LVT Flooring Buyer’s Guide

Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) combines style, warmth and textures with state-of-the-art vinyl technology that delivers a durable and fully waterproof flooring solution.

Perfect for the demands of busy homes, LVT flooring is the ‘fit and forget’ flooring option you can rely on for many years of enjoyment and functionality.

If you are in the market for LVT, you probably have plenty of questions about this popular flooring product. J2 Flooring has got you covered with our comprehensive LVT Flooring Buyer’s Guide.

Here, we will answer as many of your burning questions about buying LVT flooring, to help you with your decision-making process.

How to choose the best LVT flooring for you

LVT is a popular flooring choice for modern homes. No wonder when you consider its durability, water resistance, and stylish appearance. But with so many options available, choosing the right LVT can be tricky.

Here are a few things to think about when choosing the best LVT flooring for your needs:

Lifestyle: Consider your household size, pets, and daily activities. For high-traffic areas or homes with pets, you might want to opt for Stone Polymer Composite (SPC) for its added durability and waterproofness.

Space: Different rooms have different requirements. You might choose a statement herringbone LVT in the living room while stone effect SPC flooring can provide a stylish and functional solution for bathrooms.

Decor: Farmhouse chic or Scandi minimalism? Flooring is often the final piece in the design jigsaw. So plan ahead and choose a style and shade of LVT that complements your decor, colour palette and style preferences.

Budget: LVT comes in a range of price options. Glue down LVT is generally cheaper than rigid core SPC. But you may find that paying a little extra for an LVT that fits your lifestyle and space is worth the investment.

How to lay LVT flooring

While it’s possible to lay LVT flooring yourself, it depends on your skill levels, confidence and the type of LVT you are using.

For glue down luxury vinyl flooring, we would always recommend paying for a professional installation. This is by far the quickest, most efficient route to securing a beautiful LVT floor you can enjoy for many years.

The user-friendly click design of our SPC flooring, which uses Uniclic tongue and groove technology, is much better suited to DIY projects.

However, you will still need a certain degree of practical know-how to install it. Check out our SPC Buyer’s Guide for step-by-step instructions and if you are in any doubt, call in the professionals!

How to clean LVT flooring

LVT flooring is relatively easy to maintain, but proper cleaning is essential to preserve its appearance and longevity. With that in mind, it’s a good idea to regularly remove dirt and debris to prevent scratches.

Use a vacuum, preferably with a soft brush attachment to avoid damaging the surface, as often as you need to keep things tidy.

When it comes to a deeper weekly clean, use a damp mop with a mild LVT-specific cleaner (we recommend Dr Schutz products) to lift stubborn stains and freshen up your floor.

Just remember to ensure the mop is thoroughly wrung out to prevent water damage. Excess water can seep into the seams and damage your LVT flooring.

It is essential to address spills immediately to prevent stains from setting in. For most stains, a damp cloth with a mild detergent will do the trick.

It is best to avoid using strong chemicals, like bleach or other abrasive cleaners, because they can actually damage your LVT flooring. Steam cleaners are also best avoided for the same reason.

For more practical cleaning tips, check out our LVT Floor Care Guide.

How to get scratches out of LVT flooring

Prevention is better than cure when it comes to scratches and LVT flooring. Door mats, runners and area rugs are a great idea for protecting LVT in high-traffic areas.

It is also worth installing felt furniture pads under chairs, tables, and sofas. Adopting a ‘lift and shift’ approach rather than dragging furniture also helps to minimise scratches.

Of course, life happens and so do scratches. If you are faced with scuffs or gouges, there is a practical first step you can take.

Dr. Schutz ScratchFix Repair Set is designed specifically for repairing scratches on LVT flooring. The kit includes a repair pen for deeper scratches and a repair spray for lighter ones, as well as an abrasive pad.

Here is a step-by-step guide to using the repair kit:

• Clean the area: Firstly, ensure the scratched area is clean and free from dirt and debris.
• Prepare the surface: Use the abrasive pad to lightly sand the area (clean away any dust).
• Apply the repair pen: For deeper scratches, fill the scratch with the repair pen. Allow it to dry completely.
• Apply the repair spray: For both light and deep scratches, apply a thin coat of repair spray to the entire area. Allow it to dry completely, applying multiple coats for deeper scratches.
• Buff: Once the repair spray is dry, buff the area with a soft cloth to achieve a uniform finish.

While the ScratchFix Repair Set can effectively reduce the visibility of scratches, it may not get rid of them entirely. For severe damage, it is a good ideal to call in your local fitter to carry out a professional repair.

How long does LVT flooring last?

Here at J2 Flooring, we pride ourselves on the long-lasting, hard-wearing designs of all our LVT flooring products.

With the correct installation and proper care and maintenance, you can expect your LVT floor to last anywhere between ten to 30 years. Of course, foot traffic will definitely have an impact on your LVT’s longevity.

The biggest indicator of the superior quality and durability of J2 Flooring LVT products is our extended warranties. All our LVT products come with a wear guarantee that covers the durable wear layer.

Our CUBE, ZEEZOO, Natural Timbers and Natural Timbers Parquet ranges all come with a lifetime domestic wear guarantee. Meanwhile, our Rustic Textures and Rustic Textures Parquet collections boast a 12-year domestic wear guarantee.

How much is LVT flooring?

The price of our LVT flooring can vary depending on the specific product, design, and your local retailer. However, to give you a general idea, you can expect to find J2 LVT flooring starting from around £25 per square metre. However you will need to factor in, preparation materials and labour as additional necessary costs.

Some of our more intricate and speciality floors (such as Victorian Tile Floors) attract a higher price tags due to the complexity in the design and the skill set required to layBear these factors in mind when pricing up your project and consult with your local j2 flooring supplier for a quotation for the complete project. SPC flooring designs are typically more expensive for the traditional wood or tile look compared to glue down LVT alternative, however if you already have a solid, smooth and sound floor then the installation and preparation costs are less.

What you will certainly find is that J2 Flooring prices are extremely competitive, bringing you premium-quality LVT designs without the premium price tag.

To get the most accurate and up-to-date pricing information, find your local retailer and ask them for a quote. They can provide detailed pricing for specific products and floor dimensions.

Where to buy LVT flooring

If you would like to install LVT flooring from the J2 Flooring range, visit one of our specialist retailers across the UK for expert guidance and inspiration.

Whether you are looking for contemporary or traditional flooring, our J2 Flooring stockists can help with everything from design ideas to installation and maintenance advice.

Use our room visualiser tool to upload a photo of your room to see how it might look with your LVT of choice. Order up to four free samples today to experience the quality, texture and visual appeal of J2 LVT flooring.

Then find your nearest retailer to get a detailed quote for your project and purchase your beautiful new LVT flooring.