INTERIORS Looks that last
Matthew Brook of Moduleo explains how luxury vinyl floors can help to ‘futureproof’ a property
ccording to the Hiscox Renovations and Extensions Report 2018, 53 per cent of homeowners have carried out home improvement projects in the last 10 years, showing a desire for residential refurbishment. With an abundance of renovation shows on the TV and the number of ‘interiors influencers’ continuing to grow, consumers are continually on the lookout for ways to breathe new life into their home. And a popular way of doing this is with flooring.
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While there is a wealth of floorcovering options out there, consumers rely on advice in order to make the right choice. Whether it’s through the mainstream media or a tradesperson in the know, people are increasingly turning to luxury vinyl flooring (LVT). A perfect foundation on which to create stunning spaces, the flooring mimics the natural look of wood and stone, but has been engineered to last – an important element for specification. Developments in manufacturing processes now mean that products offer solutions for a range of installations. Some engineered vinyl, for example, benefits from integrated underlay, offering quicker installation and less sub-floor preparation; ideal for ‘fit and forget’ jobs. Helping any build by speeding up the fitting process they offer a 2-in-1 option and are planks as little as 6 mm thick. The lower layers make it extremely strong and suitable for every space and setting. Fool proof for uneven subfloors, ‘non- telegraphic’ cores in integrated LVT has the ability to bridge gaps in the floor such as tile grouts. With no levelling preparation needed, the underlay covers imperfections, protrusions and undulations in the subfloor. And when it’s time to ‘forget’, specifiers can rest easy with the accompanying guarantees of 15 or 20 years, or even, in some cases, a lifetime.
The science behind LVT Where design meets innovation, LVT is
ADF MARCH 2020
manufactured using state-of-the-art methods. The more intricate designs can comprise up to 12 layers, incorporating design, performance, comfort and strength. Extremely resistant to dents, scratches,
stains, protective layers shield against dirt penetration ensuring the design stays in tip- top condition for longer.
And when it comes to moisture ingress, the water-resistant qualities in the protective layers of LVT repel liquid and stop moisture soaking into the material – something that is almost guaranteed with natural wood or stone, particularly in areas with variations in temperature or humidity.
The beauty The benefits don’t stop at the manufacturing process and continue into the timeless designs that can be created with a desirable material.
Flooring solutions need to be able to handle every property’s unique requirements and LVT is a great option to create a hardworking but beautiful aesthetic. With a variety of colour variations from light to dark, stone and wood designs can be used to reflect every style and personality.
Bringing to life the smallest details of its natural counterparts, the ‘embossed in register’ process creates a textured finish to accentuate depth and individuality of the material. Unlike its natural counterparts, LVT has a soft and warm feel underfoot and can be a great alternative to solid stone in areas such as the bathroom and kitchen. The flexibility of a stone palette can be paired with accent colours to create a room that is chic yet homely. However, LVT really comes into its own with statement floors, particularly with areas that need ‘zoning.’ An open plan apartment, for example, can easily be sectioned into designated areas with different floor laying patterns or colours, with the kitchen/dining space featuring
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