- Blog
What are Luxury Vinyl tiles?
- By Fern Flooring Team
Introduction
Luxury vinyl tiles, often called LVT, offer a practical route to high end looks without high end cost. We supply LVT that mimics timber, stone, and ceramic finishes. Our team fits floors with attention to substrate, joints, and final finish so the surface performs under Ugandan humidity and daily wear.
You expect floors that stand up to children, office foot traffic, and frequent cleaning. LVT resists scratches, stains, and water when installed correctly. We explain product layers, installation steps, maintenance tips, and realistic life spans, using examples from Kampala, Jinja, and Entebbe sites.
We work with homeowners, shop owners, architects, and developers. Our approach covers sample selection, on site measurement, acclimatisation, and tidy installation. We speak local language when helpful, say karibu and pole pole to put you at ease, and keep scheduling simple for busy clients.
What LVT is, in plain terms?
Luxury vinyl tiles are composite panels built from multiple layers. The top layer offers a protective wear surface. Under that sits a printed design layer showing timber grain or stone texture. A rigid core stabilises the tile. The backing layer gives dimensional stability and sound reduction.
Manufacturers vary core material and thickness. Thicker cores improve comfort underfoot and reduce subfloor demands. Rigid core LVT gives a firmer feel, while flexible types conform better to small subfloor irregularities. We choose stock based on room use, budget, and substrate condition.
Why people choose LVT in Uganda
LVT gives timber or stone looks with simpler upkeep. For busy homes, LVT offers stain resistance and fast cleaning. For shops and offices, LVT handles heavy foot traffic and frequent mopping without dulling. For rental apartments, LVT reduces turnaround time between tenants.
Supply chains matter. We source LVT from reputable producers with low volatile organic compounds and stable finishes. Our inventory includes click fit and glue down formats. We advise on warranty terms and shared maintenance obligations for landlords.
How we install LVT
We begin with a site survey and moisture reading. Where required we level the subfloor to a professional tolerance. We acclimatise boxed tiles on site to reduce expansion issues. For glue down systems we use approved adhesives. For floating systems we use manufacturer recommended underlay.
We cut tiles with clean edges and maintain pattern alignment across rooms. We seal transitions between different floor types with neat profiles. We protect finished floors during fit out. We hand over with care instructions and a maintenance schedule.
Common finishes and looks
Wood grain LVT gives warm interiors without timber worries. Porcelain look LVT suits bathrooms and kitchens, where stone appearance meets easier care. Commercial sheet LVT suits large areas like clinics and classrooms because seams reduce potential entry points for liquids.
We keep sample boards for clients to view under natural light. Shades shift with exposure, so viewing on site helps confirm choice. We place samples next to skirting, furniture, and window light while making final decisions.
Durability and warranties
LVT holds up well when correctly selected and fitted. Wear layers vary from light domestic use to heavy commercial grades. We match wear layer thickness to your expected foot traffic. We provide installation warranties and explain manufacturer product warranties clearly.
Routine maintenance extends life span. Regular sweeping, damp mopping, and prompt spill removal preserve the finish. We offer maintenance contracts for businesses, including periodic inspection and restorative cleaning.
Cost factors
Material price depends on construction, wear layer, and design complexity. Installation cost depends on subfloor condition, area size, and edge detailing. Preparing an uneven slab raises cost due to leveling. We provide transparent, line item quotes so you view material, labour, and extras separately.
Where LVT delivers the most value
Residential living rooms and bedrooms, retail stores, small offices, clinics, rental apartments, and light industrial offices benefit from LVT. Use LVT where sound reduction, fast installation, and easy cleaning matter. For heavy industrial loads we recommend specialist floors such as epoxy.
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Top 8 related LVT FAQs
How long will luxury vinyl tiles last in a busy Kampala home?
LVT with a robust wear layer and correct installation will last many years in a busy household. For domestic use, expect a practical lifespan ranging from ten to twenty years depending on wear layer thickness and maintenance. Heavy traffic areas show signs earlier, while well maintained rooms preserve finish longer.
Routine care affects longevity strongly. Daily sweeping, damp mopping, and fused entry mats reduce grit abrasion. We supply maintenance plans for high traffic households. Regular inspection and prompt small repairs prevent larger replacement needs.
Are LVT floors waterproof and suitable for bathrooms?
LVT offers strong water resistance, especially rigid core and glue down types. Seams require professional detailing in wet areas to keep moisture out. For shower floors we prefer continuous waterproof systems. LVT works well in bathrooms when installed with proper edge trims and sealing.
We test substrate moisture before fitting. Damp slabs affect adhesive performance. For bathrooms we recommend perimeter sealing and occasional resealing around fixtures. Our fitters follow manufacturer recommendations to preserve warranty.
How do LVT and engineered hardwood compare for Kampala homes?
LVT gives timber appearance with simpler upkeep and lower cost. Engineered hardwood offers genuine wood surface and higher resale appeal for some buyers. Engineered timber responds to humidity with small movement, while LVT resists moisture better when installed correctly.
Choose LVT when rapid turnaround, low maintenance, and stain resistance are priorities. Choose engineered hardwood when authentic timber finish and long term asset value take precedence. We show samples to guide your choice.
Can LVT handle office furniture and constant trolley movement?
Commercial grade LVT with a strong wear layer manages office use well. We recommend protective pads under furniture legs and commercial grade castors for rolling chairs. For heavy trolley routes we use higher abrasion rated products.
We also install suitable transition profiles and protect thresholds. For busy offices we suggest scheduled inspections and interim restorative cleaning. We tailor product selection to foot traffic maps and equipment movement.
What installation format suits uneven concrete slabs?
For slabs with minor irregularities a flexible LVT with thinset adhesive provides surface conformity. For deeper deviations we level with cementitious screed to manufacturer tolerance. Rigid core LVT prefers flatter surfaces; the core prevents bowing but requires flatter slab.
We assess slab condition with laser level and moisture test. We include corrective works in our quote. Our team levels slabs pole pole when necessary to ensure a durable finish.
How noisy will LVT be underfoot and what reduces sound?
LVT gives moderate acoustics. Adding an underlay reduces walking noise and improves comfort. Acoustic rated underlays absorb impact sound in apartments and condos. For commercial fit outs we use denser underlays to meet sound rating targets.
We test samples on site so you hear difference. We recommend rugs in living areas for acoustic and comfort reasons.
Are there eco friendly LVT options available?
Yes, low VOC formulations and phthalate free cores exist. Some manufacturers use recycled content in backings. Polished concrete or reclaimed timber offer alternate low lifecycle impact options for projects prioritising sustainability.
We flag greener options during specification and show environmental data sheets for review. Choosing low VOC products helps indoor air quality for homes and clinics.
How do you schedule a site visit and reserve our installation team?
Contact our office with project address and preferred window for assessment. We confirm a site visit, bring samples, and record measurements. After assessment we deliver a written quote with lead time and start dates.
To reserve the team pay a deposit and sign the work order. We confirm material deliveries and begin on the agreed date. For clients needing transport we assist with booking a car for site access; call our office to reserve drivers and a vehicle for the assessment day.
Conclusion
Luxury vinyl tiles give Kampala homes and businesses a resilient, stylish floor option. We supply, install, and maintain LVT across Uganda. We pair product knowledge with local experience so floors perform under regional conditions.
To book a site visit send your project address and preferred date by phone or message. We will arrange assessment, bring samples, and deliver a clear quote. To reserve a car for site access or material delivery call our office and request vehicle booking.