Can you install LVT over concrete?

Yes, luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) can be installed over concrete provided you follow the correct installation procedure.

What is the best type of flooring to put over concrete?

There are many types of flooring that can be put over concrete, including wood, carpets, tiles, laminate and LVT. The best flooring to use depends on a number of factors, including looks, durability, cost and ease of maintenance.

LVT fulfils all of the above criteria, they are made to last a long time, are available in a wide choice of colours and styles, and are easy to clean and maintain. LVT tiles may not be the cheapest flooring option, but they will not wear out as quickly as cheap flooring, which makes their lifetime cost more economical.

It is recommended to use high-grade vinyl over concrete, as it is thicker, will last longer, and will feel more comfortable to walk on thanks to its cushioning effect.

How is the concrete prepared?

It is important that the concrete subfloor is clean, smooth and level. First of all, the concrete floor needs to be swept and vacuumed thoroughly to remove all dirt and debris. Any irregularities in the concrete need removing. The floor then needs to be treated with a screed, which is a thin layer of cement paste which makes the subfloor smooth and level. This is a skilled job best left to a professional experienced installer.

Do you need an underlay?

Some vinyl tiles have inbuilt underlay, so no extra underlay is required for these types of LVT. For LVT that does not have its own underlay, an underlay manufactured especially for LVT is recommended. This underlay is usually thinner than that used for laminates and carpets.

You may try to save costs by not using underlay for LVT installed on concrete, but there are several advantages to using it. Underlay can reduce noise by up to four decibels. LVT with underlay feels softer and is warmer, making it especially suitable for homes where people like to go barefoot.

You can discover more about LVT and underlay in this previous blog we’ve written.

Does the LVT need to be stuck down or can it be laid loose?

LVT can be glued on top of concrete, but can also be laid without glue. Glued-down LVT involves using an adhesive covering the concrete on which the tiles are laid. There are two glue methods: hard set and pressure-sensitive.

Hard set gluing fixes the tiles or planks firmly in place. This is recommended for high-traffic areas, especially in commercial buildings where lots of people walk on the floor every day. It is also suitable for floors where wheeled equipment is used such as wheelchairs, shopping trolleys, and gurneys. Bear in mind that a hard set floor installation makes it more difficult to replace tiles.

Pressure sensitive gluing uses an adhesive that makes the floor sturdy, yet it is easier to remove tiles. This is beneficial for areas that wear unevenly. Instead of replacing the whole flooring, only the section of the worn floor can be replaced. Some types of LVT tiles or planks have inbuilt pressure sensitive adhesive, which makes them easier to install.

Both hard set and pressure sensitive installations are suitable for fixing LVT to concrete.

Floating vinyl flooring uses no or little adhesive, because vinyl is loosely laid on the floor. Often, the tiles of planks around the perimeter of a room are glued down and the rest laid loosely. Gluing the perimeter tiles makes sure that the rest of the planks stay in place.

Click vinyl flooring uses planks or tiles that can be snapped together in place with a click-lock system that holds them together. They are usually laid without glue.

Glued down or floating LVT both work well with concrete subfloors. Your flooring installer will advise you on which is best for your particular installation.

What is the best thickness of LVT to install over concrete?

The thickness of the LVT is influenced by how they are installed. The most popular thickness for glued down flooring is 2nn to 3mm, though thicker tiles are available. Loose lay vinyl tiles are typically 5mm thick, with click vinyl flooring about the same.

Very thin vinyl will generally not last as long as thicker types, but can be cheaper. It is recommended to use thick, premium quality LVT flooring if you want the floor to last a long time.

How long will LVT last on top of concrete?

The average LVT flooring lasts between 10 to 20 years or more when laid on top of concrete. To maximise the life of LVT, it is important that it has been installed by experts and is cleaned regularly.

Premium grade LVT will come with a guarantee, which can be ten years or more. LVT in commercial locations with heavy foot traffic will need to replaced more often.

Is LVT on concrete waterproof and flood proof?

LVT is water-resistant and suitable for high-moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms. If, as weather forecasters predict, the UK is to experience more floods in the coming years, then depending on the severity of the flood, LVT floors installed on concrete may or may not survive.

If the flood is not severe and only a few planks or tiles are affected, stained or damaged, they can be replaced. If the planks have been glued, water may seep into the joints and wash the adhesive away. This can easily be fixed by regluing the LVT. Click vinyl flooring should not allow water to pass through the joints.

Water may seep through the floor edges. If water is directly on the subfloor concrete, the floor must be thoroughly dried before any LVT is replaced. In the case of a severe flood, the LVT may need to be removed and the concrete floor dried out otherwise the subfloor could be damaged or mould can grow,

LVT flooring is a good choice of flooring if you want an attractive, long-lasting floor that is easy to clean. Many homes and commercial properties have concrete floors. Unless you love the industrial look of bare concrete, covering a subfloor with LVT is a good option.

Carpets can be 10 times dirtier than toilet seats

Research by sofa specialists ScS has found that carpets can contain 10 times the number of bacteria found on toilet seats. The research also discovered that nearly half of people in the UK admit to never cleaning their carpets. In another survey by BISSELL, 41% of people admitted to not washing their carpets.

It is perhaps unsurprising that people keep their bathrooms cleaner than their carpets, as dirt is easier to spot in the former than the latter. Carpets in offices were found to be cleaner than domestic ones as most businesses regularly clean their carpets. Bedroom carpets are found on average to be twice as dirty as living room ones.

Dirty carpets are a breeding ground for disease-causing microbes. Cleaning experts recommend regular vacuuming, and deep cleaning of carpets at least annually. This will prevent the buildup of mould, yeast and bacteria, and can be done by carpet cleaning professionals with specialist equipment.

Dr. Lisa Ackerely, a carpet expert, commented:

"This research is of concern as unwashed carpets can become homes to bacteria and germs and in particular dust mites, which can put some people at greater risk of asthma, eczema and perennial allergic rhinitis caused by allergies to dust mite faecal matter.“

The Head of Acquisitions at ScS, Dale Gillispie said that the company's research was “shocking” and those carpet owners should make sure that their carpets are kept clean.

Carpets are popular in Wrexham, Chester and North Wales homes and businesses. They look good and will last a long time provided they are cleaned regularly.

Carpet sales boosted by natural trend

In 2019, the UK carpet industry had a 2.9% growth and was valued at over £1bn. With new types of carpets coming onto the market, this growth is expected to continue. One significant trend is for natural carpets.

Though there are many hard floor alternatives, a significant number of homeowners and businesses prefer carpets or carpet tiles in the Wrexham, North Wales and Chester area.

There is a growing trend for having all-natural and organic products. Polyester carpets are popular because of their lower cost, but consumers who want more natural carpet tufts would look at wool, seagrass or jute carpets, which are mainly made from natural materials. Synthetic latex is often used to back natural fibre carpets, but manufacturers are researching natural alternatives to latex that have better environmental properties.

The dyes that colour carpets can contain chemicals, but plant and mineral-based dyes can be used as an alternative. There are also natural alternatives to the chemical glues used to stick the backing to the carpet.

Most carpets are made in factories, but there is increased demand for hand-loomed carpets and rugs made from natural fibres, free from polluting chemicals.

It may be difficult to find a 100% natural material carpet, but manufacturers are sourcing more of their materials for their carpets from sustainable sources. Natural carpets may be more expensive than synthetic fibre carpets, but if you want a luxury natural look in the home or workplace, they are a worthwhile investment.

Carpet industry adapts to demand for sustainable products

Surveys have found that 42% of US and UK consumers say that sustainability is important when they purchase goods. The carpet industry is adopting more environmental-friendly practices to meet this preference for sustainable products.

The circular economy is a system where waste is designed out of products so that materials can be recycled. Many carpets and carpet tiles end up in landfills, but Carpet Recycling UK is working to reduce this waste and make the industry more sustainable by recycling and reusing where possible – for example, old carpets can be used to make premium quality carpet backing.

Interface, the large commercial flooring manufacture is making carpets that use yarn from recycled fishing nets. Many fishing nets end up discarded and pollute the ocean. Using yarn to make carpets protects the oceans and reduces carbon emissions.

Larta Shortall of MindClick, an environmental product intelligence company, is a supporter of sustainable interior design because it meets a:

“…growing global demand for healthier materials, products, environments, experiences, communities and an overall healthier planet.”

Wool is a natural fibre that is used to make sustainable carpets. Wool carpets cost more than most synthetic carpets, but a Sustainable Furnishings Council report in 2018 found that 76% of consumers are willing to pay more for environmentally safe furnishings. Many manufacturers are producing wool and other sustainable carpets because they know that a number of consumers will not buy non-sustainable ones.

Wool carpets are popular in Chester because they are soft and luxurious. Consumers also find it important that wool is a natural and sustainable fibre.

How does artificial grass compare to real grass?

Artificial grass is an alternative to the real thing for lawns, playgrounds, sports pitches and more. Understandably, many people considering buying and installing artificial grass want to know how it compares to real grass before they commit.

Is artificial grass realistic?

In recent years, manufacturers of artificial grass have made it look more realistic. For sports fields and school playgrounds, it may not be important for artificial grass to look real but as a lawn replacement, homeowners want the grass to look good.

Artificial grass looks and behaves like real grass, with realistic piles and texture that mimics real grass. Close up, you can tell the difference between artificial and real grass, but from a short distance away you may not realise that the grass is artificial.

Artificial grass on putting greens needs to mimic real grass as closely as possible, otherwise it will affect how the golf ball behaves.

You may have to pay more for realistic-looking artificial grass, but for applications where looks are important, it’s worth it.

Do you need to look after artificial grass?

Compared to real grass, artificial grass requires little maintenance. It needs no cutting and in very hot dry spells you don’t have to water the grass. Correctly installed, artificial grass allows rainwater to drain away. Unlike real grass, no chemicals and fertilisers are required to maintain artificial grass.

Many people forecast that Britain will have more very hot dry summers due to climate change. This can result in hosepipe bans that prevent real grass from being watered. Artificial grass has the advantage that it needs no watering.

Dirt can be brushed off artificial grass with a stiff brush and leaves removed with a rake. Any mess left by dogs should be picked up with a dog poop bag.

Stains can be washed off with cleaning products formulated for artificial grass. Chemical cleaners or detergents should not be used.

Compressed snow and ice are best left to melt rather than removed, while heat sources need to be kept away from artificial grass to prevent burning and scorch marks. Sick to patios or concrete slabs for your barbecues.

Is artificial grass safe to play on?

Artificial grass is safe to play, on which is why many infant and primary schools use it. There was some concern in the past about artificial grass being toxic, but modern artificial grass has addressed this.

Artificial grass is non-allergenic and suitable for allergy sufferers. There is no pollen to affect hay fever sufferers.

For high-impact sports such as rugby and football, artificial grass can be laid on top of rubber shock pads to minimise player injuries on artificial turf sports grounds.

If there is heavy rain, artificial grass will not be muddy, so it is safe for children to play on in all weathers.

Is artificial grass safe for pets?

Artificial grass is very pet-friendly, as it is non-toxic. Dogs are not tempted to dig on artificial grass. Pet urine will drain away and solid waste from pets should not stain the grass, but should be removed promptly.

Pets will not cause the grass to smell bad. Another advantage is that pets will not come in the house with muddy paws from the lawn.

Can you put artificial grass on top of real grass?

Normally, the old grass is removed before installing artificial grass. This means that the ground can be well prepared and a membrane installed ready for the artificial grass.

Installing artificial grass is an expert job for professional installers, although you can do it yourself if you have the necessary skills. Some users may be tempted to save time and installation costs by laying artificial grass on top of real grass, but this is not recommended as it can cause issues.

One reason for a membrane is that it prevents weeds from growing through artificial grass, Without a weed barrier, you may regularly have to remove weeds from the lawn.

There could be drainage issues with surface water remaining if the artificial grass is not installed correctly. The lawn beneath the artificial grass will start to die but may not do so evenly. This will result in an uneven lawn.

An artificial grass lawn installed over real grass is unlikely to last as long as a properly installed one. Installing artificial grass yourself over an existing lawn may initially save time and money, but if it reduces the life of the lawn, this is a false economy.

Artificial grass can be laid on most surfaces including soil, concrete and paving. It can even be used on roof terraces and balconies, or laid indoors to create an indoor garden.

How long does artificial grass last?

Artificial grass should last up to 20 years depending on its level of use. This will generally be less than the lifetime of real grass. Over time, real grass can fade and flatten, whereas artificial grass should keep its colour and texture for many years. Most artificial grass manufacturers provide a guarantee that lasts several years.

Though artificial grass may have less lifespan than real grass, people choose it because it retains its looks and needs little maintenance. Sports teams that install artificial grass pitches do not need to cancel matches because of bad weather that turns real grass into mud fields.

Which artificial grass is best?

There are many types and makes of artificial grass. The best one for a particular use is dependent on many factors, including the type of installation and how you want the area to look. For lawns, looks are important, while for sports grounds practicality is the priority. You can purchase luxury striped grass that makes a lawn look as if it has been freshly mowed.

An artificial grass stockist will have samples of various types of grass, and will advise you on the best artificial grass for your particular use and budget.

Artificial grass is not real grass, but it looks good and has many practical advantages, especially for busy households and commercial users who don't want to spend the time or expense needed to maintain grass.