LVT for the Dining Room

The dining room is a unique space that requires a balance of style and resilience. LVT is perfectly suited to this. Aesthetically, the variety of designs is vast. You can choose from a classic wood effect to create a warm and traditional feel, a modern stone or concrete effect for a sleek, contemporary look, or even a bold patterned tile to make a statement. The quality of modern LVT means that these visuals are incredibly authentic, often featuring embossed textures that mimic the feel of the materials they replicate. This design versatility allows you to perfectly complement your dining furniture and overall decor.

Durability is a non-negotiable factor for a dining room floor. The constant scuffing and scraping of chairs and the potential for spills make it a challenging environment. LVT is highly resistant to scratches, scuffs, and stains, thanks to its robust wear layer. This hard-wearing surface ensures your floor will maintain its pristine appearance even after years of use. In the event of a spill, LVT’s waterproof nature means liquids can be simply wiped away without leaving a stain or damaging the floor, which is a significant advantage over a carpet or real wood.

Ease of maintenance is another key benefit. After a family meal or a dinner party, the last thing you want is a difficult clean-up. LVT’s non-porous and seamless surface is incredibly easy to clean, requiring only a quick sweep or vacuum followed by a damp mop. This makes it a hygienic and practical alternative to carpet, which can trap food particles and allergens. Furthermore, LVT is much quieter and softer underfoot than ceramic tiles, which is a great benefit in a room where people are constantly moving. The soft feel provides comfort, and the acoustic properties help to create a more relaxed dining environment.

LVT is also an excellent choice for open-plan dining/kitchen areas. The seamless transition and consistent flooring throughout can help to unify the space, creating a cohesive and stylish feel. LVT is fully compatible with underfloor heating systems, which can provide a luxurious touch, ensuring your dining room is warm and comfortable, particularly on colder evenings. With its blend of style, durability, and easy maintenance, LVT is the ideal flooring solution for any dining room.

Buying Guide

Choosing LVT for your dining room is a smart decision. Here’s a detailed guide to help you select the perfect product for this central room in your home.

• Room Usage / Location: The dining room is a high-traffic area with a risk of spills and scuffing from chairs. You should choose an LVT with a wear layer of at least 0.3mm to ensure long-term durability and resistance to scratches.
• Lifestyle: LVT is an excellent choice for homes with children or those who frequently entertain. Its resilience to spills and easy-to-clean surface make it a practical and worry-free option for a busy dining room.
• Budget: LVT provides the luxurious look of natural materials at a more accessible price point. The cost will depend on the wear layer thickness, brand, and design, but its longevity and low maintenance offer excellent long-term value.
• Durability & Maintenance: Look for a product with a robust wear layer (0.3mm or higher) and a good residential warranty. Maintenance is simple; regular sweeping and occasional mopping will keep your dining room floor looking its best.
• Material Type Pros & Cons: Pros include superior durability, water and stain resistance, easy maintenance, and a vast range of designs. The main con is its synthetic nature.
• Aesthetics & Style: LVT offers a huge selection of wood, stone, and patterned designs. Choose a finish and colour that complements your dining table and chairs, helping to create the desired atmosphere for the room.
• Comfort & Sound: For a dining room, comfort and noise reduction are important. LVT is softer and quieter underfoot than ceramic or natural stone. It can also be paired with a quality underlay to further reduce impact noise.
• Underfloor Heating: LVT is fully compatible with underfloor heating systems. This is a great feature for a dining room, providing a warm and comfortable floor for a cosy dining experience.
• Installation: For a dining room, both Click LVT and Glue Down LVT are excellent options. Click LVT is faster and easier for a DIY project, while Glue Down offers maximum stability, which is a benefit with heavy dining furniture.
• Sustainability: Many reputable manufacturers are committed to producing LVT responsibly, with products that are phthalate-free and have low VOC emissions. Look for products with recognised environmental certifications.

Frequently asked questions

Will dining chairs leave marks on my LVT floor?

High-quality LVT is highly resistant to scratches and scuffs from chairs. To provide extra protection, we recommend using felt pads or floor protectors on the legs of your dining chairs. This is a good practice for any hard flooring and will ensure your floor remains in pristine condition.

How should I clean food and drink spills from my LVT floor?

LVT is very easy to clean. Food and drink spills can be simply wiped up with a damp cloth or mop. The non-porous, waterproof surface of LVT prevents liquids from soaking in, so you don’t have to worry about staining or damage.

Is LVT flooring noisy when chairs are moved?

Compared to ceramic tiles or real wood, LVT is much quieter. Its layered construction and the slight give of the material help to absorb sound. For a quieter dining experience, you can also use felt pads on chair legs, which will further reduce any noise from movement.