Archetech Issue 42 2019 | Page 76

THE BENEFITS OF LUXURY VINYL TILES When homeowners think about the best choice of flooring, most will picture long planks of traditional oak or walnut. For centuries, real wood has reigned supreme, delivering exceptional durability, and a long lifespan to match. But with continuous updates to technology and manufacturing techniques in the flooring industry, it’s looking as though change is on the horizon. For all its advantages, wood flooring has some notable shortcomings. Alongside some of the highest prices for any material on the market, wood requires added care and attention that some homeowners may find difficult to keep up with. In today’s modern homes, it might be time for something more up-to-date. Luxury vinyl tiles are fast becoming one of the most popular choices of flooring available, and for good reason. Unlike their synthetic predecessors, LVT boasts unrivalled stability, photorealistic design, and broad accessibility. The question is, how does LVT achieve such outstanding results, and why should you be thinking about making the change? Luxury vinyl tiles utilise a bespoke blend of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) and Polyurethane, amongst other synthetic materials that give each brand their own unique edge. The composition makes each tile suitable for heavy foot traffic, and can even withstand the constant stress of commercial and contract environments. Unlike real wood, LVT is heat and water resilient, and so won’t warp or shrink in areas of high humidity and moisture such as kitchens, bathrooms, and conservatories. Not only does this allow each tile a higher degree of versatility, it makes LVT a perfect choice for family homes with mischievous pets and children. Using traditional methods, wood flooring has always been difficult to install, costing time, and more importantly, money with prolonged fitting procedures. This is no longer the case with LVT. Each tile has been designed with easy fitting in mind, utilising an advanced click installation system. This allows the flooring to be floated above the subfloor without permanent adhesives. Because the tiles lock together safely and securely, fitting materials are drastically reduced, allowing homeowners to fit the flooring themselves. Whilst these few aspects of vinyl tiles undoubtedly set them apart from the common stock, the benefits are inexhaustive. Whether you’re looking for enduring performance, contemporary design, or everything in between, you simply can’t go wrong. www.luxuryflooringandfurnishings.co.uk/vinyl-flooring.html