The Best Luxury Vinyl Tile Flooring for Bathrooms and Guide On How to Install It

The desire for luxury vinyl tile (LVT) in home flooring has witnessed a remarkable surge, particularly within the confines of the bathroom. This trend is not merely a fleeting one; it reflects a deeper recognition of how minor cosmetic updates, especially in flooring, can substantially enhance a home's value. Homeowners are increasingly turning to LVT for its unique blend of aesthetic appeal and practical functionality, transforming ordinary spaces into elegant ones.

Understanding Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT)

Luxury vinyl tile stands out for its exceptional characteristics, especially suited to bustling households adorned with the lively chaos of children and pets. Unlike its traditional counterpart, LVT boasts a remarkable thickness and durability, paralleled with an uncanny realism in design that mimics more opulent materials like stone or hardwood. Its waterproof nature makes it an unrivaled choice for bathroom settings, providing homeowners with both style and peace of mind. Furthermore, LVT offers a tactile experience that bridges the gap between its illustrious appearance and the functional demands of daily life, setting it apart from conventional stone or ceramic tiles.

The Top 10 Benefits of LVT

• Durability: LVT is known for its exceptional durability, making it suitable for high-traffic areas in homes with children and pets​​​​.
• Design Realism: It offers designs that closely mimic more expensive materials like stone or hardwood, providing an uncanny realism in appearance​​​​.
• Waterproof Nature: LVT's waterproof properties make it an ideal choice for wet environments such as bathrooms, offering both style and functionality​​​​.
• Ease of Maintenance: It is relatively low-maintenance, requiring regular sweeping and occasional mopping with a mild cleaner to keep it looking pristine​​​​.
• Ease of Installation: Known for its ease of installation, LVT can be a suitable DIY project, allowing for quick and easy room transformations​​​​.
• Comfort and Quiet: The multi-layer construction of LVT provides a comfortable and quiet walking surface, which is softer underfoot compared to traditional stone or ceramic tiles​​.
• Cost-Effectiveness: LVT offers a cost-effective alternative to achieve the look of natural materials without the high price tag, providing good value for money​​​​.
• Versatility: With a wide range of styles and finishes, LVT is suitable for almost any room in your home, enhancing its versatility and appeal​​.
• Resilience to Damage: Its flexibility and resilience mean it's less likely to crack or chip, making LVT a forgiving option in case of accidents​​.
• Tactile Experience: LVT bridges the gap between aesthetic appeal and practical functionality, offering a tactile experience that enhances the overall feel of the space​​.

LVT vs. Other Flooring Options

The preference for grout-less flooring solutions is on the rise, driven by their sleek aesthetics and low-maintenance appeal. While options like sheet vinyl, hardwood, and laminate present themselves as contenders, LVT holds its ground, especially when juxtaposed with ceramic tiles. The comparison extends beyond mere aesthetics to encompass aspects such as cost-efficiency, resale value, and a diverse array of shapes and sizes. LVT not only rivals the durability and ease of maintenance offered by ceramic tiles but also introduces a level of design versatility and installation ease that is hard to match, making it a compelling alternative to traditional hardwood and ceramic flooring.

The Key Differences Between Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) and Other Popular Flooring Options

Installation Tips and Considerations

The installation of LVT demands a keen eye for detail, particularly in ensuring that the underlayment is apt for the moist environment of a bathroom. The selection of tile thickness is crucial to avoid the unsightly 'telegraphing' effect from old flooring beneath. The process involves meticulous cutting techniques for accommodating fixtures like vents and the toilet flange, as well as precision in aligning the tiles with the contours of the shower or tub base. For those embarking on this journey, a comprehensive installation guide can serve as an invaluable resource, illuminating the path to a flawless finish.

A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Install Luxury Vinyl Tile

Step 1: Preparation

1. Remove furniture, old flooring if necessary, and any trim you plan to reuse.
2. Ensure the subfloor is dry, clean, and flat. 
3. Repair any damages before starting the installation.

Step 2: Subflooring

1. For uneven wooden subfloors, install a 1/4-inch plywood underlayment. Alternatively, use a vinyl underlayment for various surfaces, allowing LVT to float above the surface.
2. Remember to leave a 1/4-inch gap around the room for expansion.

Step 3: Layout Planning

1. Decide on your layout to avoid narrow tiles at the edges. 
2. Aim to center a tile or grout line in the doorway for a balanced look. 
3. Use a tile to mark the starting point near the door.
   

Step 4: Adhesive Application

1. Spread the adhesive recommended by your LVT manufacturer with a notched trowel.
2. Start from the room's far end and work toward the door, ensuring even coverage without puddles.

Step 5: Tile Installation

1. Begin laying the tiles from the marked starting point, carefully aligning each piece. 
2. For tiles needing to slide under trims, slightly lift the back and slide them into place.
   

Step 6: Cutting Tiles

1. For straight cuts, score with a utility knife and snap. 
2. Use a heat gun for curves or complex shapes, then cut through the heated tile.
   

Step 7: Finishing Touches

1. Use spacers for consistent grout lines, removing them before the adhesive sets completely.
2. After laying all tiles, use a 100-lb. roller to ensure they are firmly set in the adhesive.

Step 8: Grouting (If Applicable)

1. If your LVT requires grouting, follow the manufacturer's instructions to apply and clean up the grout.

Step 9: After Installation

1. Replace any trim or moldings and move furniture back into the room once the adhesive has fully cured.

Remember, installation methods can vary among LVT products, so it's important to check the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer. If you're not confident in your DIY skills or encounter challenges, consider hiring a professional installer certified in working with LVT products.

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Benefits and Drawbacks of LVT

Benefits of LVT:

• Aesthetics: LVT brings a sophisticated look to any space, capable of rejuvenating the overall appearance with designs that mimic natural materials.
• Durability: It's built to withstand heavy use and traffic, making it a resilient choice for both residential and commercial settings.
• Waterproof: Ideal for areas prone to moisture, LVT's waterproof properties make it suitable for kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.
• Design Versatility: With a wide range of styles and patterns, LVT allows for customization to fit individual preferences and interior designs.
• Impact on Resale Value: Homes with LVT flooring can experience a positive impact on their market value, attributed to the flooring's desirable attributes.
• Low Maintenance: LVT is known for being easy to clean and maintain, requiring minimal effort to keep it looking its best.

Drawbacks of LVT:

• Tactile Experience: While LVT can visually mimic natural materials, it may lack the same tactile feel, which could be important for some homeowners. Visiting showrooms to experience LVT firsthand is recommended.
• Environmental Considerations: In very damp environments, careful selection of LVT is advised to ensure it performs well over time without damage.
• Material Perception: Some individuals may perceive LVT as less luxurious compared to traditional materials like hardwood or natural stone, which could influence their choice.

Recommendations and Resources

Drawing from personal experiences with home renovations, the transformative potential of LVT across various rooms is undeniable. Its adaptability and aesthetic value make it a standout choice for those looking to infuse their homes with a touch of elegance and durability. For those considering a foray into the world of LVT, Revive offers a plethora of services and resources designed to guide homeowners through the selection and installation process, ensuring a seamless transition to a more beautiful and resilient living space.

Our advice? The journey of bringing  luxury vinyl tile into a home's bathroom not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also contributes significantly to its overall value. With the right knowledge, considerations, and resources, homeowners can embark on this transformative journey, elevating their spaces to new heights of elegance and functionality.

Interested in learning about additional ways to increase your home’s value? Speak with a Revive Property Advisor to learn more.