What is LVT vinyl?
LVT stands for Luxury Vinyl Tiles. These floors come as planks and tiles with finishes including wood and stone effects. A decorative layer creates the appearance; a wear layer and surface finish protect it. The name LVT alone does not specify an installation method.
Choose glue-down or click together with the product. Adding underlay does not turn a glue-down plank into a click plank. Click products have locking joints; permission to glue them must come from the documentation, not a decision made during laying.
Use classes 31, 32 and 33 — what do they mean for vinyl?
Use classes apply to LVT and SPC vinyl flooring as well as laminate. They indicate suitability for an intensity of use, rather than surface abrasion resistance alone. Under the EN ISO 10874 classification system, the first digit “3” denotes commercial use; the second identifies the level of traffic.
| Class | Commercial use | Example conditions |
|---|---|---|
| 31 | Moderate | Low or intermittent traffic, such as a hotel bedroom. |
| 32 | General | Regular, medium-intensity traffic, such as an office. |
| 33 | Heavy | A school corridor with heavy foot traffic. |
Examples illustrate intensity of use; they do not replace checking a particular building’s requirements. Classes 31–33 are not the entire classification system.
What does this mean for a home?
A commercial rating does not prohibit domestic use. Check the domestic classification too: for example, 23/33 means heavy domestic use and heavy commercial use. A higher class does not automatically mean better acoustics, comfort or resistance to every scratch or flooding event.
Use class, wear layer and AC are different specifications
For vinyl, compare the class declared for the exact model, its wear-layer thickness and other specifications. Do not assign a class from wear-layer thickness alone. Do not convert class 31 into AC3 or class 32 into AC4. AC describes an abrasion test used for laminate, whereas a use class identifies a broader intended application. Explore the distinction using laminate as an example.
Classification sources: ERFMI — resilient flooring use classes and EGGER — use classes under EN ISO 10874.
Glue-down LVT — bonded to the subfloor
Planks or tiles are bonded to a prepared surface using a suitable adhesive. Consider this option when a thin covering or a floor attached to the substrate matters. Final build-up height also depends on levelling and adhesive.
What matters during installation?
- Smoothness and flatness. Flexible coverings may reveal uneven areas, tool marks or untreated tile joints.
- Subfloor strength, cleanliness and moisture. Assessment determines repairs, priming and levelling needs.
- Adhesive selection. Account for the flooring, substrate, temperature and expected loads. Follow the adhesive data sheet’s application method and timings.
- Pressing and scheduling. Rolling, foot traffic and furniture placement follow the system’s instructions.
Limitation: thin flooring does not mean inexpensive or quick preparation. Assess the substrate and price the full scope before ordering.
Click LVT — planks connected by locking joints
Elements connect mechanically. In systems approved for floating installation, they are not bonded to the subfloor. This can reduce adhesive-related work but does not remove the need for substrate preparation.
What matters during installation?
- Joint support. The substrate must meet flatness and stability requirements. Underlay is not a way to repair substantial unevenness.
- Approved underlay. The instructions determine its type or whether it is required at all. Do not choose on thickness or acoustic claims alone.
- Expansion gaps and fixed furniture. Check perimeter gaps, room transitions and details around islands and fitted cabinetry.
- Temperature and sunlight. Some locking systems need additional measures in particular conditions. “Click” is not universal permission to install without adhesive everywhere.
Limitation: easy connection does not guarantee easy removal. Replacement or reuse depends on the construction and condition of the locking joints.
Glue-down or click? Compare the full assembly
| Criterion | Glue-down LVT | Click LVT |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | Bonded to the substrate with suitable adhesive. | Locking joints; installation follows system instructions. |
| Preparation | Surface smoothness and adhesive compatibility are particularly important. | Stable support, flatness and the correct underlay, if required. |
| Height | Allow for the covering, adhesive and substrate preparation. | Allow for planks, required underlay and substrate preparation. |
| Ready for use | Depends partly on adhesive curing. | No adhesive curing stage for floating installation; preparation can still take time. |
| Cost | Flooring, preparation, adhesive, laying and finishing. | Flooring, preparation, approved underlay, laying and finishing. |
What should you check for either version?
Underfloor heating
Both options may be approved for heating, depending on the product and heating system. Compare the full assembly’s thermal resistance, temperature limit and commissioning procedure. Do not apply one collection’s figures to all LVT.
Water and care
Check kitchen or bathroom approval and edge finishing requirements. Material water resistance does not replace required waterproofing. Follow care instructions; a protective finish does not mean resistance to every scratch.
Acoustics and repairs
Distinguish walking noise inside the room from sound transmitted below. Compare tested assembly data rather than a “quiet vinyl” label. Establish repair options before buying and keep an agreed quantity of spare flooring.
How do you choose and prepare a quote?
If a thin covering and bonding to the substrate are priorities, start by comparing glue-down LVT. For locking installation, consider click LVT and compare SPC separately. In both cases, the specific product and room conditions determine installation suitability.
For a quote, gather area measurements, a plan, subfloor photos, the model name, installation instructions, heating details and preferred timing. Removal, preparation, installation materials, laying, skirting and profiles are scoped separately. LaFloor provides installation; you purchase the flooring independently.
How to choose flooring for your home · Explore SPC flooring
Documentation to check
Sources cover specific systems. Installation requires the selected model’s instructions.