What You Need to Know Before Investing in LVT or LVP Flooring

Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) and Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) have taken the UK home improvement market by storm, praised for being affordable, stylish, and DIY-friendly. But despite the buzz, not all that glitters is gold. In this article, I share my honest, professional perspective on the real issues with luxury vinyl flooring — insights that every DIYer, homeowner, designer, and tradesperson should consider before investing. Every product has its drawbacks, but the marketing behind LVT and LVP often glosses over the negatives. Let’s burst the bubble on what makes luxury vinyl less than ideal.

1. It’s Not as Durable as You Think

One of the biggest selling points of LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile) and LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank) flooring is its durability. While it holds up well in the short term, many homeowners quickly realise that not all vinyl floors are created equal. Here's why:

• Cheap variants can scratch easily—common household items like dropped keys, high heels, or even pet claws can leave visible marks, making the floor look worn before its time.
• The wear layer on lower-quality LVT/LVP is often too thin, which can result in a worn-out appearance in just 1–2 years, especially in high-traffic areas.
• Sunlight accelerates wear—direct sunlight, particularly near windows, can cause fading or discolouration, leading to an uneven or aged look that’s hard to reverse.

While LVT/LVP is a great option for many homes, it's important to be aware that its durability may not be as long-lasting as advertised, depending on the quality of the material and exposure to wear and tear.

2. It Feels and Sounds Fake

For architects, designers, and homeowners who care about texture and ambience, LVT and LVP may fall short in certain areas. While these floors are designed to mimic the appearance of natural materials like wood or stone, they often lack the depth and authenticity that come with the real thing.

• ‘Hollow’ and plastic underfoot feel: When walking on lower-quality LVT/LVP, the floor can feel hollow or unnatural, lacking the solid, comforting feel of real wood or stone.
• Repetitive printed patterns: Many LVT and LVP products feature printed designs that repeat, which can expose their artificiality. This makes the floor look less organic and detracts from the sense of realism you might expect.
• Low thermal quality: Unlike wood, which retains heat, vinyl can often feel cold underfoot, especially in cooler months, making it less comfortable for homes without underfloor heating.

While LVT and LVP can look impressive, the sensory experience—both in feel and sound—can be a letdown for those seeking a more authentic and natural flooring option.

3. Environmental Concerns

For the eco-conscious UK homeowner, LVT and LVP flooring come with several sustainability challenges that may give you pause:

• Made from PVC: LVT and LVP are primarily made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride), a type of plastic that's difficult to recycle, contributing to plastic waste that lingers in landfills.
• Off-gassing of VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds): Many vinyl products release VOCs, which can affect indoor air quality and lead to unpleasant odours, especially in poorly ventilated spaces. This can be a concern for those with respiratory issues or sensitivities.
• Short lifespan compared to hardwood or stone: While vinyl can look good initially, it tends to wear out faster than hardwood or stone, leading to more frequent replacements. This short lifespan contributes to more waste over time, as you're disposing of the old flooring more often.

If you're looking for a more sustainable or eco-friendly flooring option, LVT and LVP might not align with your values, given their environmental impact.

4. Moisture Resistance Isn’t a Guarantee

While LVT and LVP are often marketed as waterproof, in reality, they are typically only water-resistant under ideal conditions. Here are some issues that can compromise their performance in moisture-prone areas:

• Poor installation: If not installed properly, seams and edges can become vulnerable to water intrusion, leading to swelling, warping, or permanent damage.
• Standing water: When water is left sitting on the surface for too long, it can cause the planks to curl, disbond, or even warp. This is particularly problematic in high-moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms.
• Incompatible underlayment: If the underlayment used isn’t suitable for the conditions of the room (such as areas with high moisture), it can lead to warping or peaking of the floorboards over time.

While LVT and LVP offer moisture resistance, they aren’t entirely foolproof. Proper installation and maintenance are key to ensuring that they perform as expected in wetter environments.

5. Installation Isn’t Always DIY-Friendly

While LVT and LVP often come with click-lock designs that promise easy installation, DIYers should be cautious. The process can be trickier than it seems, especially when these factors are not taken into account:

• Subfloor prep is critical: Even minor imperfections in the subfloor can lead to significant long-term issues like warping or uneven planks. Properly preparing the surface is essential for a smooth, stable installation.
• Edges must be perfectly aligned: If edges aren’t perfectly aligned, novice mistakes can be hard to fix, and the floor may end up looking uneven. It can also lead to gaps that widen over time.
• Larger rooms need expansion gaps: For larger spaces, you'll need to leave expansion gaps to accommodate the natural expansion and contraction of the flooring. In these cases, professional cutting tools might be necessary to ensure the fit is accurate and clean.

While DIY installation is possible, achieving a flawless finish requires patience, precision, and the right tools. If you’re unsure or have a larger space, consulting a professional installer can save you time and effort in the long run.

6. Inconsistent Quality Among Brands

One of the biggest challenges when selecting LVT/LVP flooring is the wide variation in quality across different brands. The UK market is flooded with options, and without proper guidance, it can be difficult to navigate. Here’s why:

• Wear layer thickness is often not clearly labelled or disclosed, leaving you unsure of the flooring’s long-term durability. Thinner wear layers may wear out much quicker, while thicker ones offer better protection against scratches and stains.
• Click system durability varies significantly. Some click-lock systems may perform well initially, but repeated re-clicks or installations can cause them to fail over time, resulting in gaps or uneven seams.
• Lack of industry-wide standards on durability ratings makes it challenging to compare brands fairly. Without consistent benchmarks, it's hard to know which product will provide the best long-term performance for your investment.

While you might find cheaper options that outperform expectations, the inconsistency in quality means you’ll need to carefully research brands and materials to avoid disappointment.

7. Repair and Replacement Challenges

While LVT and LVP flooring may seem easy to repair, in reality, several challenges can make the process frustrating:

• Colour mismatches: When replacing a damaged plank, the new one often doesn’t match the original tone exactly, due to batch colour differences. This can create noticeable discrepancies in the floor’s appearance, especially in well-lit areas.
• Cutting into glued or clicked planks: If a plank needs to be replaced, cutting into glued or clicked planks without damaging the surrounding flooring is often trickier than it seems. It requires a steady hand and the right tools to avoid making the situation worse.
• Central plank issues: If the damaged plank is in the centre of the floor, you may be forced to lift up the entire flooring to access and replace it, which can be time-consuming and costly.

While minor damage may be repairable, larger issues can lead to considerable inconvenience. Repairing or replacing LVT/LVP flooring is not always as straightforward as it seems.

8. Limited Value for Property Resale

If you're a landlord or hoping for a return on your investment, LVT/LVP flooring may not significantly increase the appeal of your property during resale. Here’s why:

• Perceived as a ‘budget’ or temporary fix: Many potential buyers view LVT/LVP as an affordable, short-term solution, which can lower the perceived value of your home compared to higher-end flooring options.
• Lacks the prestige of natural materials: Real stone, tile, or hardwood floors are often seen as more premium, offering long-lasting durability and timeless appeal that can increase your property’s value and buyer interest.
• Surveyors’ assessment: During property evaluations, surveyors may consider LVT/LVP flooring as replaceable soon, which can affect your property’s overall valuation, especially if buyers are focused on long-term investment.

If your primary goal is to boost property value, opting for more traditional, natural flooring options might provide a better return.

When Might LVT Still Be a Good Idea?

Despite its drawbacks, LVT can still be a practical option in certain situations. Here’s where vinyl flooring might be worth considering:

• Short-term rentals or show flats: If low cost is a priority and the flooring doesn’t need to be a long-term solution, LVT can be a budget-friendly choice that offers a clean, fresh look without breaking the bank.
• Rooms prone to damp or moisture: Areas like utility rooms, basements, or mudrooms that are exposed to moisture can benefit from LVT’s water resistance (though it’s still important to ensure proper installation).
• Budget-conscious DIY projects: For those looking to update their home without a large investment, LVT can be an ideal choice, provided expectations are kept in check. It’s an affordable way to refresh a space, especially in homes where functionality is more important than aesthetics.

When used in the right circumstances, LVT can provide practicality and value without the high cost of other flooring options.

Better Alternatives to Consider

If LVT isn’t the right fit for your project, several worthy alternatives might better suit your needs. Consider these options:

• Engineered Wood: Provides a real wood finish with dimensional stability, making it a great choice for spaces where hardwood may not be suitable. It combines the natural beauty of wood with the benefits of engineered construction.
• Porcelain Tile: Perfect for wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens, porcelain tiles offer excellent durability and resistance to water. With a variety of finishes and styles, they can mimic natural stone or wood, giving you aesthetic flexibility.
• Laminates with Advanced Core: Some of the latest UK laminates feature more water-resistant properties than ever before. With improved aesthetics and a natural feel, these options provide a cost-effective alternative to hardwood or tile without sacrificing style.
• Traditional Hardwood: While higher in cost, real hardwood floors offer exceptional longevity and resale value. Its timeless appeal and durability make it a solid investment that can enhance the beauty and value of your home.

Each of these alternatives offers unique advantages, depending on your budget, aesthetic preferences, and the specific demands of your space.

Final Thoughts

Luxury vinyl flooring is not the miracle solution it’s often marketed as. While it may work well in certain situations, it’s important not to be swayed by flashy showrooms or online ads without conducting thorough research. Take the time to consider your goals, such as longevity, aesthetics, budget, and resale value, and compare these to LVT/LVP’s real-world performance.

Whether you’re a young professional upgrading your first flat, an architect refurbishing a project home, or a tradesman advising a client, being aware of LVT/LVP’s limitations can save you time, money, and ultimately lead to a better final result. Thoughtful planning will help ensure that your flooring choice meets both your practical needs and aesthetic aspirations.