[Bill's Column] LVT vs. VCT: The Better Choice

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Luxury vinyl tile, or LVT as it’s commonly known, has been widely used in the commercial flooring market for a few decades now.

However, in the last 10 years or so we’ve seen LVT make its way into our homes as well.

What defines LVT vs VCT or (vinyl composite tile) is that LVT is a solid vinyl product. VCT in contrast is less durable and manufactured with only an 8%-12% vinyl wear layer over a compressed or composite mixture of limestone and clay.

Limestone

LVT incorporates more design options such as rich and colorful natural earth tones, various wood species, stone or ceramic visuals. It’s also easy to maintain and install. LVT utilizes a durable, abrasive resistant wear layer.

Most brands like Mannington, Armstrong, and Karndean use a UV-cured urethane coating that reduces chemicals and labor needed for routine maintenance. Unlike VCT which requires several coats of finish in order to protect its porous composition. Therefore, VCT may be cheaper in material costs, but costs more to maintain than LVT.

Healthcare facilities including hospitals, doctors’ offices, and other clinical areas see the benefits and strengths of LVT. Not only does it provide a warm inviting atmosphere, LVT has that extra wear layer to advert staining and damage from medically used chemicals. These chemicals would be Metaldyne blue, betadine, and most phenolics. VCT usually doesn’t stand up to time and use in these environments.

What has been popular recently is using the solid vinyl “wood look” planks in birthing rooms of hospitals to give the mother the feeling of being more at “home”. Mannington’s Nature Path Plank and Select Plank certainly capture that look and ambiance.

Another area where we’ve seen more LVT used is in retail stores and boutique shops. In Wal-Marts clothing areas we see Karndean’s Van Gogh being used to help provide an upscale look and draw attention to these areas. Restaurants can be a great venue as well for LVT. Giving a rich warm visual along with great durability and very easy to maintain.

Therefore, luxury vinyl tiles have all the benefits of durability, ease of maintenance and great visuals while providing a superb value.

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And there's another isntallment of Bill's commercial flooring column.  What do you think?  Was the information helpful? 

Bill Francis, Sales Consultant at our Ellicott City/Columbia Showroom

 
Have you used either LVT or VCT before?  What did you like or not like about it?