LVT vinyl tiles and panels
LVT - Luxury Vinyl Tiles. Briefly, these are stiff tiles in various sizes and shapes. When they imitate wood, they come in the size and shape of boards and panels. When imitating stoneware or stone, they are often rectangular or square. The structure is reminiscent of heterogeneous (layered) PVC floor coverings but with significant differences. Look from the top:
1. polyurethane layer (transparent),
2. wear layer made of pressed PVC (transparent),
3. so-called foil, i.e. a photographic layer (wood, stone pattern),
4. basic supporting layer,
5. reinforcing layer.
Thanks to their structure, they are extremely durable and aesthetic, and most importantly - they are easy to keep clean. They are resistant to dirt, heavy traffic and furniture on wheels. Daily and periodic cleaning is not difficult and inexpensive.
Why LVT and not wood?
- Wood has a limited number of patterns and colors. It offers only what comes in nature.
- Wood is demanding in terms of cleaning. Water is a big threat to it.
- Wood is susceptible to scratches, dents and damage.
- Wood must be secured, varnished, oiled and renewed from time to time.
- Wood is more expensive to buy and install
- A specialist with experience is required to install wood
Why LVT and not laminate?
- Laminate is commonly seen as "artificial", "paper-like", "plastic".
- Laminate easily electrifies, attracts dust, animal fur and hair.
- Laminate is loud: you hear footsteps, women's heels, dog's claws, etc.
- Laminate is susceptible to damage, easy to scratch, and "swells" in contact with water.
- Laminate is difficult to renew, it does not undergo renovation, polymerization and polishing
- Laminate can be laid only linearly!
- Laminate requires dilatation.
Why LVT and not ceramics?
- Ceramics is cold in everyday use
- Ceramics is loud, "highly acoustic", "it carries sound very well".
- Ceramics is characterized by a high risk of slipping, especially when coming into contact with water.
- Ceramics is easily damaged: cracking, chipping, and in case of damage it is difficult to replace.
- The joints (grout) lose their properties over time - they crumble, "catch dirt and stains"