Does luxury vinyl tile have to be grouted?

While it doesn’t have to be, many do because they feel that this increases the authentic look of the product.

Luxury vinyl flooring: true-to-life images

If you haven't looked at vinyl lately, you're in for a treat. This product (often just referred to as LVF) utilizes modern technology to produce nature-inspired, realistic echoes of wood, stone, and tile. High definition photography makes the images vivid and accurate with knots, swirls, grains, veining variations, and brilliant colors and patterns. Micro beveling and embossing add depth, dimension, and textures such as wire-brushed, hand scraped, weathered, and distressed.

The 100% waterproof product can be underwater for hours, wiped dry, and reused. It's five times thicker than the original product with a thick, top, transparent melamine wear layer that protects the floor from scratches and scuffs.

LVF can be cut into multi-layered squares that can be used with or without grout. This form is called luxury vinyl tile or LVT. It can also be cut to mimic hardwood boards, called luxury vinyl plank or LVP. Many feel the extra seams add even more to the realism, while some prefer plank for stone mimics as they think the larger format with fewer seams gives a more continuous look like that of quarried stone.

LVF is also low maintenance, requiring only a regular sweeping and periodic mopping with a manufacturer-approved cleaner. Avoid waxy, shine-promoting cleaners because there’s a urethane finish on top of the wear layer that can be damaged by these substances and dull the floor. Talk to us if you think you need more shine.

I’m sold! How do I install it?

While it can be glued or nailed, you'll love the floating floor installation because it's uncomplicated and will even allow you to remove the floor and place it again somewhere else if you move. Here, the pieces click together, mat, and then hover over a dry, clean and level subfloor without glue or nails.

Luxury vinyl flooring won't just transform your home but will also change your life! Find out more and get those creative juices flowing; we'll even give you a free quote. The Floors Your Way by The Pad Place showroom is in Venice, FL, servicing Sarasota, North Port, Englewood, and Longboat Key.