Luxury Vinyl Flooring Benefits from Performance and Appearance Improvements

Luxury vinyl flooring has become a popular choice for consumers, especially those that are choosing to renovate and modernize homes rather than purchasing another home. The global demand for vinyl flooring is expected to grow at a rate of 5.1% annually, reaching 4.6 billion square meters by 2027. This growth is primarily fueled by the expanding use of LVT, which became the dominant type of vinyl flooring in 2020, alongside manufacturers' initiatives to provide enhanced performance or visually appealing products. Yet, this rise in LVT's popularity may result in less promising prospects for vinyl sheet and VCT in the foreseeable future.

What is Luxury Vinyl Flooring?

• Material Composition: LVF is made from multiple layers of materials, typically PVC (polyvinyl chloride) vinyl, which are compressed together. These layers often include a wear layer, a printed design layer that mimics the look of natural materials such as hardwood or stone, a core layer for stability, and sometimes an underlayment for added comfort.         

• Installation Options: LVF comes in different installation formats, including planks, tiles, or sheets. Some types feature click-and-lock systems that facilitate easier installation as a DIY project, while others might require professional installation.

• Maintenance: Luxury vinyl flooring is relatively easy to clean and maintain. Regular sweeping, vacuuming, or mopping with mild cleaning solutions is typically sufficient to keep it in good condition.

Types of Luxury Vinyl Flooring

• Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP): Resembling hardwood flooring, LVP comes in long planks, typically in widths of 6 to 9 inches and lengths of 36 to 48 inches. It imitates the look of wood grain and can be installed using a click-lock or adhesive method.

• Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT): LVT mimics the appearance of stone or ceramic tile. It's available in square or rectangular tiles and can be laid out to replicate the look of natural stone, marble, or other tile patterns.

• WPC (Wood Plastic Composite) Vinyl Flooring: WPC is a type of luxury vinyl flooring with a wood-plastic composite core. It's highly durable and resistant to moisture, making it suitable for areas prone to water exposure.

• SPC (Stone Plastic Composite) Vinyl Flooring: SPC vinyl flooring contains a stone-plastic composite core, which offers exceptional stability and durability. It's also water-resistant and ideal for areas with high foot traffic.

• Rigid Core Vinyl Flooring: This type of luxury vinyl flooring includes a rigid core that provides added stability and durability. It can come in WPC or SPC constructions and is well-suited for areas where moisture and temperature variations are potential concerns.

Luxury vinyl flooring (LVF) offers a range of advantages, making it an increasingly popular choice for homeowners. Its durability stands out as one of its primary strengths, capable of withstanding heavy foot traffic, scratches, and water damage, making it an ideal option for high-traffic areas or moisture-prone spaces like kitchens and bathrooms.

LVF comes in a variety of designs, mimicking the look of natural materials such as hardwood or stone, providing aesthetic versatility without the high cost. Installation is relatively straightforward, often with click-lock systems, allowing for easier DIY projects or professional installation with reduced time and labor costs.

However, despite its numerous benefits, luxury vinyl flooring may emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and lack the same value appreciation as authentic hardwood or stone, potentially impacting resale value. Additionally, while durable, it might not match the lifespan of natural materials, which could be considered a drawback for some consumers seeking long-term investments in their flooring choices.

To learn more about industry expectations for luxury vinyl flooring, hardwood, carpet, and more, consider purchasing Freedonia Group’s report, “Global Flooring”, released this November.