What Are the Pros and Cons of Herringbone LVT Flooring?

Luxury Vinyl Flooring, often referred to as LVT, is one of the most popular types of wood-effect flooring available. Its aesthetic appeal, durability, ease of installation, water-resistance, and cost-effectiveness set it apart from laminate and engineered wood alternatives. Within the realm of luxury vinyl flooring, you&#;ll encounter three distinct styles: tile, plank, and herringbone, also known as the zig-zag style. If you&#;re considering herringbone LVT flooring over its laminate or engineered wood counterparts, this guide aims to outline the pros and cons to help you make an informed decision for your project.

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Cons of Herringbone LVT Flooring

Looks &#; Although luxury vinyl flooring (LVT) falls within the category of wood-effect flooring, it isn&#;t perfect in mimicking natural wood. This is due to the mass print layer used to create the wood effect. Expect to see repeated colour variations, knots, and sapwood patterns, which may make the flooring appear less natural compared to engineered or solid wood.

Lifespan &#; Even the best-quality herringbone LVT flooring, for example, one that is 8mm thick with a robust 0.7mm wear layer, isn&#;t expected to last more than 25 years. In contrast, good quality engineered or solid wood flooring can easily exceed a 50-year lifespan. While this longevity comes at a cost, it&#;s hard to ignore that the lifespan of herringbone LVT flooring falls short of some of its counterparts, except for laminate.

Hard Underfoot &#; The core layer of herringbone LVT flooring provides stability but can be hard underfoot. While SPC is the most popular core material, it can feel uncomfortable compared to the softer cores of laminate and engineered wood flooring. An underlay can mitigate this if your choice of herringbone LVT flooring features an SPC core.

Price &#; The cost of herringbone LVT flooring can be considered either a pro or a con, depending on what you&#;re comparing it to. Against laminate flooring, it is considerably more expensive. However, it offers water-resistance, which laminate does not, sometimes leaving you with little choice.

Pros of Herringbone LVT Flooring

Whole-home Suitability &#; Herringbone LVT flooring can be fitted in virtually every room, a distinct advantage over laminate, solid, and engineered wood. As laminate isn&#;t water-resistant, it&#;s unsuitable for wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens. Similarly, solid wood reacts to temperature changes, making it unsuitable for basements and conservatories.

Low Maintenance &#; Herringbone LVT flooring requires minimal upkeep. A simple damp mop suffices for cleaning, and there&#;s no need for re-waxing or re-sealing, making it ideal for busy homeowners.

Designs &#; The printed layer allows for a wide selection of colour choices, unlike natural wood, which limits your options. With herringbone LVT flooring, you&#;ll find an array of colours including natural, grey, white, and black, each available in light, medium, or dark shades.

Pet-Friendly &#; The wear layer in herringbone LVT flooring protects against wear and tear, including pet damage. This transparent layer, measuring between 0.3mm and 0.7mm, is far more robust than the oil, wax, or lacquers used for solid and engineered wood. It&#;s also non-toxic, making it safe for families with children or pets.

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Is Herringbone LVT Flooring a Good Choice?

At Wood and Beyond, we certainly think so. The shortcomings of herringbone LVT flooring can be mitigated by selecting a high-quality product, and its advantages often make it a unique choice. Choosing quality herringbone LVT flooring is a decision you&#;re unlikely to regret.

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FAQ

What Makes Herringbone LVT Flooring Popular?

Herringbone LVT Flooring is a trendy choice for flooring due to its aesthetic qualities, resilience, simple installation, resistance to water, and cost-efficiency. These features distinguish it from other flooring types like laminate and engineered wood.

How Does the Appearance of Herringbone LVT Compare to Natural Wood?

While Herringbone LVT aims to imitate the look of natural wood, it falls a bit short due to the use of a mass print layer. This can result in repetitive patterns of colour variation, knots, and sapwood, making it less convincing compared to natural engineered or solid wood flooring.

What is the Estimated Lifespan of Herringbone LVT Flooring?

Typically, top-notch herringbone LVT flooring with an 8mm thickness and a 0.7mm wear layer is anticipated to have a service life of up to 25 years. This is shorter compared to the lifespan of good quality engineered or solid wood flooring, which can last over 50 years.

Is Herringbone LVT Flooring Comfortable Underfoot?

The core layer, often made of SPC, adds stability to the flooring but can make it hard underfoot. This can be less comfortable than the softer cores found in laminate and engineered wood flooring. However, adding an underlay can alleviate this discomfort.

Is Herringbone LVT Flooring Suitable for Homes with Pets?

Yes, herringbone LVT flooring is pet-friendly. It has a wear layer that ranges from 0.3mm to 0.7mm, offering good resistance to wear and tear, including potential damage from pets. Furthermore, it is non-toxic, making it a safe choice for households with children or pets.

While herringbone flooring can be a beautiful and timeless option for flooring, there are some potential disadvantages to consider:

1. Cost: Herringbone flooring can be more expensive than other flooring options due to the complexity of the installation process and the intricate nature of the pattern. The cost can vary depending on the type of material used and the size of the pattern, among other factors.
2. Installation: The installation of herringbone flooring requires more time, skill, and precision than other flooring options due to the complex pattern. It&#;s important to hire a professional installer who is experienced in herringbone flooring to ensure a high-quality and long-lasting result.
3. Maintenance: Herringbone flooring can be more difficult to clean and maintain than other flooring options due to the small crevices and angles of the pattern. Dirt and dust can accumulate in the grooves, making it harder to keep the floor clean. It&#;s important to use the appropriate cleaning methods and products to ensure the longevity and beauty of the flooring.
4. Durability: The durability of herringbone flooring can depend on the type of material used. Solid timber herringbone flooring can be more susceptible to scratches and dents than engineered timber or laminate herringbone flooring. It&#;s important to consider the wear and tear of the space where the flooring will be installed and choose a material that is appropriate for the level of foot traffic and use.