Vinyl flooring, also was called linoleum, use to be a rolled product that usually came in 6’ or 12’ widths. It was a somewhat flexible flooring, and you usually saw it in many designs, like tile with grout, stone designs and also wood planks!
It was a vinyl product that grew in popularity after WW2. Vinyl was easy to maintain and was waterproof because it had minimal seams.
It is still found in some of the older homes but doesn’t seem to be used today. Where has it gone?
This product is still available. But, like many products, vinyl flooring has been revolutionized! Vinyl flooring’s composition and construction continue to evolve, making it one of the most popular and versatile product categories in the floor industry.
So, you are referring to the LVT products correct?
Yes, these are the new vinyl floors. LVT stand for luxury vinyl tile or planks. This flooring has gained great popularity since the beginning of 2000. LVT offers a wide range of diverse looks that can mimic tile, stone, or hardwood. It only gets in more demand as the quality increases.
Why did those products go to planks and tiles if seams are an issue?
There are a couple of reasons for this change.
There is a lot less waste when using pieces.
Shipping is easier in boxes as compared to 12’ rolls
Construction has greatly improved, so they are still waterproof with the seams
Click products are easy to install
LVT is made much better, with amazing wear layers as compared to the older vinyl floors
There are a lot of these LVT and LVP products. Are they all made about the same?