How Long Does LVT Flooring Last?

LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile) flooring lasts 10-25 years, depending on the thickness and design of the LVT - and how the floor is cared for. LVT is considered more durable than other flooring, such as natural wood, making it a popular long-term option.

In short, to get the most from a new LVT floor:

• Select a thicker wear layer for high traffic areas
• Have the LVT professionally installed
• Follow the recommended care tips

While many factors affect its ‘life expectancy’, the good news is that LVT flooring is easy to clean, flexible, and resilient. So, keeping it in good condition for the long haul is achievable.

Read on to learn more about how the design of your LVT impacts its longevity, what causes wear over time, and how to care for your floor so it lasts for years to come.

The Different Layers of LVT

When it comes to LVT flooring, tiles with a thicker wear layer and a tougher, high quality core will last the longest. Here’s a rundown of what a ‘wear layer’ is and the various types of ‘core layer’.

What is the Wear Layer?

In LVT flooring, the wear layer is the transparent top layer of the tile that protects it from damage. It helps shield from scratches, stains, or scuffs.

Wear layers are typically measured in millimeters. Thicker wear layers (e.g. 0.5mm-0.7mm) offer more protection, especially in high-traffic parts of the home, like hallways or living spaces.

But keep in mind not every room needs the thickest wear layer. Take a quiet back-bedroom and a busy living room, for example. If fitted with the same LVT, the bedroom floor will likely last longer due to receiving less footfall. Consider where the flooring will go when choosing an LVT.

Types of Core Layer

Another factor that impacts how long an LVT lasts is its core layer and how this is made. The core (or ‘inner’) layer of LVT is typically made from:

• PVC - a cost-effective and sturdy material
• WPC (Wood Plastic Composite) - provides a softer feel underfoot, as it is a mix of wood flour, plastic polymers, and foaming agents
• SPC (Stone-Plastic Composite) - found across our range of LVTs, this is a highly enduring core layer material, made from a blend of limestone, stabilisers, and polymer. SPC is well suited to areas prone to moisture, e.g. bathrooms and kitchens
• Rigid - a type of SPC core layer that feels soft underfoot (like WPC) while also offering strong water resistance and durability

Importance of LVT Thickness

The overall thickness of the LVT often determines its lifespan, so pay close attention to this measurement (typically given in millimetres) when selecting your new floor. Here’s a guide to finding the LVT thickness best suited to your needs:

2mm - 4mm:
Perfect for low-traffic areas like bedrooms, utility or storage rooms, and spaces with minimal foot traffic. Can still last up to 25 years with the proper care.

4mm - 6mm:
Suitable for most home spaces with medium to high traffic, i.e. living rooms and kitchens. LVTs with these thicknesses can last more than 20 years, especially when treated correctly.

6mm - 8mm:
The recommended LVT thickness for heavy-traffic commercial areas. Can last up to 30 years.

Is 2.5 mm LVT Too Thin?

For minimal-use areas, like a shed or storage space, 2mm thickness is fine. But for most areas that’ll see moderate footfall, 4mm or higher is advised. Although thicker LVTs can cost more, by standing the test of time, the right LVT will save you money in the long run.

How to Care for LVT

To keep your LVT flooring looking great and extend its lifespan, regularly remove dust using gentle cleaning methods. Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners, and be sure to wipe up spills immediately. Furniture with feet that could scratch or damage the floor should be avoided. Here are some simple tips to help you care for your LVT flooring.

Regular Maintenance

Clearing away dust and debris from the surface of your floor before it builds up is the simplest way to avoid scuffs or scratches. For tips on which vacuum extension to use on LVT to prevent scratches, check out our advice for cleaning LVT floors so they’re as good as new.

Stains Be Gone - Carefully

If a spill occurs, whip out a damp cloth and gently dab your LVT as soon as the incident happens. However, don’t be tempted to spray the LVT with whatever cleaning product you have to hand. Some natural and commercial cleaning agents are fine to use on LVT floors, others are not.

For tips on cleaning products for LVT floors, our helpful LVT floor cleaning article will make sure you don’t accidentally turn that clumsy spill into a bigger problem.

Other Tactics to Expand the Lifespan of LVT

In addition to dusting regularly and carefully cleaning up spills, these methods will keep your LVT floor in tip-top shape:

• Add pads to the feet of heavy or frequently pulled-out items of furniture
• Avoid furniture that’s built onto rollers
• Lay down runners and rugs to protect your LVT from wear and spillages
• But avoid rubber-backed mats, as these can cause discolouring
• Try to minimise direct sunlight exposure on LVT, as it can lead to fading and deterioration over time. Consider curtains, blinds, or a window film that blocks out UV rays, especially on days no one is home

LVT Installation Tips

For LVT flooring to last as long as possible, proper installation is key. Poor fitting can shorten the LVT’s lifespan and cause lifting and gaps in the tiles over time. When installing, keep in mind these tips:

• Ensure the space is as clean as possible. Clear away dust and other debris that could get in the way of a clean installation
• Avoid laying the LVT before installing appliances and large furniture items. Instead, schedule the installation for after other pieces are fitted
• Address any moisture issues within the home before installing LVT
• Allow the LVT to acclimatise in the room it is to be installed in for 48 hours before fitting
• Choose a suitable underlay (if needed)
• Use the proper equipment and follow the installation guidelines

Choose Your LVT Flooring from FDF

We offer a range of LVT flooring to suit different rooms, lifestyles, and budgets. As mentioned earlier, the thickness of your LVT plays an important role in its durability, but that doesn’t mean every room in your home needs the thickest option available.

The ideal LVT thickness depends on how the room will be used. For example, high-traffic areas like hallways and kitchens are prone to daily wear and tear from foot traffic, furniture movement, and spills, so opting for a thicker LVT is advisable. Whereas low-traffic areas such as bedrooms, home offices, or guest rooms may be suited to a thinner LVT that will still last for years with the proper care.

Additionally, consider factors like whether the room has direct sunlight, moisture exposure (e.g., bathrooms or laundry rooms), or heavy furniture. Each of these can influence the best type of LVT for the space.

We’re always happy to offer help and advice. If you are deciding on the right thickness and make of LVT for your home, please call 030 100 00 15 to speak to one of our flooring experts.

We detail the type of wear layer and overall thickness of each of our LVTs onsite, to help you make an informed choice. And we provide a domestic warranty for each of our LVTs (how many years the flooring manufacturer guarantees the LVT will last for without wearing out), which is typically up to 20 years.