Flooring is more than just a functional part of your home or business; it’s a significant investment that sets the tone for your entire space. Given the high cost of flooring materials and installation, it’s something you’d prefer to do once and do well. It’s crucial, therefore, to select a brand that not only meets aesthetic requirements but also stands the test of time.
What Is LVT and LVP Flooring?
Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT) and Luxury Vinyl Planks (LVP) are innovative flooring options that offer the look of natural materials such as wood and stone without the hefty price tag or complex maintenance. While both options are versatile and durable, LVT generally comes in square shapes to mimic the look of ceramic tiles or natural stone. In contrast, LVP comes in long planks to resemble hardwood flooring.
What Are the Best LVT and LVP Flooring Brands?
When it comes to LVT and LVP, brand reputation for quality and durability is paramount. Below are some of the top brands in the market, with special emphasis on Supremo, the house brand of Wood and Beyond.
Supremo
Supremo is a flooring brand available exclusively from Wood and Beyond, a UK-based company. They focus primarily on offering premium engineered wood and solid wood flooring solutions. Known for their meticulous craftsmanship, the brand aims to provide durable and luxurious options for various indoor settings.
Range of Designs
While the product line may not be as diverse as some other brands, Supremo excels in providing high-quality wood designs. They offer a variety of wood species, textures, and finishes that capture the natural beauty and essence of wood, thereby allowing for multiple aesthetic options.
Quality and Durability
Supremo is known for the quality of its materials. The engineered wood options are designed to be stable and durable, performing well in different climates and conditions. They are generally coated with a high-quality finish to resist stains and wear, making them suitable for high-traffic areas.
Installation
One of the distinguishing features of Supremo is its focus on ease of installation. Engineered for a straightforward installation process, this can be a crucial factor for DIY enthusiasts or those looking to minimise installation costs.
Environmental Commitment
Supremo, being exclusively wood-based, sources its materials responsibly. Wood and Beyond ensures that the wood used in Supremo flooring comes from sustainable forests, although specific environmental certifications may not be as prominently highlighted as with some other brands.
Cost
Supremo is positioned as a premium brand, and its pricing reflects this. While you might find it to be more expensive than some laminate or vinyl options, the quality and longevity of the product often justify the higher cost.
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Karndean
Karndean Designflooring, a UK-based company, has been an industry leader for over 40 years, offering a range of luxury vinyl tile (LVT) products. With a strong reputation for high-quality and realistic LVT flooring, Karndean has captured the look and feel of natural materials like hardwood, stone, and ceramic tiles, all while providing the resilience and maintenance advantages of vinyl.
Range of Designs
Karndean LVT offers a wide array of styles and colours. Their product lines include realistic wood effects, authentic stone looks, and creative abstract designs. The planks and tiles are micro-bevelled to further enhance the realistic appearance.
Quality and Durability
What sets Karndean apart is its commitment to quality. With water-resistant, scratch-resistant, and stain-resistant features, their LVT is not only visually appealing but also highly durable. The brand’s lifetime warranty stands testament to their quality assurance.
Comfort and Insulation
Like other premium brands, Karndean LVT features built-in underlay that provides both sound insulation and comfort underfoot. This makes it an ideal choice for busy homes, as well as commercial spaces where foot traffic is high.
Sustainability
While sustainability is a growing concern, Karndean has adopted practices to ensure that their flooring solutions are produced with environmental responsibilities in mind, though their focus is primarily on the product’s quality and durability.
Cost
Karndean LVT tends to be on the higher end of the price spectrum. However, considering its extensive features and quality, many consumers find the cost justified.
Comparison to Supremo
While Karndean offers a lifetime warranty and a high degree of realism in its designs, it is generally more expensive than Supremo. Moreover, unlike Supremo, Karndean does not come with a built-in underlay, which might be an additional consideration for buyers looking for ease of installation and added comfort.
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Amtico
Amtico is another UK-based company renowned for its luxury vinyl tile (LVT) and vinyl plank flooring. With over 50 years in the industry, Amtico has carved out a strong reputation for offering a balance of style, innovation, and quality. Their products aim to emulate the look and feel of natural materials, such as wood and stone, but with the added advantages of durability and low maintenance that come with vinyl.
Range of Designs
Amtico offers an extensive range of designs, encompassing not just wood and stone effects, but also contemporary abstract patterns. The brand is known for its versatility, allowing customisation in terms of patterns, laying styles, and even bespoke options through its Amtico Signature range.
Quality and Durability
Amtico flooring is known for its long-lasting performance. Its multiple layers offer resilience against daily wear and tear, making it suitable for both domestic and commercial settings. The products often come with a long-term warranty, demonstrating Amtico’s confidence in its quality.
Comfort and Insulation
Amtico floors are comfortable underfoot and also provide good acoustic insulation. While most Amtico ranges do not come with a built-in underlay, their thick construction contributes to a softer, warmer feel compared to traditional hard flooring materials.
Sustainability
Amtico is committed to sustainability, employing manufacturing processes that are environmentally responsible. Their products meet rigorous sustainability standards, making them a good choice for eco-conscious customers.
Cost
Amtico tends to be priced at the mid-to-high range but offers value for money given its durability, aesthetic appeal, and range of customisation options.
Comparison to Supremo
Compared to Supremo, Amtico offers more variety in design and customisation options. While both brands offer durable and attractive flooring solutions, Amtico has a slightly higher price point and often does not come with built-in underlay. However, the quality and design versatility could justify the higher cost for some consumers.
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Armstrong
Armstrong Flooring is a Pennsylvania-based American company with a history that spans over 150 years. It’s one of the oldest and most well-known brands in the flooring industry. Armstrong offers a wide variety of flooring options, including hardwood, laminate, vinyl, and linoleum.
Range of Designs
Armstrong provides an extensive catalogue of designs, featuring not only traditional wood and stone aesthetics but also modern geometric and abstract patterns. This makes it versatile for any design scheme you might have in mind, from classic to contemporary.
Quality and Durability
Armstrong is known for its robust flooring options. The products are designed to withstand heavy foot traffic, making them suitable for both residential and commercial settings. They often come with a long-term warranty, which speaks to the brand’s confidence in their product’s durability.
Comfort and Insulation
The flooring options offered by Armstrong are not just durable but also comfortable underfoot. Many of their products are designed with sound-absorbing qualities, providing excellent acoustic insulation. This can make a noticeable difference in both residential and commercial environments.
Sustainability
Armstrong places a strong focus on sustainability, ensuring their products meet various environmental standards. They have certifications from several green building councils and employ recycled materials in many of their products.
Cost
Armstrong offers a range of pricing options to suit different budgets. While they do offer some premium products, they also provide more economical choices without compromising too much on quality.
Comparison to Supremo
In comparison to Supremo, Armstrong has a broader range of products, encompassing not just vinyl but also other materials like hardwood and laminate. This provides more choices for consumers in terms of material, texture, and price. While Supremo focuses mainly on luxury vinyl, Armstrong’s wider range caters to various preferences and needs. Both brands offer high-quality, durable products, but Armstrong’s broader selection could be an advantage depending on your specific requirements.
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Coretec
Coretec is a brand under USFloors, which is a division of Shaw Industries. It is particularly known for its luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and luxury vinyl tile (LVT) products. Coretec flooring has gained popularity due to its innovative construction, which includes a waterproof core.
Range of Designs
Coretec offers a diverse array of designs, mimicking the look of natural wood, stone, and other materials. The products feature textured surfaces, contributing to a realistic look and feel. Their collections often include both classic designs and trendy styles to suit a variety of aesthetic preferences.
Quality and Durability
Coretec flooring is designed to be long-lasting and durable. The core structure is made from a combination of recycled wood, bamboo dust, limestone, and virgin PVC, making it 100% waterproof and stable. This makes Coretec flooring suitable for areas prone to moisture, such as kitchens and bathrooms.
Comfort and Insulation
One of the standout features of Coretec is its comfort. The flooring has a softer underfoot feel compared to traditional hard flooring materials. It also provides good thermal and acoustic insulation, thanks to its multiple-layer construction.
Sustainability
Coretec places an emphasis on sustainability. Their products are Greenguard Gold Certified for low emissions, and they make use of recycled materials. This makes them an environmentally friendly choice for consumers concerned about their ecological footprint.
Cost
Coretec is generally positioned in the mid to high-end price range. While you may pay a bit more upfront, the durability and unique features of Coretec flooring often justify the price point.
Comparison to Supremo
Compared to Supremo, Coretec offers specific advantages like waterproofing and a softer underfoot feel. While Supremo also provides high-quality, durable vinyl flooring, Coretec’s focus on moisture-resistance makes it an excellent choice for areas like bathrooms and kitchens. If you’re looking for luxury vinyl options, both brands are strong contenders, but they each have their unique features and advantages.
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Moduleo
Moduleo is a brand of luxury vinyl flooring that is part of the IVC Group, headquartered in Belgium. Known for its innovation, quality, and focus on sustainability, Moduleo offers a wide range of vinyl flooring options including planks and tiles that replicate the look and feel of natural materials like wood and stone.
Range of Designs
Moduleo offers a vast array of designs and finishes to suit various interior styles, from contemporary to traditional. Their products are known for high-definition printing and texturing techniques, which create realistic and natural-looking floors. Whether you’re looking for a rustic wood look or a modern, sleek stone finish, Moduleo likely has a design to fit your aesthetic requirements.
Quality and Durability
Moduleo flooring is known for its high quality and durability. It’s made from multiple layers, including a wear layer that provides resistance to scratching, stains, and general wear and tear. This makes Moduleo flooring appropriate for both residential and commercial settings, including high-traffic areas.
Comfort and Insulation
Moduleo flooring is generally softer underfoot compared to traditional hard flooring, which provides added comfort. Moreover, the multiple-layer construction contributes to better acoustic and thermal insulation, making it a suitable choice for rooms where noise reduction or thermal comfort is a concern.
Sustainability
Moduleo places a significant emphasis on sustainability. Their manufacturing process uses up to 50% recycled material, and the products themselves are recyclable. Moreover, Moduleo has received ISO 14001 certification, which testifies to its commitment to environmentally friendly practices.
Cost
In terms of pricing, Moduleo sits in the mid to high-end range. The cost generally reflects the quality, durability, and design intricacies of the product. It’s an investment that is meant to last for many years, making it a cost-effective choice in the long run.
Comparison to Supremo
Compared to Supremo, which is a high-quality brand offered by Wood and Beyond, Moduleo offers a broader range of designs and places a strong emphasis on sustainability. While Supremo also provides durable and attractive vinyl flooring options, Moduleo’s commitment to environmental sustainability and its international presence make it a unique competitor in the market.
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Tarkett
Tarkett is a multinational company that specialises in a wide range of flooring solutions, including vinyl, laminate, wood, and more. Founded in 1886 and headquartered in France, Tarkett is known for its commitment to design, quality, and sustainability, serving both residential and commercial sectors.
Range of Designs
Tarkett offers an extensive selection of designs, from traditional hardwood finishes to contemporary patterns and textures. Their design-centric approach aims to meet the varied aesthetic demands of consumers, architects, and interior designers. The flooring options are also highly customizable, allowing for a unique look tailored to specific needs.
Quality and Durability
Tarkett is known for producing high-quality, long-lasting products. Their flooring solutions are crafted with state-of-the-art technologies that provide resistance to stains, scratches, and scuffs, making them well-suited for high-traffic areas and demanding environments.
Comfort and Insulation
Many of Tarkett’s flooring solutions are designed for optimal comfort and insulation. Some lines feature cushioned layers or specialized backing to improve sound absorption and thermal insulation, contributing to a more comfortable and quiet living or working space.
Sustainability
Sustainability is a core principle for Tarkett. They focus on producing eco-friendly products that are recyclable and made from renewable resources whenever possible. Their commitment to sustainability is evidenced by various certifications and a transparent approach to disclosing the environmental impact of their products.
Cost
Tarkett offers a wide range of pricing options, catering to both budget-conscious consumers and those looking for high-end solutions. Their premium ranges may come at a higher cost but are typically more durable and offer advanced features, such as enhanced wear layers or superior design quality.
Comparison to Supremo
Compared to Supremo from Wood and Beyond, Tarkett provides a more extensive range of flooring solutions, not limiting itself to just vinyl. While both brands offer high-quality and durable products, Tarkett’s wide range of materials and design options as well as its strong emphasis on sustainability make it stand out in the flooring market.
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Forbo
Forbo is a Swiss-based global company that specialises in flooring systems, building and construction adhesives, as well as power transmission and conveyor belt solutions. Established in 1928, the company is well-known for its sustainable, high-quality flooring products for both commercial and residential applications.
Range of Designs
Forbo offers a diverse range of flooring options, including linoleum, vinyl, textile, and flocked flooring. Their design palette is broad, offering anything from natural wood and stone textures to vibrant, abstract patterns. This makes them a versatile choice for all sorts of interior environments.
Quality and Durability
Forbo places a high emphasis on durability and performance. Their products are engineered to withstand the rigours of high-traffic areas, making them ideal for commercial spaces such as hospitals, schools, and offices. They use advanced technology to ensure resistance against stains, scratches, and wear.
Comfort and Insulation
Some Forbo products are designed with acoustic properties and comfort in mind, making them well-suited for educational and healthcare facilities where noise reduction is crucial. Their cushioned backing technologies also add a layer of thermal insulation, which can be an attractive feature in colder climates.
Sustainability
Forbo is committed to sustainability and environmental responsibility. They have a range of products that are made from natural, renewable resources and are recyclable. Their linoleum products, for example, are made from natural ingredients like linseed oil and cork. The company also holds various eco-certifications and strives for a transparent environmental policy.
Cost
Pricing for Forbo’s products varies widely depending on the specific line and features. While they offer some budget-friendly options, they also have high-end lines that come with a premium price tag. It’s worth noting that investing in their more expensive products often brings added benefits like improved durability and enhanced features.
Comparison to Supremo
In comparison to Supremo from Wood and Beyond, Forbo offers a more diverse range of materials and designs. While Supremo focuses on vinyl flooring, Forbo’s extensive product line gives consumers greater flexibility in choosing the type of flooring that best suits their needs. Both brands are committed to quality and durability, but Forbo’s added focus on sustainability may appeal to eco-conscious customers.
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Quick-Step
Quick-Step is a Belgium-based flooring company known for its wide variety of high-quality flooring options. Founded in 1960, the brand has been a pioneer in the laminate flooring industry and has expanded its offerings to include vinyl and hardwood flooring solutions.
Range of Designs
Quick-Step is renowned for its diverse range of designs that mimic the look of natural wood, stone, and even exotic materials. The company offers a multitude of colours, finishes, and plank sizes to meet different aesthetic requirements, making it a versatile choice for various types of interiors.
Quality and Durability
Quick-Step places a premium on the durability of its products. Their floors are designed to be resistant to stains, impacts, and even moisture in some cases. This makes them ideal for high-traffic areas and suitable for use in kitchens and bathrooms. The company’s patented Uniclic installation system also ensures a stable and robust flooring solution.
Comfort and Insulation
While primarily focused on durability and aesthetics, Quick-Step also offers features such as sound-absorbing underlays and boards that contribute to both comfort and insulation. This makes their flooring a good choice for spaces where noise reduction and thermal comfort are important considerations.
Environmental Commitment
Quick-Step pays attention to sustainability by ensuring that all their wood comes from sustainable sources. They have received certification from PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) for their commitment to sourcing sustainable wood. However, they may not offer as extensive a range of eco-friendly products as some other brands like Forbo.
Cost
Quick-Step’s pricing varies depending on the product line, but they generally offer a range of options to suit different budgets. They offer both affordable laminate options as well as more premium hardwood and luxury vinyl tile (LVT) lines.
Comparison to Supremo
When compared to Supremo from Wood and Beyond, Quick-Step offers a broader range of materials, including laminate and hardwood in addition to vinyl. This gives consumers more options in terms of both aesthetics and performance. Both brands are committed to quality and durability, but Quick-Step’s established reputation and wider array of design choices might make it more appealing to certain customers.
Conclusion
While all these brands offer excellent options, we strongly recommend the Supremo LVT and LVP range from Wood and Beyond for its unique blend of quality, durability, and affordability. Plus, Wood and Beyond offers free samples so you can try before you buy, making your decision that much easier.
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FAQ
What key factors should one consider when comparing LVT and LVP flooring brands?
When it comes to comparing LVT and LVP flooring brands, important considerations include the quality of the material, the variety of design options, the durability, ease of installation, and the brand’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
Which LVT and LVP flooring brands offer the most design variety?
In terms of design options, LVT and LVP flooring brands like Karndean, Amtico, and Quick-Step offer a broad array of styles, colours, and textures. These options allow you to customise your flooring to better match your personal taste and the aesthetic of your space.
How do LVT and LVP brands compare in terms of durability?
LVT and LVP flooring brands such as Armstrong, Coretec, and Supremo are highly regarded for their durable and long-lasting products. These brands often come with extended warranties, offering peace of mind for years to come.
Are there LVT and LVP flooring brands that are environmentally friendly?
Many LVT and LVP flooring brands are increasingly focusing on sustainability. Brands like Forbo, Tarkett, and Moduleo often use recycled or responsibly sourced materials and have various environmental certifications.
Is Supremo a good choice for LVT flooring?
Supremo, available exclusively from Wood and Beyond, offers high-quality LVT flooring options. They are well-known for their durability and offer a decent range of designs to fit a variety of tastes and settings.