LVT is a type of vinyl flooring. Vinyl flooring is the umbrella term and it covers both LVT - the rigid planks and tiles you lay individually - and traditional sheet vinyl, which comes on a flexible roll. LVT has a realistic embossed wood or stone texture and a tough protective wear layer, so it looks and performs much closer to the real material than sheet vinyl.

The main difference is water resistance. LVT is fully waterproof through the body of the plank, so it can be used in bathrooms and wet areas, while most laminate is only water-resistant and can swell if water reaches the core. LVT is also warmer and quieter underfoot. Laminate can be a little harder-wearing against heavy scratching at the budget end, but for most homes LVT is the more practical all-round choice.

LVT is a hardwearing PVC-based flooring product built up in layers - a stable core, a high-resolution design layer that mimics natural wood or stone, an embossed texture and a protective wear layer on top. It delivers the look of natural materials with substantially better waterproofing, durability and ease of maintenance and it is sold as individual planks and tiles rather than on a roll.

Yes. LVT itself is inherently waterproof, which is why it is the default choice for kitchens, bathrooms, utility rooms and hallways. With click systems, correct installation matters - water should not be allowed to seep through the seams to the subfloor - but the planks and tiles themselves will not swell, warp or be damaged by moisture.

Yes. Because LVT is fully waterproof, warm underfoot and slip-resistant when textured, it is one of the best flooring choices for both bathrooms and kitchens. Glue-down LVT is usually specified for wet rooms and busy kitchens because the fully bonded finish leaves no seams for water to travel through. A 0.55mm or 0.7mm wear layer is the sensible spec for a family kitchen.

Most LVT ranges are compatible with both wet and electric underfloor heating, subject to a 27C maximum surface temperature. Always follow the specific manufacturer's installation guidance to preserve compatibility and warranty.

Very durable, but the headline number is the wear layer. 0.3mm suits lower-traffic residential rooms, 0.55mm is the most popular residential spec, 0.7mm covers heavy residential and light commercial use and 1.0mm is reserved for the very top of the premium glue-down market. Premium ranges add a polyurethane (PUR) coating on top for extra protection.

LVT spans a wide price range. Value and own-brand ranges are the most affordable and are available to buy online with full pricing displayed, while premium brands such as Amtico and Karndean sit at the top of the market and are quoted on a Request a Price basis. The final figure depends on the range, the wear layer, the format and whether you buy supply-only or supply-and-fit. Order free samples on our Nordikka, Textures, Elements and GF LVT ranges, or send your measurements for a tailored quote on the premium brands.

Neither, in absolute terms. Glue-down delivers the flattest, quietest, longest-lasting result and is preferred for whole-house projects with a fitter lined up. Click is faster, cleaner and more renovation-friendly. The right answer depends on the project, the subfloor and whether you have professional installation arranged.