mopping with a pH-neutral cleaner is usually sufficient. Steam cleaning is not recommended, as the heat and moisture can damage the adhesive bond in glue-down installations and may affect the surface finish over time.
If you would like more detailed aftercare guidance, you may also find our ultimate guide to LVT flooring maintenance useful.
IS LVT HYGIENIC?
LVT has a non-porous surface that helps prevent the build-up of bacteria, mould and allergens, making it a hygienic flooring choice, especially in homes with children or allergy sufferers.
Its smooth and easy-to-clean surface also makes it a practical option for busy family spaces. Unlike carpets, which can trap dust, pet hair and allergens deep in the fibres, LVT allows you to remove these with a simple sweep or vacuum.
IS LVT SUITABLE FOR HOMES WITH PETS AND CHILDREN?
Absolutely. LVT is designed to handle the demands of busy homes. It is resistant to scratches, easy to clean after accidents or spills and comfortable underfoot for both children and pets.
This makes it one of the most practical flooring options for households where everyday durability is a priority. For homes with dogs, a wear layer of 0.5mm or above is recommended to handle claws and general wear.
IS LVT QUIET TO WALK ON?
LVT provides excellent acoustic performance. It reduces footfall noise compared with many other hard floors, making it suitable for multi-level homes and apartment living.
Many homeowners also find it more comfortable and less harsh underfoot than tile or stone. SPC click products with built-in IXPE underlay offer even better sound dampening, which can make a noticeable difference in upstairs rooms and flats where sound transfer between floors matters.
WHAT ROOMS IS LVT BEST SUITED TO?
LVT works well in every room. It is particularly popular in kitchens, hallways and bathrooms because of its waterproof properties and scratch resistance. It also performs well in living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms and home offices.
Many homeowners now use LVT throughout the entire ground floor — or even the whole house — to create a seamless, continuous look. Matching colourways across herringbone in the hallway and kitchen with straight planks in the bedrooms is a popular approach that gives the home a cohesive feel without compromising on practicality in wet or high-traffic areas.
IS LVT ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY?
Many LVT products are made with low-VOC materials and phthalate-free components. Some are recyclable and manufactured using more sustainable processes. If this is important to you, it is always worth checking the environmental credentials of the specific product range.
Environmental standards can vary by brand and collection, so it is worth comparing specifications if sustainability is a key factor in your decision.
DOES LVT COME WITH A GUARANTEE?
Most quality LVT floors are backed by warranties that range from 10 years to a lifetime depending on the product and whether it is installed in a residential or commercial setting.
Warranty length can vary between brands and collections, so it is worth checking the details of the specific product you are considering. The warranty typically covers manufacturing defects and structural integrity rather than surface wear from normal use.
WHAT INSTALLATION METHOD IS SUITED TO MY REQUIREMENTS, GLUE DOWN OR CLICK?
Everything that you see in this showroom is available in glue down, and this method is recommended if you require design detail such as borders. Glue down requires subfloor preparation which broadly means that if the subfloor is wooden, it usually requires ply boarding over and a smoothing compound applied on top. If it is concrete, it usually requires a smoothing compound applied on top. Some products are also available in click and are usually indicated on the sample. This installation method is suitable in some instances.
Glue-down LVT is usually preferred for design flexibility and a more secure long-term finish, while click systems can be more suitable for straightforward projects or some DIY situations. If you are unsure which method suits your project, it is worth discussing your subfloor type and layout preferences with a flooring specialist before deciding.
CAN I INSTALL LVT MYSELF?
Some formats of LVT such as click-lock systems are suitable for DIY installation. However, glue-down versions may require a professional installer to ensure a smooth and lasting result.
If you are comparing installation methods, it can be worth getting expert advice before deciding which product is best suited to your project. If you are in the Altrincham, South Manchester or Cheshire area, Grosvenor Flooring offers a full supply and fit service including measurement, subfloor preparation and professional installation.
CAN LVT FADE IN SUNLIGHT?
LVT has UV-resistant properties built into the wear layer, but some fading may occur over time with prolonged direct sunlight. Using blinds, curtains or UV window film can help minimise this.
In most homes this is not a major issue, but it is worth considering in rooms with large south-facing windows or prolonged direct exposure. Moving rugs and furniture periodically can help the floor age evenly and avoid noticeable colour differences where areas have been shielded from light.
HOW DO I CHOOSE THE RIGHT LVT FOR MY HOME?
Consider the plank or tile size, design, laying pattern and budget, but most of all choose a colour and style that you are happy with. Remember, all the ranges in this showroom are suitable for a domestic environment and the majority are suitable for a commercial environment as well.
If you are still comparing brands and styles, visiting a showroom can make the decision much easier. Seeing products side by side often helps you understand colour, texture and scale far better than small samples or images online. If you would like a broader comparison before visiting, our best LVT flooring UK guide reviews options across all price points and brands.
READY TO EXPLORE LVT FLOORING?
Browse our full LVT flooring collection, visit our LVT supply page or come to our Altrincham showroom to compare options in person.
