COREtec Waterproof LVT Flooring
[coretec-plus]
Luxurious Flooring for Your Home or Business
LVT stands for luxury vinyl tile, the tiled version of luxury vinyl sheet flooring, a more resilient vinyl material that surpasses vinyl composite tile (VCT) in performance and appearance. With COREtec, Shaw, and Armstrong as its most popular brands, LVT is also manufactured as planks or rectangular tiles. LVP, or luxury vinyl plank flooring, offers the same durable luxury vinyl flooring that simulates the look of real hardwood, ceramic tile, or stone as LVT, but in plank form.
If you’re shopping for a different kind of vinyl floor, then Armstrong’s new luxury vinyl floors may be just what you’re looking for! Another great option is COREtec Pro Plus SPC Flooring, similar to LVT.
Inspired by Natural Elements
Inspired by nature, the Luxe Plank luxury vinyl (a.k.a. “Best New Home Product” in 2010 from This Old House magazine) looks like hardwood or stone but behaves like an engineered material.
Choose from styles that emulate the ruggedness of country-cabin rustic timber, the classic wood-grained warmth of finished lumber, or the modern elegance of polished stone—all without the high maintenance concerns or installation costs.
If you enjoy realistic vinyl plank flooring but appreciate the strength and durability of engineered architectural products, then LVT flooring is the best choice in flooring materials. For example, check out Flexco Elements vinyl flooring. Featuring stone or wood vinyl planks, elements flooring comes with a 28-mil wear layer and even resists bacteria growth.
Durable & Affordable
LVT flooring is the highest quality of vinyl flooring and is preferred by customers over VCT and natural materials because of its texture and durability. For areas such as basements, bathrooms, and kitchens where moisture may be an issue, LVT floors offer good mechanical properties and maintain their shape and size compared to wood, which is hygroscopic. This means it absorbs and reacts when exposed to moisture. LVT flooring is more resilient than any other hard surface flooring and will save you money in maintenance and replacement costs.
Trending LVT Flooring
Alterna, another line of luxury vinyl tile from Armstrong, looks like ceramic tile or stone without the weight or complex installation that will require professional installation. If not installed correctly, ceramic tile can easily loosen or crack. They must be installed with joints that allow for expansion and contraction.
Our premium line of Armstrong Alterna LVT flooring is available in a range of nuanced patterns and styles taken directly from nature, and homeowners appreciate the warm underfoot and strong but comfortable wear layer of LVT flooring when compared to ceramic tile.
Commercial Toughness for Your Home
Homeowners can opt for a commercial-grade LVT floor over residential varieties, especially in high-traffic areas such as the kitchen, bathroom, living room, rec room, and hallway.
Commercial vinyl flooring, including luxury vinyl plank floors, lasts for years without showing signs of wear or tear as it has a more durable wear layer. Moreover, vinyl floors are thicker and made with a composite engineered for high performance under heavy foot traffic.
This makes luxury vinyl tile perfect not only for your main residence or business but also for other resilient flooring needs, such as rental properties, beach houses, or vacation homes. LVT is available in many modern and stylish design options perfect for contemporary or traditional home decor.
Easy to Install, Replace, or Repair
Most property owners will appreciate that LVT is a less permanent decorating option, especially when compared to the expensive demolition and installation process of wood, stone, or ceramic tile flooring!
LVT flooring products by Armstrong offer an affordable option to wood plank, grouted tile, and natural stone. LVT flooring doesn’t require a vigilant watch or time-consuming maintenance. It doesn’t matter if your subfloor is plywood, concrete, or a previous vinyl material, LVT can be applied directly on top. If there is a concern about moisture accumulation, such as with concrete, then an underlayment or vapor barrier is laid prior to the flooring installation.
Pros and Cons of Luxury Vinyl Tile Flooring
Is LVT the right flooring for you? Here are some pros and cons of LVT to help you make an informed decision.
Benefits
- LVT mimics the look and feel of natural materials without the skyrocketing costs.
- It has a durable wear layer, making it much stronger than traditional real wood floors.
- It’s fully waterproof, which means it does not buckle or warp when exposed to moisture.
- LVT is inexpensive compared to hardwood flooring.
- It requires low maintenance—regular simple cleaning and mopping
- LVT can be installed via DIY, interlocking, floating, or glue-down.
Drawbacks
- LVT cannot be sanded or refurbished like natural wood flooring.
- Synthetic texture, not quite the same look and feel as laminate flooring, and much less likely to feel as though you are walking on realistic wood flooring. If that matters to you, high-end hardwood is always a more popular option but at twice or triple the cost.
- Luxury vinyl flooring styles change about every five years. Unlike hardwood floors that can be refurbished, once LVT is gone, you’ll never be able to find a replacement or an exact match. This might not be a deal breaker for most, but it is something to consider when remodeling or installing new flooring.
Learn More about LVT
LVT is known for its versatility, easy maintenance, and affordability, making it a great option for both residential and commercial spaces. From classic wood and stone looks to bold geometric patterns and vibrant colors, LVT can be customized to fit any design scheme or style.
Here at Floor City, we stock flooring for all commercial and residential spaces. We offer true waterproof, anti-static, and slip-resistant flooring. We also have laminate, linoleum, carpet tile, and hardwood flooring options, as well as wall base and flooring accessories. If you have any questions or need flooring advice, please contact us through our 24-hour live chat or send us a message.
