Bathroom LVT Flooring Guide: A Great Alternative to Ceramic Tile
We´ve all seen the luxurious bathrooms all over Pinterest. You know, the ones with the gorgeous wood floors or elegant slate tiles. All of us want our own little piece of heaven, and for most that are a bathroom fit for a spa. What you don´t know is that you can easily achieve the same look using Gerflor´s LVT flooring. How? Keep reading to find out all about this incredible floor!
When most people think of vinyl, they think of their grandmother´s floor in wild patterns that don´t seem to match the walls and furniture. While we love funky patterns, they can be hard to coordinate with furniture and decor, not to mention most average vinyl flooring on the market isn´t very durable. Vinyl is stereotyped as being a low-quality product that isn´t able to withstand water or wear and tear very well. Thanks to new technology and manufacturers like Gerflor, having beautiful, durable flooring in your bathroom doesn´t have to be a dream anymore!
Bathroom floors are especially more prone to damage, and with everyday showers, spills, and humidity, these elements can really take a toll on your floor. Gerflor takes pride in not only the incredibly realistic look of its flooring but in its durability as well. Their LVT flooring looks just like real wood and stone, and the only difference is that it´s resistant to water, scratches, and wear and tear.
How is LVT Different from Ordinary Vinyl?
First things first! LVT stands for Luxury Vinyl Tile. The layers of the tiles or planks are the same with LVT and vinyl, consisting of a protective top layer, clear film layer, design layer, and backing layer. The top layer protects against light scratches, the clear film against hard damage like tears, the design layer is a photographic image of stone or wood, and the backing gives it stability and structure.
The only difference between the two is that vinyl is thinner than LVT. LVT is built to last and it's more durable. The backing is flexible, making it easy to cut using only a utility knife. Although it´s more expensive than vinyl, you really get what you pay for. If you want a floor that can last you for years, LVT is surely the way to go! One of our favourite collections from Gerflor is the Creation 55 Collection (available here for a special offer starting at £18.49/m²), which is built for heavy-duty commercial use. Since it´s so durable, it also works in busy homes with rowdy kids and pets!
Is Gerflor´s LVT Really Waterproof?
Yes! This is why it makes the perfect flooring for your bathroom. Real wood can never withstand large amounts of water, but Gerflor´s LVT, on the other hand, is able to handle water without the layers separating or curling. Although all of their LVT is waterproof, we highly recommend installing the loose lay or click systems in your bathroom (we love Gerflor´s Senso Lock 30, available here for at £24.50/m²). This is because in the event of a broken pipe or leak, you can simply take out the flooring, dry it out, and install it again.
A Ceramic Tile Alternative
Ceramic tile is a common flooring solution in many bathrooms since it´s durable and easy to keep clean. Although it has a lot of benefits, many individuals are choosing LVT over classic ceramic in the past years. One of the biggest reasons why is that LVT is warmer than ceramic, second only to the carpet. Combined with underfloor heating, you have a floor that will stay warm even during the coldest winter days.
One fact that isn´t very well known is that the grout between ceramic tiles is very susceptible to moisture. This is because grout is porous, and when moisture gets through it, it affects the strength of the adhesive, which can lead to the tiles loosening over time. Grout is also vulnerable to bacteria and staining. Because it´s sensitive to moisture, this only encourages bacteria to grow and multiply. It also holds onto stains, be it from makeup, hair dye, dirty water, or mildew.
Keeping grout in pristine condition is no easy task, and usually requires harsh chemicals to clean, along with a lot of elbow grease! Unlike ceramic tile, LVT doesn´t require grout, and the seams between the planks or tiles are water-resistant.
Gerflor LVT Flooring - Available at BRICOFLOR
If you´re interested in getting yourself some of Gerflor´s LVT flooring, you´ll be pleased to know that it´s always available in our online shop! If you have any questions, your BRICOFLOR team is always ready to help and answer any questions that you may have. Give us a call or send us an email to get in touch with us! Contact us today to take advantage of our free sample service and best price guarantee. Do you need a large order? No problem! We can customise an individual offer just for you. We´re looking forward to hearing from you!