If you're considering luxury vinyl flooring for your home, it's essential to understand what it is and why it's worth considering. Learn about LVP and LVT from Flooring of Springfield Inc.?
Table of Contents:
- What is luxury vinyl flooring?
- History of LVP and LVT
- What is LVP and LVT flooring made of??
- Composition and layers of luxury vinyl flooring
What is luxury vinyl flooring??
Luxury vinyl flooring is a type of synthetic flooring material that closely mimics the look and feel of natural materials, such as wood or stone. It is engineered to provide enhanced durability and resistance to wear, making it an excellent choice for high-traffic areas in residential and commercial settings. Luxury vinyl flooring comes in two main styles, luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring and luxury vinyl tile (LVT) flooring. Check out our blog where we discuss the differences between LVP vs LVT.?History of LVP and LVT?
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) and Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) have emerged as popular flooring options in recent years, but their history can be traced back to the early 20th century.?The development of vinyl flooring began in the 1920s, initially as a low-cost alternative to linoleum. Over the years, advancements in technology and manufacturing processes led to the introduction of LVT and LVP. In the 1970s, vinyl flooring underwent significant improvements, including the incorporation of better wear layers and realistic design options.?
The 21st century saw a surge in popularity for LVT and LVP due to advancements in printing technology, allowing for highly detailed and realistic wood and tile designs. Today, LVP and LVT offer homeowners a durable, versatile, and affordable flooring solution that replicates the look and feel of natural materials while providing enhanced performance and ease of maintenance.
What is LVP and LVT flooring made of??
Composition and layers of luxury vinyl flooring
Luxury vinyl flooring consists of multiple layers, each serving a specific purpose. These layers typically include:Wear Layer
The wear layer is the topmost protective layer of the flooring. It guards against scratches, stains, and wear caused by foot traffic.?
The wear layer is typically made of clear PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or polyurethane and is available in varying thicknesses, ranging from 0.1mm to 0.7mm. The thickness of the wear layer directly influences the flooring's resistance to damage and determines its lifespan.
Design Layer
The design layer is responsible for the flooring's aesthetic appeal. It features a high-resolution image of natural materials, providing a realistic appearance.?
Manufacturers employ high-resolution imaging and embossing techniques to create intricate patterns, grains, and textures that closely resemble their natural counterparts. The result is a stunning and authentic flooring option that captures the beauty of wood, the elegance of stone, or the charm of tile.
Core Layer
The core layer provides stability, durability, and impact resistance to the flooring. It is often made of vinyl or a combination of vinyl and other materials. There are two main types of core layers used in luxury vinyl flooring:
- WPC (Wood Plastic Composite) Core: WPC core is a blend of wood and plastic/polymer materials. This type of core layer enhances the dimensional stability of the flooring and makes it more rigid. WPC core provides excellent resistance against impacts, dents, and temperature changes. It also offers sound insulation properties, making it a popular choice for residential applications.
- SPC (Stone Plastic Composite) Core: SPC core is composed of limestone and plastic/polymer materials. This core layer is denser and more rigid than WPC. SPC core provides exceptional dimensional stability and is highly resistant to impacts, dents, and temperature fluctuations. It offers enhanced durability and is suitable for both residential and commercial settings.
Both WPC and SPC cores contribute to the water resistance of luxury vinyl flooring. They act as a barrier against moisture, making the flooring suitable for areas prone to spills or humidity, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. It's important to note that the composition and quality of the core layer can vary among different luxury vinyl flooring brands and products.?
Backing Layer
The backing layer adds additional support and stability to the flooring. It also provides sound insulation and helps resist moisture. It is typically made of various materials, such as PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or felt, and serves several purposes:
- Stability: The backing layer enhances the overall stability of the flooring, helping it resist movement, flexing, and shifting. This stability is essential to ensure that the flooring maintains its shape and integrity over time.
- Sound Insulation: The backing layer helps to dampen sound transmission, making luxury vinyl flooring a quieter option compared to harder surfaces like tile or hardwood. It can help reduce the impact of footsteps and absorb sound, creating a more peaceful and comfortable environment.
- Moisture Resistance: While luxury vinyl flooring is already water-resistant, the backing layer adds an extra layer of protection against moisture. It acts as a barrier, preventing moisture from reaching the subfloor and potentially causing damage. This makes luxury vinyl flooring suitable for areas prone to spills or moisture, such as bathrooms or basements.
- Subfloor Imperfection Concealment: The backing layer can also help to minimize the appearance of minor imperfections in the subfloor. It provides a cushioning effect that helps to smooth out slight irregularities, resulting in a more even and attractive flooring surface.
Find quality luxury vinyl flooring in Springfield, IL today!
Luxury vinyl flooring offers an attractive combination of durability, versatility, and realistic appearance, making it a popular choice for homeowners. Whether you desire the look of hardwood, stone, or tile, luxury vinyl flooring can provide a practical and cost-effective solution for your flooring needs. Stop by and speak to our professionals about luxury vinyl flooring in Springfield, IL.?We look forward to meeting you and helping with your flooring needs! Flooring of Springfield Inc.?services the areas of Springfield, IL, Chatham, IL, Sherman, IL, Rochester, IL, Williamsville, IL, Jacksonville, IL, Riverton/Spaulding, IL, Taylorville, IL, and Auburn, IL.
