While the beauty of natural hardwood floors is alluring, they may not be suitable for some homes. Alternatively, laminate floors are a more popular option; however, they are often viewed as outdated and full of imperfections. Luxury vinyl tile floors are the perfect solution for most homes. They provide the look and feel of natural hardwood floors while offering the durability and low maintenance of laminate floors. In addition, luxury vinyl tile floors are available in a wide variety of designs and are cost-efficient. These reasons make luxury vinyl tile floors a popular choice for home improvement projects and upgrades.
What are Luxury Vinyl Tiles?
Luxury vinyl tiles are floors created with planks, which are designed to resemble real hardwood floors. Luxury vinyl tile floors are available in many different colors and finishes to mimic real wood. The most desirable features of luxury vinyl tile floors are their waterproof and stain-resistant qualities. They are also created in several layers to ensure durability. This is especially advantageous for homes with pets and young children. Luxury vinyl tile is low maintenance and can withstand heavy wear while still maintaining its beautiful aesthetic.
Density and Durability
When selecting the luxury vinyl tiles for your home, consider the thickness of the planks. The thicker the planks, the denser and studier the floor will be. Thicker planks are more effective at disguising and hiding imperfections on the subfloor below. Thicker planks are also more durable so consider this when selecting the planks for your home’s most foot-trafficked areas, such as entryways, kitchens, and living rooms.
If well-maintained, your luxury vinyl tile floors will last up to twenty years. Most luxury vinyl tile floors are protected with a scratch and stain-resistant surface layer, which aids in the longevity of your floors. Simply sweep your luxury vinyl floors daily and deep clean every two weeks to keep your floor shining bright.
Installation
There are several ways in which luxury vinyl tile floors can be installed, making them one of the easiest and most cost-effective flooring options. Luxury vinyl tile floors require minimal preparation of the subfloor and can be installed onto concrete, hardwood, or even plywood.
The first method of installation of luxury vinyl tile floors is the floating vinyl sheet. This method of installation does not require glue or staples. Instead, the luxury vinyl tiles are peel-and-stick. They can be stuck right onto the subfloor. This method is preferred when installing lighter and thinner luxury vinyl planks.
Another method of installing luxury vinyl tiles is the interlocking method. For this method, the luxury vinyl planks are installed by locking them together to create a floating floor. This method does not secure the vinyl planks to the subfloor; instead, it utilizes the weight of the planks to keep the floor in place. When using this method of installation, it is recommended to use thicker, denser vinyl tiles. These luxury vinyl tiles are also generally more rigid and more likely to remain in place.
Cost
Luxury vinyl tile floors are cost-effective and usually cost about $4 per square foot for the planks. Installation costs may vary depending on the method of installation. When compared to the cost of hardwood, ceramic, or stone, luxury vinyl floors are a much cheaper option.
Final Thoughts
Luxury vinyl tile floors are the perfect solution for many homes when it comes to low cost, low maintenance, and high-quality flooring. Luxury vinyl tile comes in a variety of designs and are easy to customize to ensure your family’s needs are met. If you are in the Virginia and DC metro areas, the experts at Hatcher’s Floors offer free home consultations. Hatcher’s Floors offer comprehensive packages, high-quality products, and excellent customer service. Get a free flooring estimate today!
