Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) has been rising sharply in popularity, known for its fantastic replication of natural materials like wood, stone and ceramic. It has great scratch and water resistance, can survive in areas of heavy foot traffic and is the second most comfortable flooring option next to carpets.
But what about its use on stairs? Stair coverings are a crucial thing to consider, as the material you choose will contribute to the style, safety, comfort and durability. This blog will delve into why you really should consider LVT as an option on your stairs, exploring its benefits and drawbacks, and examining the installation process.
Benefits of LVT on Stairs
The following are the benefits of using LVT on the stairs…
- Aesthetics – Stairs usually don’t pop out to visitors unless they are made architecturally unique. However, Luxury Vinyl Tiles can bring strong visuals to the actual pathway up the stairs. LVT has the unique ability to blend colours and styles together through its ability to print anything gorgeously. As an aside, rigid core products not only replicate the look of things like wood and stone but the feel too.
- Comfort and Noise – LVT has an incredibly soft surface for a floor that is hard flooring, and not only is it springy and comfortable to walk on, but can also dampen the sound of footsteps going up the stairs. On top of that, LVT is a very warm material.
- Safety – LVT has a surface that has high traction, meaning it prevents slips and falls. This is especially true when compared to other hardwood floorings, such as hardwood.
- Durability – LVT is lauded for its high durability. The material can withstand all kinds of issues, from dents, scratches and stains. It does this through its wear layer. Luvanto comes with a wear layer of 0.55mm, which is higher than the standard for residential homes, which is 0.3mm. As a result, we can safely say that your LVT floor will withstand everyday use for a long time.
- Maintenance – LVT is anti-spill, meaning you can clean up liquid that falls and pools on the floor. This means cleaning LVT is as simple as having a mop and light soap, unlike other flooring options like Carpets, which require extensive cleaning. On top of that, Luvanto has its own Floor Care Kit, which we recommend applying this protective coat on the floor, which will not only reinforce the wear layer but make the floor look good as new for well beyond what it should.
Are there any concerns with having LVT on the Stairs?
LVT is usable in nearly any room with next to no extra steps being needed in order to make the place comfortable and beautiful. However, there are a couple of things you may want to consider when putting LVT on your stairs.
- Anti-Slip Measures – LVT, depending on the specific product you buy, may or may not be textured. Textured floors mean floors with traction and friction, making the likelihood of you slipping much less likely. Several of Luvanto’s flooring options have this feature, but it’s important to point out that these measures may not be enough if the floor happens to become wet. In order to cancel out all possibility of slipping, which is particularly important if there are vulnerable people in the household, it may be a good idea to invest in stair-specific safety measures. For example, stair nosing, which caps the edges of the stair steps in order to prevent slips and provide a stable, high-friction edge. This will also protect the longevity of your stairs, too, as the edges are particularly vulnerable to damage.
- Installation Complications – Installing LVT in a room can be somewhat cumbersome, with the level of difficulty changing depending on what method of installation you choose (glue-down vs click). Luvanto has made a guide on the differences between glue-down and click already, so please refer to this article if you are having difficulties deciding. Nonetheless, your stairs will require more intricate cuts that are an exact fit for each step and riser. Even for the most experienced DIY enthusiasts, this can be a time-consuming task that can’t have any mistakes. The reason why is that the stairs are a high-traffic area, where people will be applying more weight than usual, and as such the installation must make for a stable surface.
- Repair difficulty – One great thing about LVT is that if a tile gets damaged, it’s incredibly easy to repair or replace it, as it simply involves removing the affected area rather than a large portion of it. This isn’t quite so straightforward on stairs, however, as you may need to remove and replace the entire step. This is because the usual method of removing the affected area on the stairs will result in seams, meaning the affected stair step will look more patchwork and less uniform than the others. This may damage the entire aesthetic of your staircase, which can be distressing, and proves further that the installation job must be done flawlessly.
A Quick Rundown on the Installation Process
The following will be some brief pointers that will enable you to gain an understanding of what installing LVT on stairs may look like.
Tools needed
The basic tools you need to install LVT on stairs are a tape measure, a utility knife and a straight edge. If you have bought glue-down LVT, then you need adhesive to lay the LVT down, and a roller to ensure a strong and even adhesion. On top of this, you may want to purchase stair nosing for extra safety post-installation, and a matching trim.
Step-by-Step Brief
- Preparing – You will need to clean the stairs to ensure no debris or dirt will be between the LVT and the staircase. Then, you will want to level the staircase to ensure a stable foundation and apply a primer.
- Cutting – Measure the LVT to accurately fit each stair tread and riser, and cut it out. For glue down LVT, ensure that you apply it to the stairs and press the LVT into place, starting from the bottom step and moving up.
- Post-Installation – Add stair nosing, if you want them, to the staircase to ensure that your home improvement is safe and sound.
Professional vs DIY
DIY Installation will save on the overall cost of your home improvement, but it requires a lot of skill. If you do not have this level of skill, and have little experience with LVT, then we do not recommend you try to apply LVT (especially glue down) to the staircase.
Professional installers cost money, but they are skilled, have high-quality tools and are bound by contract to ensure that you have a precise and durable fit.
Remember, LVT on your stairs does not only dictate how nice and quiet your home will be but also how safe it is to use the stairs themselves.
Conclusion
Overall, we maintain that there is no area in your home that will not benefit from having LVT installed, as we believe it to be the most advanced and beneficial flooring option on the market. We hope you fulfil all your home improvement needs and that LVT proves to be a great option on your stairs and elsewhere in your home.
