What is LVT flooring? A comprehensive guide 2025

The ultimate guide to LVT flooring: Durable, stylish & built for real life

If you’re planning a home renovation or simply upgrading your floors, you’ve likely come across the term LVT flooring. Short for Luxury Vinyl Tile, LVT has surged in popularity across UK homes—and for good reason.

In this definitive guide, we’ll explore what makes LVT flooring a top choice for busy homes, how it compares to other types of flooring like laminate and hardwood, and why more homeowners are choosing luxury vinyl flooring for its unbeatable combination of style, performance, and affordability.

What Is LVT flooring?

LVT flooring is a multi-layered, high-performance vinyl floor that mimics the look of natural materials like wood, stone, or ceramic without the drawbacks of traditional surfaces. It combines the beauty of premium design with the resilience of modern materials.

How is LVT flooring made?

LVT consists of several layers:
1. Wear Layer – A durable, transparent top coating that resists scratches, dents, and stains.
2. Design Layer – High-resolution imaging that gives LVT its wood or stone appearance.
3. Core Layer – Provides stability and impact resistance.
4. Backing Layer – Often cushioned, enhancing comfort underfoot and reducing sound.

Why LVT flooring from Floors for paws Is the smart choice

Looking for a floor that can handle pets, kids, spills, and constant foot traffic? Luxury vinyl flooring checks all the boxes:

1. Waterproof performance

Unlike laminate or real wood, LVT is 100% waterproof—perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, and utility rooms.

2. Realistic designs

Thanks to advanced printing technology, LVT flooring comes in ultra-realistic wood and stone effects, with authentic textures and finishes.

3. Durability for daily life

With a strong wear layer, LVT is ideal for high-traffic areas. It’s scratch-resistant, stain-proof, and impact-resistant.

4. Easy maintenance

A quick sweep and occasional mop are all it takes. No need for sanding, sealing, or waxing.

5. Comfortable & Quiet

The cushioned backing adds warmth and absorbs sound—far quieter than tiles or hardwood.

6. Truly Pet-Friendly Flooring

Luxury vinyl flooring for dogs and cats is a growing trend as we consider the health and well being of our pets. It provides market leading grip and is easy to clean after muddy paws or accidents.

Floors for paws LVT vs Laminate: Which Is Better?

Feature                          FFP LVT Flooring                  Laminate Flooring

Anti-slip?                           Yes                                         No
Waterproof?                      Yes                                         No (prone to swelling)
Scratch Resistance           High                                       Moderate
Noise Dampening             Quiet                                      Can be loud
Style Variety                      Extensive                               Extensive
Comfort Underfoot          Softer feel                              Harder surface
Pet Friendly?                     Yes                                         No (pet owner friendly)

If you’re asking “Is LVT better than laminate?”—the answer is yes, in family homes or pet-friendly environments.

Where can you use Floors for paws LVT flooring?

Thanks to its water resistance and durability, LVT is suitable for virtually every room in the house:
• Kitchens
• Bathrooms
• Living rooms
• Bedrooms
• Hallways
• Utility rooms
• Home offices
• Dog zones and pet areas

What styles does Floors for paws flooring come in?

You’ll find LVT flooring in styles such as:
• Rustic Oak and Grey Oak Planks
• Marble or Slate Effect Tiles
• Herringbone and Chevron Layouts
• Modern Concrete Look

At Floors for Paws, we even offer specialised LVT with +36 PTV rated non-slip surfaces, perfect for homes with dogs, children, or elderly residents.

Best LVT flooring in the UK: Our top pick

For homeowners looking for safe, stylish, and pet-friendly flooring, the PawSafe Domestic range by Floors for Paws is a standout:

• +36 PTV Trl Slip Resistance (excellent for elderly and dogs) Endorsed by Canine arthritis management 
• Cushioned, noise-reducing backing
• Waterproof, scratch-resistant surface
• Available in modern wood and stone finishes

Whether you’re designing a dog-friendly household or just want a warmer, quieter, and safer floor. PawSafe LVT is built for real life.

Upgrade to the world's best flooring for pets today: click on image below

New floor for our Newfie

We have just had our Floors for paws fitted in our newly converted open plan living area. Our Newfoundland struggles on laminate or wooden flooring so we took a chance with this hoping he would be mobile and agile on our new floor.
It’s early days as we are still renovating, but his first walk on the floor yesterday was a success with no nervousness, and he got up by himself without difficulty on the 1st attempt.
We are really happy with our new floor and e service end to end was amazing. Tracy and Paul were really accommodating to our needs and once underway the fitting was completed promptly and cleanly. The final finish is superb.
Thoroughly recommend, we had a good look round and couldn’t find any flooring like this from anywhere else.

Date of experience: December 08, 2021