Luxury Vinyl Tile Installation

Yes — fully. LVT has a waterproof rigid core, which means spills, splashes and standing water won't damage the floor itself. This is the key advantage over laminate, which can swell if water gets under the joints. LVT is safe to use in kitchens, bathrooms, utility rooms and anywhere else that gets wet. The one caveat is the subfloor: if moisture is rising from below (damp concrete, for example), that still needs treating before fitting.

The core difference is waterproofing. LVT is 100% waterproof — laminate is not. Laminate has an HDF wood-fibre core that can swell if it gets wet, so it's not suitable for bathrooms or anywhere water is likely to pool. LVT also tends to be quieter and warmer underfoot. Laminate is generally less expensive and can look very convincing in a dry room. We have a full comparison guide at LVT vs Laminate if you want to dig deeper.

Most LVT products are compatible with both water-fed and electric underfloor heating, but it's essential to check the specific product spec — not all LVT is rated for it. The floor surface temperature must not exceed 27°C. We'll check compatibility before we quote and advise on the right product for your setup. Generally speaking, LVT is one of the better floor types for use with UFH because it conducts heat efficiently and doesn't require a thick installation.

Quality LVT from brands like Karndean or Amtico typically comes with a 20–25 year residential guarantee. In practice, well-maintained LVT in a normal home can last considerably longer. The wear layer thickness is the key factor: a 0.55mm wear layer (standard on most mid-range LVT) handles everyday residential traffic comfortably. For very heavy use — a busy hallway with outdoor footwear — we'd recommend going up to a 0.7mm wear layer product.