If you desire a flooring that has a realistic style and look of natural wood or stone, while at the same time offering exceptional simple maintenance and durability, consider trying the luxury vinyl tile. An ever increasing popular flooring option among homeowners, luxury vinyl tile uses 3D imaging technology to imitate the textures and look of high-end flooring options like limestone, ceramic tile, marble, travertine, slate, and hardwood. Many luxury vinyl tile manufacturers, including a fantastic job at capturing the textures, colors and grains of the natural wood and stone they imitate, some of the products being indistinguishable from the real thing. Nonetheless, whereas luxury vinyl tiles and boards may look like natural wood or stone, they may offer more regarding durability.
Resilience
Unlike many natural surfaces, luxury vinyl tiles will not warp, chip or yellow. Tiles are naturally resistant to water and would not buckle or swell from moisture. This, therefore, makes luxury vinyl tiles an ideal option for areas like the bathroom, kitchen, basement or laundry room, areas that are prone to damage by moisture.
Luxury vinyl tile is less slippery than natural surfaces, with some tiles including a slip-resistant coat for extra protection. It is also warmer and softer underfoot than ceramic stone or tile. These are only a few more benefits of using luxury vinyl tiles in the bathroom and other areas that experience high foot traffic and activity.
Simple Installation and care
Luxury vinyl tile is thinner than hardwood boards, ceramic tiles or boards that make it simple to install over existing flooring. This, therefore, makes it a significant advantage for use in remodeling projects. Typically, underlayment or padding is not required, but it is necessary to install luxury vinyl tiles over flat and dry surfaces to prevent water from seeping beneath the flooring.
Numerous products like the Earthwerks’ Accu Clic series include click-and-lock systems that are simpler to install for DIY individuals. Take note that while installations may be relatively easy, some luxury vinyl tile manufacturers need professional installations to authenticate their warranties.
Designs for every Décor
Many tiles include slanting edges and come in various sizes and shapes. Wood boards can come in longer lengths like Shaw’s Sumter LS series that offers 48-inch long boards for a modern look. Additionally, tiles like Shaw’s Resort Tile collection, are accessible in large 16″ by 16″ square feet. Tiles may be laid using grout, for a more authentic tile or stone look. Alternatively, without grout for a sleek, seamless appearance. Hardwood looks feature rich finishes, colors, and textures found in genuine wood. For additional realism, collections like the Nafco’s Hand Scraped series by Tarkett can give the rugged look of hand scraped natural wood.
For additional customization, many producers also offer synchronizing design borders and strips. You may even blend and match a wood border with stone tile. For instance, when you desire to create a distinctive designer look. Design strips typically offer the same level of stain resistance as tiles, and will not discolor like grout.