What Is LVT Flooring?
LVT flooring stands for luxury vinyl 1 tile. This is a thick premium vinyl made to resemble other materials like stone. LVT is made of multiple vinyl layers, usually with a solid vinyl core. It may have an embossed inlaid pattern for a more realistic appearance resembling stone or given a printed pattern.
The material is generally thicker than standard vinyl tile. It is more comfortable underfoot and longer-lasting. It can be installed in several varieties, including click-lock, glue-down, and peel-and-stick to work on any subfloor. It is water-resistant, works well in damp areas, and is much less expensive than stone or other hard tiles.
Luxury vinyl tile has a range of costs, depending on the thickness, brand, color, and finish. They range from $1.50 to $10 a sq.ft. for the material, with installation costs ranging from $1.50 to $6 a sq.ft., depending on the material, substrate, and installation method. Generally, peel-and-stick tiles tend to be the least expensive to purchase and install, while click-lock tiles are more expensive to purchase. However, easy to install and glue-down tile is less expensive to purchase but more expensive to install. This translates into a total cost range of $3 to $16 a sq.ft., with most paying between $5 and $12 a sq.ft.
| Size | Average Costs (Installed) |
|---|
| 100 sq.ft. | $300 - $1,600 |
| 200 sq.ft. | $600 - $3,200 |
| 300 sq.ft. | $900 - $4,800 |
| 500 sq.ft. | $1,500 - $8,000 |
| 1,000 sq.ft. | $3,000 - $16,000 |
Luxury Vinyl Tile Cost by Brand
Many companies make LVT. Some make a wide range of vinyl flooring products, including LVT and luxury vinyl planks (LVP). Others produce many flooring types, including vinyl. Each company may have colors, sizes, thicknesses, and styles to consider. Many offer a range of warranties and attributes, such as increased stain resistance. Below are some of the most popular LVT brands and the material cost.
| Brand | Average Costs per Sq.Ft. (Material Only) |
|---|
| Mohawk | $2 - $4 |
| MSI | $2 - $5 |
| Karndean | $2 - $6 |
| Shaw | $3 - $6 |
| Mannington | $4 - $10 |
| Armstrong | $4 - $12 |
Mohawk Luxury Vinyl Tile Price
The cost of Mohawk LVT is $2 to $4 a sq.ft. Mohawk has one of the largest selections of luxury vinyl tile. This includes a wide range of colors, textures, and types of “stone tile.” They have a few types that are thicker than others, but Mohawk tends to produce thinner flooring than many other brands. This means they may not be as comfortable underfoot. Mohawk LVT is readily available, with many retailers carrying a wide selection.
MSI Luxury Vinyl Tile Cost
The cost of MSI LVT averages $2 to $5 a sq.ft. MSI carries a wide range of luxury vinyl tile styles. These are considered good-quality products, with a long-wearing top layer. They have several lines, such as those with extra rigid cores for durability and ones with wood-plastic or stone-plastic cores. They also have lines grouped by color, with many shades mimicking a range of stones. They also have one line with an even longer-wearing top layer to get more years out of the tiles.
Karndean LVT Price
The cost of Karndean LVT ranges from $2 to $6 a sq.ft.. Karndean has many unique features setting its tile apart. Their products are FloorScore certified, meaning they do not give off VOCs or other off-gassing. Their tiles are very durable, and many come with an attached underlayment. This added layer adds extra cushion underfoot and can help deaden sound. This layer may also insulate for warmth.
Shaw Luxury Vinyl Tile Price
The cost of Shaw LVT is between $3 and $6 a sq.ft. Shaw makes a wide range of durable luxury vinyl products, including several lines of LVT. These include true LVT, wood plastic composite (WPC), and stone plastic composite (SPC) lines. All have superior thickness and long-wearing top layers. Their floors are considered high-performance while also being easy to clean and maintain. Shaw makes several LVT lines, including many with different cores, colors, and styles.
Mannington Luxury Vinyl Tile Price
The cost of Mannington LVT averages $4 to $10 a sq.ft. Mannington is a good luxury brand of vinyl flooring. They specialize in materials like LVT and LVP of varying thicknesses and quality. Most of their materials are thicker than the competitors, making the tiles more comfortable. They have many click-lock styles for exceptionally easy installation. Most of their floors are also given a long-wearing top coat for durability.
Armstrong LVT Cost
The cost of Armstrong LVT ranges from $4 to $12 a sq.ft. Armstrong makes an exceptionally large range of vinyl flooring products. This includes a wide selection of LVT lines. They have several lines with high durability and thickness. They also have thinner tiles that are more cost-effective for some homes and areas. Their tiles come in a vast selection of colors, styles, and thicknesses. They also have different installation types for their tiles, including glue-down and click-lock lines,
Cost to Install LVT Flooring
LVT can be installed in three methods, depending on the tile. This includes peel-and-stick, glue-down, and click-lock. Of the three, peel-and-stick is generally the least expensive. Glue-down and click-clock have similar total costs, but glue-down is usually more expensive to install, and click-lock is more expensive to purchase. All three can give you a quality floor that lasts for years, but each has a set of characteristics that may make one a better fit. Below are the average costs to install each type.
Cost to Install LVT Flooring by Location
LVT can be installed anywhere in the home. It works best in high-traffic areas and areas prone to getting wet and soiled. The material is stain-resistant and moisture-resistant, so it is easy to clean when installed in spaces like bathrooms, kitchens, and mudrooms. Below are the average costs to install LVT in various rooms of the home, based on the average size of that space.
| Location | Average Costs (Labor Included) |
|---|
| Bathroom | $120 - $960 |
| Mudroom | $150 - $1,600 |
| Kitchen | $300 - $3,200 |
| Living Room | $900 - $6,400 |
| Basement | $3,000 - $16,000 |
Luxury Vinyl Tile Bathroom Price
The cost to install LVT in the bathroom averages $120 to $960. This assumes a typical bathroom size of between 40 and 60 sq.ft. If you install the tile in a larger or smaller bathroom, your costs could be different. LVT is an excellent material for bathroom floors. It is water-resistant, and some brands are completely waterproof. You should make sure to use a textured tile to be non-skid. Otherwise, any type of LVT can work well in this area.
Luxury Vinyl Tile Mudroom
The cost of installing LVT in a mudroom ranges from $150 to $1,600. This assumes a mudroom of between 50 and 100 sq.ft. Your costs could be different if your mudroom is larger or smaller. LVT also makes a good choice for mudrooms. They are naturally water and stain-resistant. They are also easy to clean. This means mud or debris tracked in does not hurt the floor.
Luxury Vinyl Tile Kitchen Price
The cost of LVT installed in the kitchen is $300 to $3,200. This assumes the kitchen is between 100 and 200 sq.ft. If your kitchen is larger or smaller, your costs could be different. LVT makes a good choice for kitchens. This is particularly true of thicker LVT, which is more comfortable underfoot in this busy space. LVT is not harmed by spills, moisture, or stains, so it can work well in a busy kitchen. It is also easy to clean, so maintenance is not a problem.
LVT in a Living Room
The cost to install LVT in a living room ranges from $900 to $6,400. This assumes your living room is between 300 and 400 sq.ft. Your costs could be different if your living room is larger or smaller. LVT can make a good choice for some living rooms, particularly in larger, thicker tiles. It also works well in this space when you install it in a pattern. Decorative patterns, such as running bonds and diagonals, work well in this space.
LVT in a Basement
The cost to install LVT In a basement averages $3,000 to $16,000. This assumes an average basement size of 1,000 sq.ft. If your basement is larger or smaller or you only install flooring in a small area, your costs could be different. LVT makes a good choice for basements. It can be installed on a concrete floor without a plywood 2 underlayment. It is also not impacted by moisture. However, you may want to install a vapor barrier beneath the vinyl if you have a damp basement. This prevents moisture and mold from building beneath the tiles.
Patterned Luxury Vinyl Tile
Most LVT comes in styles and colors that make it appear like natural stone and some types of ceramic tile. It can occasionally be patterned or have an inlaid design, but this is more true of older vinyl types. LVT is a newer style of flooring.
LVT comes in several shapes and sizes. The most common include 12” squares, 16” squares, and 12”x24” rectangles. You can lay your tiles in several patterns, depending on the shape and size.
Installing your tile in a pattern increases costs by roughly 20%. This includes additional tile necessary for cuts and labor involved in installing them. Below are some of the more popular patterns you can install your VCT in, besides a traditional straight set installation.
Running Bond
Running bonds can be done with square or rectangular tiles. In this installation, the tiles are offset on each other by 50%. This is sometimes known as an offset or subway tile installation. Running bonds are most common with rectangular tiles but can be done with squares. This is a good installation for rooms that are narrow because they make them appear wider.
Diagonal LVT
One of the most common patterns is the diamond or diagonal pattern. In this pattern, the tiles are turned on their points and run diagonally across the floor. This is another good option for narrow rooms. The lines made by this design can draw the eye out to the corners of the room. This makes the space appear wider.
Herringbone Luxury Vinyl Tile
To create a herringbone tile installation, you need rectangular tiles. This particular installation looks better with LVP - luxury vinyl planks - than with LVT, but it can be done. The short end of one tile is abutted to the end of the long side of a tile. This creates the unique herringbone appearance. Done with a 12”x24” tile, it can give a modern expression.
Corridor
The corridor pattern is a contemporary look that uses 12”x24” tiles. In this pattern, you stack rows of tiles horizontally. At the end of each row, you run a single row of the same tiles going vertically. This creates long lines on the floor or “corridors.” This is a less common installation pattern and works best in open spaces.
Step
The step pattern uses two sizes of square tiles. If you use peel-and-stick or glue-down tiles, you can cut the tiles into smaller sizes to create this pattern or use full-sized 12” and 16” square tiles. In this pattern, the small tile is positioned at the top corner of the large tile. This creates a row of steps as the pattern moves up and across the floor.
Maintenance
LVT is a relatively low-maintenance material. It does not require waxing, sealing, special care, or cleaners. It is durable and less likely to scratch than some materials. It holds up well to normal use. To care for it, sweep or vacuum regularly to remove loose debris from the surface. Mop to remove surface stains. This material does not absorb stains because it is non-porous, making it easy to clean. Use your favorite cleaners to clean.
Pros and Cons of Luxury Vinyl Tile Flooring
LVT is a beautiful, durable, and long-lasting type of vinyl flooring. It is easy to care for and maintain. It is water-resistant, stain-resistant, and can be installed in any room of the home without issue. It comes in several thicknesses, colors, and styles.
LVT is made of vinyl, meaning that unless you use one of the few manufacturers using recycled material, the floor is not considered eco-friendly or sustainable. It also cannot be recycled at the end of its lifespan. While it can mimic stone or tile, many people prefer the real thing for resale, so it does not increase the home’s value. Finally, if you use an adhesive or glue-down method, the adhesive becomes stronger with time. This can make it very hard to remove at the end of its lifespan.
VCT vs LVT
Both vinyl composition tile (VCT) and LVT are types of vinyl tile made of several layers. VCT is the older of the two types and is made with limestone 3 and vinyl. LVT is made of several vinyl layers but may have a wood or stone core and a solid-vinyl core.
VCT is most often installed in commercial settings but can be used in the home. It is most often made of solid colors or has a flecked surface and comes in many bright and bold colors. LVT is more likely to resemble stone or other types of hard tile like ceramic. It is more likely to be installed in a click-lock method, but it can be glued down. Of the two, LVT is considered a premium product and is usually thicker and more comfortable underfoot. It is also the more expensive material.
Below are the costs to install each of the materials in a 200 sq.ft. room.
| Material | Average Costs (Installed) |
|---|
| VCT | $800 - $1,800 |
| LVT | $800 - $2,400 |
Enhancement and Improvement Costs
Radiant Floor
You can install your LVT over radiant floor heating 4. Radiant floor heating installs beneath your flooring and warms people and objects directly, so it is more efficient than other forms of heating. Radiant heating costs $10 to $25 a sq.ft. to install.
Vinyl Vapor Barrier
If you install your vinyl tile in a damp area, you may want to install a vapor barrier 5 below it. This prevents moisture from building beneath the tiles and causing problems like mold. The average cost to install a vapor barrier is $100 to $150 per room.
Underlayment
LVT does not require an underlayment 6 to install. The one exception is the vapor barrier, which should be installed in basements and damp areas. If you want a more cushioned floor, consider an LVT with an attached underlayer.
Transition Strips
If you install LVT in a room abutting a space with different flooring, you need to install a threshold or transition strip. These can be made of different materials and make a smooth transition between the two spaces. The cost is $5 to $30 per threshold.
Additional Considerations and Costs
- Thickness. LVT comes in a wide range of thicknesses, with 12 mil being the thinnest and 40 mil being the thickest. The average thickness for most LVT is 20 mil.
- Pets. LVT can be installed in rooms with pets. It is easy to maintain and not impacted by claws or pet messes.
- Waterproof. LVT is considered water-resistant, with a few brands being fully waterproof. This makes it ideal for basements, bathrooms, and kitchens.
- Warranty. Depending on the company you purchase your tile from, it may have a 5 to 20 year warranty. Always check with the manufacturer to find out what the warranty may be.
- Lifespan. LVT lasts between 20 and 50 years, depending on the brand and installation method.
- Sustainability. LVT is not usually considered sustainable because it is made of vinyl and cannot be recycled.
FAQs
LVT stands for luxury vinyl tile. It is a thicker, premium vinyl flooring type that can mimic stone or ceramic tile.
LVT is a good-quality product that can last for decades when properly installed. It is durable, water-resistant, and comes in many colors and styles.
- How long does LVT flooring last?
Depending on the brand, you may find your LVT can last 20 to 50 years. This depends on the installation method, with glue-down tiles lasting the longest.
- Is all LVT flooring waterproof?
All LVT is water-resistant, with a few brands being completely waterproof. All LVT work well in wet areas.
LVT is easy to clean. It can be swept or vacuumed and does not require special cleaners or sealers.
- What is the difference between LVP and LVT?
The only real differences are size, shape, and style. They are made of the same materials, using the same methods. LVP is sold in planks resembling wood, and LVT is sold in tiles resembling stone or ceramic.
- What are the disadvantages of LVT flooring?
LVT can mimic stone but does not have the same appearance, feel, or longevity as real stone. Some click-lock styles cannot be installed on all floors, while glue-down tiles may be very hard to remove after they have been down for a long time.
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