What is LVT Flooring? Modern – Luxurious – Cost-Effective Flooring Trends

In the construction industry, LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile) is considered a "revolution," replacing traditional ceramic tiles and hardwood floors. With its absolute waterproof properties, diverse designs, and affordable pricing, LVT is the number one choice for offices, retail stores, and modern apartments.

1. Definition of LVT Flooring

LVT stands for Luxury Vinyl Tile. It is a flexible flooring material primarily composed of virgin PVC resin combined with limestone powder and specialized additives. Unlike budget vinyl, LVT mimics the textures of wood, stone, or carpet with extreme realism and high durability.

2. Detailed Structure of LVT (5 Layers)

• UV Coating: Blocks sunlight impact, preventing colors from fading over time.

• Wear Layer: Typically 0.1mm - 0.3mm thick, protecting against scratches and stains.

• Print Film Layer: High-definition 3D technology creates sharp wood, stone, or carpet patterns.

• PVC Core: Flexible PVC resin provides high elasticity, absorbing impacts without cracking.

• Base Layer: Enhances adhesive bonding and blocks rising moisture from the subfloor.

3. Why is LVT Superior to Other Materials?

• ✅ 100% Waterproof & Mold-Resistant: Unlike laminate, PVC-based LVT does not swell or rot when exposed to water.

• ✅ High Elasticity – "Soft Impact": The flexible nature provides a comfortable feel. It is especially safe for children and the elderly by minimizing injuries from falls.

• ✅ Sound Absorption: LVT reduces footstep noise by up to 90%, making it ideal for offices, libraries, or bedrooms.

• ✅ Cost-Effective: LVT helps owners save 50-70% on material and installation costs compared to natural wood or stone while maintaining a premium aesthetic.

4. Popular Types of LVT Flooring

At Khosango.com, LVT is categorized by two main installation methods:

• Glue-Down LVT: Uses specialized adhesive applied to the subfloor. It offers extreme durability and a firm bond but requires a perfectly flat subfloor.

• Self-Adhesive (Peel & Stick): Features a pre-applied adhesive backing. Simply peel off the paper and stick. This is the optimal solution for DIY home renovation.

5. Technical Specifications of Premium LVT

Detailed Comparison: LVT vs. SPC Flooring

Types of vinyl flooring on market:

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Vinyl click lock: is one of vinyl which linked together by two side locking tapes, without the use of glue to ensure the convenience of removing and installing quickly and without affecting on the surface of the floor.  * Some of brands of famous Vinyl click lock: Krono Vinyl, Wellmark, Aroma, Pergo Vinyl, Awood vinyl.	Dry back vinyl (LVT): the flooring which is stuck on the flat surface by glue. *Some of brands of dry back vinyl: Aroma, Galaxy, Fjord, Aimaru, Railflex, 3K vinyl	Glueback vinyl (sticker back vinyl): the floor which has glue on the back side of each sheet. It is easy to install by removing the back paper layer, then sticking in on the floor. * Some of brands of Glue back vinyl : AWood Vinyl	Self-adhesive vinyl floor: known as Loose-lay vinyl with high density of friction on the back side to help the sheet of vinyl grip tigh on the floor, no moving. It is convenient to remove Loose-lay vinyl because of none using glue. * Some of brands of Loose-lay vinyl: Loose-Lay	Vinyl with roll type: it is the vinyl floor that is printed wood vein paper directly on the surface. It always follows special size of manufacturer. It is waterproof and easy to install. * Some of brabds of roll vinyl : Railflex

Which One Should You Choose?

1. Choose LVT (Glue-Down) when:

• You need the lowest cost solution.

• Installing for shops, cafes, or offices with short-term leases (2-5 years).

• Your subfloor is already very flat and smooth (old tiles are ideal).

• You prefer a softer feel and maximum noise reduction.

2. Choose SPC (Click-Lock) when:

• You want a long-term residential solution for apartments or villas.

• High-traffic areas or spaces with heavy furniture.

• Areas frequently exposed to moisture (kitchens, foyers).

• You want a floor that can be dismantled and reused.

Installation Guide for LVT Flooring

• Step 1: Subfloor Preparation: Ensure the floor is Flat - Clean - Dry.

• Step 2: Apply Adhesive: Spread a thin layer of glue; wait 20-30 minutes until it turns pale yellow (highest tackiness).

• Step 3: Laying the Tiles: Align with the light source. Use a rubber mallet to ensure firm adhesion.

• Step 4: Finishing: Install baseboards or transition strips to cover corner gaps. Wait 48 hours before placing heavy furniture.