What is LVT flooring?

LVT stands for luxury vinyl tile. It is a multi-layer floor that bonds a high-resolution image of wood, stone or tile to a waterproof core under a hard wear layer, giving you the look of natural materials with the practicality of vinyl.

Is LVT flooring waterproof?

Yes. Every LVT design at Sotto is fully waterproof, so it can be fitted in kitchens, hallways, utility rooms, downstairs cloakrooms and bathrooms without worrying about splashes or spills.

Can LVT be used with underfloor heating?

Yes. Our LVT and SPC ranges are compatible with electric and water underfloor heating systems up to 27 degrees Celsius. Always follow the manufacturer guidelines for warm-up cycles and final temperatures.

What is the difference between click LVT, glue down LVT and SPC?

Click LVT locks together over the subfloor with a tongue and groove system, glue down LVT is bonded directly to a level subfloor for a thinner profile, and SPC has a denser stone polymer composite core that gives a rigid, very dimensionally stable plank.

How much do LVT samples cost?

Samples are £1 each, with up to four per order. They arrive in 1 to 2 working days, so you can check the colour, texture and finish at home before you buy.

What is the difference between LVT and vinyl flooring?

LVT is a type of vinyl flooring. It comes as individual planks and tiles with a thicker, more rigid build and a realistic surface texture. Sheet vinyl comes on a roll and is laid as one continuous piece, which is quicker to fit and lower in cost.

How long does LVT flooring last?

It depends mainly on the wear layer. Our 0.55mm wear layer ranges carry a lifetime residential warranty, and Origins, with a 0.3mm wear layer, carries a 12 year residential warranty.

LVT Flooring

LVT flooring, short for luxury vinyl tile, gives you the look of real wood, stone or marble in a floor that is waterproof, warm underfoot and made to cope with everyday life. Each plank or tile carries a detailed print of a natural material under a clear wear layer that protects it from scuffs and scratches.

We stock glue down LVT, click LVT and SPC rigid core click vinyl, in oak, grey and white, and in wood, herringbone, stone, marble, concrete and tile effects. Every range is fully waterproof and works with underfloor heating. Samples are £1 each, up to four per order, and arrive in 1 to 2 working days, so you can see the colour and texture in your own room before you order.

What is luxury vinyl flooring?

Luxury vinyl flooring is made in layers. A stable, waterproof core sits at the bottom. Above it is a high-resolution print of wood or stone, and on top is a clear wear layer that takes the daily knocks. Many of our ranges have an embossed surface that follows the print, so the grain and texture feel natural underfoot.

LVT comes as separate planks and tiles, which is what sets it apart from sheet vinyl. It is thicker, more rigid and more realistic, and it can be laid in patterns such as herringbone. If you would rather have one continuous piece for a small bathroom or utility room, our sheet vinyl is the simpler option. If you would prefer real timber, our engineered wood flooring has a real French oak top layer on a stable core.

Glue down LVT, click LVT and SPC

Glue down LVT is bonded directly to a smooth, level subfloor. At 2mm to 2.5mm thick it sits flat and low, which makes it easy to run between rooms and a good choice for busy homes and commercial spaces. Our Heritage, Woodland, River Stone and Origins ranges are all glue down, and we recommend a professional fitter. Shop glue down LVT.

Click LVT locks together along its edges and floats over the subfloor, so there is no adhesive and it can be lifted again later. It is the easiest type to fit yourself. Shop click vinyl flooring.

SPC rigid core click vinyl is click LVT built on a dense stone polymer composite core. It is firmer underfoot, resists dents and stays stable when temperatures change, which suits conservatories and rooms with large windows. Our Ashdown range is 5.5mm with an underlay already built in, and Vestige is 8mm. Shop SPC flooring.

Wear layers and how long LVT lasts

The wear layer is the clear top layer, and its thickness is the best guide to how hard-wearing a floor will be.

Origins has a 0.3mm wear layer. It suits bedrooms and rooms with lighter foot traffic, with a 12 year residential warranty and 5 to 7 years of commercial cover.
Vestige has a 0.5mm wear layer, a lifetime residential warranty and 7 to 10 years of commercial cover.
Heritage, Woodland and River Stone have a 0.55mm wear layer, a lifetime residential warranty and 7 to 10 years of commercial cover.

For hallways, kitchens and homes with children or pets, we would choose a wear layer of 0.5mm or above.

Where to use LVT

Every LVT range we sell is waterproof, so you can use it throughout the ground floor, including rooms where carpet or real wood would struggle.

Kitchens and bathrooms: spills and splashes will not damage it. Tile effect LVT is a popular choice here. It has the look of stone or porcelain, is warmer underfoot than ceramic tile and has no grout to clean.
Hallways: a 0.55mm wear layer is the best choice for the busiest areas.
Living rooms and bedrooms: wood effect and herringbone LVT add warmth, and LVT is quieter underfoot than laminate.
Homes with pets: LVT is scratch-resistant and easy to clean. See our pet friendly LVT.
Underfloor heating: all our LVT works with water and electric systems up to 27°C. See LVT for underfloor heating.

Choosing a colour and finish

Our LVT comes in oak, grey and white, with effects including herringbone, marble, stone, concrete and tile. Edges vary between ranges. A bevelled edge marks out each plank like real floorboards, and a square edge gives a smoother finish that suits marble and stone designs.

Order LVT samples

Colours can look different on screen, so we always suggest seeing a sample in your own light first. LVT samples are £1 each, with up to four per order, and arrive in 1 to 2 working days.