In interior design, one of the most prominent debates today centers on flooring: should you go with Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) or traditional ceramic tiles? While both are excellent options, LVT (especially high-quality LVT from brands like Milliken, offered on Modulart.com.pk) offers a host of advantages that make it increasingly attractive to designers and property owners alike.
What Exactly is LVT?
Luxury Vinyl Tile is a multi-layered flooring product designed to mimic the look of natural materials while delivering superior performance. A typical LVT plank or tile consists of:
- Wear layer: a durable protective coating.
- Decorative layer: high-resolution design (wood, stone, concrete, etc.)
- Core / cushion layer: often a sound-absorbing or flexible layer.
- Stabilizing layer: such as glass fiber for dimensional stability.
- Backing layer: for impact resistance and structural support.
Milliken’s LVT range, for example, features FlexForm sound cushion, which improves comfort and reduces sound, and ProGuard MAX urethane coating, which resists scuffs, scratches, and stains.
Why Designers Are Choosing LVT Over Ceramic Tiles
Comfort Underfoot
Unlike ceramic tiles, which are hard and cold, LVT provides a softer, more forgiving surface underfoot. Thanks to cushion layers (like Milliken’s), it feels more comfortable to walk on — a significant benefit in residential, office, and hospitality environments.
Acoustic Performance
LVT excel at dampening sound. The cushion and stabilizing layers absorb impact noise and reduce echo. In busy commercial areas or open-plan offices, this can drastically improve acoustic comfort. Ceramic, on the other hand, often reflects sound, which can make spaces feel noisier.
Easier and Quicker Installation
Many LVT products are designed for loose-lay installation, which means no adhesive or glue is needed — like Milliken’s loose-lay systems. This not only speeds up installation but also reduces downtime and disruption. It’s a major advantage, especially for large commercial or retail spaces.
Repairability
When a ceramic tile cracks or chips, you may have to remove or replace a large section, and matching grout and tile can be difficult. With LVT, especially modular systems, individual planks or tiles can be lifted and replaced easily, reducing repair costs and preserving aesthetics.
Scratch and Stain Resistance
High-quality LVT (Milliken included) is protected by durable coatings such as ProGuard MAXâ„¢, which resists scuffing, scratching, and staining. This makes LVT ideal for both high-traffic commercial environments and family homes.
Dimensional Stability & Thermal Behavior
Because of layers like glass fiber or stabilizing backing, modern LVT maintains its shape even with changes in temperature or humidity. Ceramic, although stable in some ways, can crack under movement or settling, especially in areas where subfloor movement is a concern.
Sustainability
LVT has improved in environmental performance. With modular planks and loose-lay options, there is less need for adhesives, which lowers VOC emissions. Also, high-quality LVT can be recycled, particularly when removed carefully.
Use Cases Where LVT Truly Shines
- Corporate Environments: Offices benefit from fast installation, acoustic control, and ease of replacement.
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- Hospitality: Hotels and restaurants can refurbish quickly with minimal guest disruption.
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- Residential Spaces: Kitchens, bathrooms, and living rooms gain from LVT’s durability and comfort.
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- Retail Spaces: Showrooms and shops can replace damaged planks easily without closing the entire area.
Design Flexibility & Aesthetics
LVT provides almost unlimited design options — from hyper-realistic wood to textured stone or even abstract patterns. Designers can mix and match plank sizes and patterns to create unique layouts, and modular LVT integrates well with carpet tiles for hybrid flooring solutions.
Conclusion
While ceramic tiles continue to be a robust and timeless choice, Luxury Vinyl Tile is increasingly becoming the go-to for designers who value comfort, ease of installation, acoustic performance, and long-term maintainability. For anyone sourcing from Modulart.com.pk, Milliken’s LVT range offers design, durability, and technological sophistication that make it a standout choice. If you’re planning a space that needs to be stylish, practical, and high-performing, LVT is very hard to beat.