LVT Noise

Chickereeeee

I would like to have engineered wood flooring in my new extension (kitchen/dining/hall), but I think I will have to go for LVT. I believe it can look OK, but - if experience with numerous AirB&B stays is anything to go by - can sound loud and 'flimsy'. Sorry of 'tacktacktack' when you walk over it.  I assume this loose lay, or click vinyl. Is glue down any better, or are there types/manufacturers of LVT that sound more 'solid' and are quieter?

(TLDR: Can LVT sound more like wood, or even tile, flooring?)

travis-powers

Glue down LVT is brilliant, however prep is really important so good latex gone over with a brush roller as any minor humps and bumps will show through.
 The click LVT I’ve laid it twice and wasn’t impressed but both times it was from Howdens so other makes may be different.
 Unfortunately it will never sound like wood unless it’s laid on a wooden floor.

Doozergirl

I have glue down LVT and I have no idea what you're talking about!  It makes zero noise.  

I'm not sure how you're differentiating what type of floor you're walking on in an airbnb if you're not a flooring expert.   Whatever it is, you're correct that it won't be glued down if it's making a noise.  Without looking at it, we can't tell either.  

Albermarle

Also remember that LVT means 'Luxury Vinyl Tile' it is not just a catch all name for all types of vinyl flooring.

In the past there was just LVT made by a couple of manufacturers ( Amtico being the well known domestic brand) and then just Vinyl tiles of various qualities. Over the years the general quality has gone up, and now many manufacturers produce LVT ( or call it that anyway) .
The cheaper tiles now also have a snazzier name - SPC - Stone Plastic Composite. Which are basically similar to LVT but with more cheap mineral filler in them, which makes them stiffer and possibly noisier to walk on.

Also not all vinyl floors are tiles, you can buy sheet vinyl of various qualities, and linoleum is still around as well. 

Chickereeeee

Doozergirl said:

I have glue down LVT and I have no idea what you're talking about!  It makes zero noise.  

Sorry? I said I assumed it was non-glued down floor covering, and it made a noise. If you have glued down stuff, and it makes zero noise, that is good to know. (Although if it literally made zero noise, that would be a bit - disconcerting..

Emmia

Doozergirl said:

I have glue down LVT and I have no idea what you're talking about!  It makes zero noise.  

I'm not sure how you're differentiating what type of floor you're walking on in an airbnb if you're not a flooring expert.   Whatever it is, you're correct that it won't be glued down if it's making a noise.  Without looking at it, we can't tell either.  

I have glued down LVT (Amtico) in the kitchen, and agree no noise!

Just need to get DH to agree to replace the knackered laminate in the hall / living room with LVT now...

Rodders53

Go for the engineered real wood.  That may, potentially, be noisy depending on underlay and if floating or fixed, glued or click... and the footwear used!

Wood effect laminate is the stuff that is often badly laid, cheap and noisy.

Doozergirl

Chickereeeee said:

Doozergirl said:

I have glue down LVT and I have no idea what you're talking about!  It makes zero noise.  

Sorry? I said I assumed it was non-glued down floor covering, and it made a noise. If you have glued down stuff, and it makes zero noise, that is good to know. (Although if it literally made zero noise, that would be a bit - disconcerting..

My post had two paragraphs.