Luxury Vinyl Tile Gains Popularity in Retrofits

Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) is a new and rapidly growing re-flooring option, according to the recent 2018 Consumer Practices Survey from Home Innovation Research Labs.

The survey, which tracks products and materials used in the renovation of more than 110,000 households, found that LVT now holds 6 percent of the 14 billion square-foot-per-year flooring market. The relatively new material’s rapid rise in popularity has been attributed to its moisture resistance, durability, and ease of installation, Home Innovations says. LVT products can be manufactured in convincing wood- and stone-looks without the maintenance concerns of natural products.

LVT’s growth has been most prominent in the kitchen. Ten percent of respondents had installed LVT in kitchens in 2017, drawing market share away from both solid hardwood and laminate options.

Following the kitchen, LVT is most popular in basements (8 percent) and bathrooms and dining rooms (both 7 percent). This is likely due to the material’s moisture resistance, Home Innovations says. In the U.S., the LVT is growing fastest in the Pacific states (8 percent) and slowest in the South Atlantic region (4.5 percent).