If you are in the market for LVT flooring (Luxury Vinyl Tile) for commercial environments, extra scrutiny is essential to ensure the appropriate type of LVT is installed. Not all LVT products are created equally; many are geared towards residential or light commercial applications. Given that commercial settings expose LVT to heavier foot traffic compared to other environments, it’s crucial that your chosen LVT can withstand and excel under such conditions.
What Is LVT Flooring?
LVT, an acronym for Luxury Vinyl Tile, is crafted to simulate the aesthetics of stone and marble in a tile format (as opposed to the plank format found in LVP – Luxury Vinyl Plank). The top layer, known as the ‘wear layer,’ is made from a transparent PVC film engineered to protect the underlying design layer. This design layer incorporates a printed film designed to closely mimic the appearance of stone and marble. Below the design layer is the core, which serves as the structural backbone of the entire plank. This core can be made from PVC, WPC (wood-plastic composite), or SPC (stone-plastic composite). Finally, beneath the core layer lies the backing layer, usually composed of materials like PVC and cork.
What Role Does Each Layer Serve?
Wear Layer: This transparent top layer consists of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) film and is designed to protect the design layer while resisting scratches, stains, and scuffs. Common thicknesses range from 0.3mm to 0.7mm.
Design Layer: A printed film that emulates the look of natural materials such as stone and marble. While advanced printing techniques offer a realistic representation, it’s worth noting that the patterns in LVT can be more repetitive and may appear slightly artificial when compared to natural stone or marble.
Core Layer: Providing both stability and durability, the core layer is usually made from one of three materials: PVC, WPC, or SPC. Although it’s hidden from sight, this core layer is crucial for the flooring’s overall lifespan.
Backing Layer: Generally made from PVC or other materials like cork, this bottom layer adds extra stability and insulation. In some instances, this backing layer is fortified with an integrated underlay to improve the underfoot experience and provide moisture resistance.
What Makes Certain LVT Options More Suitable for Commercial Settings?
When selecting commercial-grade LVT, one of the first aspects to consider is the thickness of the wear layer. As previously discussed, this layer is available in thicknesses ranging from a lean 0.3mm to a robust 0.7mm. Given that the wear layer experiences attrition from usage (hence the term ‘wear layer’), thicker options like 0.5mm and 0.7mm are generally recommended for commercial applications.
Secondly, attention should be given to the type of core. Among the three prevalent core types—PVC, WPC, and SPC—it is SPC (stone-plastic composite) that stands out as significantly stronger. Comprising a blend of limestone, stabilisers, and polymers, SPC cores benefit from enhanced durability due to their limestone content.
Lastly, it is important to evaluate the overall composition of the LVT to ensure it is apt for commercial use. Board thickness can vary from 4mm to 8mm. In commercial settings, 6mm and 8mm thick LVT options with 0.5mm and 0.7mm wear layers respectively offer an optimal balance of backing, core, and wear layer thickness to accommodate high footfall.
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FAQ Section
What is LVT flooring and how is it suitable for commercial spaces?
LVT stands for Luxury Vinyl Tile and is a type of flooring designed to resemble natural materials like stone and marble. In commercial settings, LVT needs to be carefully chosen to withstand higher levels of foot traffic compared to residential or lighter commercial applications.
What are the different layers that make up LVT?
LVT is typically composed of four layers: a wear layer that protects against wear and tear; a design layer that imitates natural materials; a core layer for structural stability, and a backing layer for additional stability and insulation.
What is the importance of the ‘wear layer’ in commercial LVT?
The wear layer is the transparent PVC film on the top that is engineered to resist scratches, stains, and scuffs. For commercial settings, it’s advisable to opt for thicker wear layers, usually 0.5mm to 0.7mm, as they can endure higher foot traffic.
What types of core materials are commonly used in LVT, and which is best for commercial use?
The core layer may be made from PVC, WPC (wood-plastic composite), or SPC (stone-plastic composite). For commercial applications, SPC is generally the most durable option due to its blend of limestone, stabilisers, and polymers.
What factors should be considered when evaluating the overall composition of commercial LVT?
When choosing LVT for commercial settings, consider the overall thickness of the board, which can range from 4mm to 8mm. A balanced composition would include options that are 6mm to 8mm thick with wear layers of 0.5mm to 0.7mm to withstand high footfall.