Flooring is one of the most important elements of interior design. It influences comfort, aesthetics, and even property value. In recent years, luxury vinyl flooring (LVF) has become one of the fastest-growing trends in London homes and businesses. But what is luxury vinyl flooring, and why has it gained such popularity?
At UniqFloors – Flooring Specialist London, we’ve been helping clients choose and install the right floors for more than 20 years. From wood flooring in London to carpets, tiles, and luxury vinyl, we specialise in durable, stylish, and practical solutions tailored to your lifestyle.
Visit our showroom today at 669 Finchley Road, at the junction of Finchley Road and Prospect Road, London NW2 2HY, or request a free flooring quote online.
What is Luxury Vinyl Flooring?
Luxury vinyl flooring is a modern flooring solution designed to mimic the natural look of materials such as hardwood, stone, or ceramic, but with added advantages in durability and maintenance. Unlike traditional vinyl, which was often seen as a budget product, luxury vinyl is engineered with advanced technology, making it stylish, versatile, and long-lasting.
A typical LVF plank or tile consists of:
- UV coating – Protects against fading and ensures colour consistency.
- Wear layer – Provides resistance to scratches, stains, and scuffs.
- Luxury vinyl layer – Creates realistic wood or stone visuals.
- Rigid core (SPC/WPC) – Ensures strength, water resistance, and stability.
- Integrated underlay – Offers sound insulation and comfort underfoot.
This layered construction means luxury vinyl combines the best of design and performance, perfect for London’s diverse range of properties, from modern flats to period homes.
Why Choose Luxury Vinyl Flooring for Your Home or Business?
Realistic & Stylish Appearance
One of the main reasons homeowners choose luxury vinyl flooring is its ability to replicate natural wood or stone with impressive detail. From herringbone oak to sleek marble, LVF provides the look you love without the high cost or complicated upkeep.
Many of our clients pair LVF with wood flooring London for living areas and carpet shops London solutions for bedrooms, creating a balanced and stylish home design.
Waterproof & Durable
Unlike laminate or engineered wood, LVF is 100% waterproof. This makes it a perfect choice for bathrooms, kitchens, and utility rooms. The rigid core prevents swelling, warping, or lifting even in high-moisture environments.
Comfort Underfoot
Luxury vinyl provides more comfort compared to ceramic or stone tiles. It feels warm underfoot and reduces noise, which is particularly beneficial in London flats and offices.
For homeowners seeking modern finishes, our floor tiles North London range is also a great option, especially in kitchens and bathrooms.
Easy to Maintain
LVF is incredibly low-maintenance. A quick hoover or mop is enough to keep it looking new. Unlike real wood, it doesn’t require polishing or special treatments.
Cost-Effective
When compared to natural hardwood or stone, luxury vinyl flooring offers a more affordable solution without compromising on quality.
Can Luxury Vinyl Be Installed on Uneven Floors?
One of the most common questions we receive is: can luxury vinyl be installed on uneven floors?
The short answer is no. Luxury vinyl requires a smooth and level subfloor. Installing it directly on uneven surfaces can cause:
- Gaps between planks or tiles
- Movement and instability
- Faster wear and tear
At UniqFloors, we never compromise on installation. Our team carefully prepares your subfloor by sanding, levelling, or using specialist compounds to ensure a flawless finish. This guarantees that your luxury vinyl flooring not only looks beautiful but also lasts for decades.
Different Types of Luxury Vinyl Flooring
When people first ask what is luxury vinyl flooring, they are often surprised by the variety of formats available. Unlike traditional vinyl, which was once limited in style, luxury vinyl flooring comes in different designs and installation systems, each suited to specific needs. Whether you are renovating a modern flat in North London or updating a traditional townhouse, there is a type of LVF that can perfectly match your interior.
Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT)
Luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) replicate the elegant appearance of natural stone, ceramic, or marble while offering much greater comfort and practicality. They are thinner, warmer underfoot, and easier to maintain compared to traditional tiles. LVT is waterproof, making it ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and high-traffic areas.
Unlike ceramic or porcelain, LVT will not crack or chip easily, and it can be installed more quickly with less disruption. Many customers who visit our vinyl flooring shop in London choose stone-effect LVT as a cost-effective alternative to floor tiles North London.
Luxury Vinyl Planks (LVP)
Luxury vinyl planks (LVP) are designed to replicate the natural beauty of hardwood. They come in a wide variety of finishes, from rustic oak and walnut to sleek grey tones perfect for modern interiors. LVP is particularly popular in living rooms, dining areas, and hallways where homeowners want the look of real wood flooring in London but without the risk of scratches, stains, or water damage.
Because it is scratch-resistant and waterproof, LVP is also an excellent option for families with pets or children. It combines the timeless charm of wood with the practical benefits of luxury vinyl flooring.
Herringbone Luxury Vinyl
Herringbone patterns have long been associated with traditional parquet floors. With luxury vinyl flooring, you can now achieve this high-end, sophisticated look at a fraction of the cost. Herringbone LVF planks are precision-engineered to lock together seamlessly, creating striking geometric designs that add character to any room.
Many London homeowners combine herringbone LVF in their living spaces with softer options from our carpet shops London for bedrooms, creating both luxury and comfort across the home.
Click System Vinyl
Click-system luxury vinyl flooring is one of the most user-friendly solutions available today. Using advanced locking technology, planks or tiles click into place without the need for glue. This makes it a favourite choice for DIY enthusiasts or homeowners looking for a fast and clean installation.
Click vinyl is versatile enough for almost every room in the home. However, as with all LVF formats, it requires a properly prepared subfloor. If you’re wondering can luxury vinyl be installed on uneven floors, the answer is no – the base must be level for the click system to work effectively. At UniqFloors – Flooring Specialist London, we ensure your subfloor is perfectly prepared before any installation begins.
Choosing the Right Type of Luxury Vinyl Flooring
Deciding between LVT, LVP, herringbone, or click vinyl often comes down to the style you want and the room where the floor will be installed. At UniqFloors, our experts guide you through each option, ensuring you choose a floor that balances aesthetics, practicality, and budget.
Many homeowners across the city select a combination of LVF formats – for example, luxury vinyl tiles in kitchens and bathrooms, luxury vinyl planks in living areas, and herringbone LVF for feature spaces. For consistency across multiple rooms, explore our dedicated vinyl flooring North London range.
How Does Luxury Vinyl Compare to Other Flooring?
- Vs. Hardwood – Similar natural look but more affordable, scratch-resistant, and waterproof.
- Vs. Laminate – Luxury vinyl is fully waterproof, while laminate is only water-resistant.
- Vs. Ceramic/Stone Tiles – Warmer, quieter, and easier to maintain.
This versatility explains why more and more homeowners in London are switching to LVF.
Where to Buy Luxury Vinyl Flooring in London?
When looking for a trusted vinyl flooring shop in London, it’s important to choose a specialist with experience and product variety.
At UniqFloors, we offer:
- A wide range of luxury vinyl flooring styles, including wood effect, stone effect, and herringbone.
- Professional advice tailored to your project.
- Full installation service by skilled fitters.
- A convenient showroom at 669 Finchley Road, NW2 2HY.
Visit our showroom today or request your free quote online.
FAQs About Luxury Vinyl Flooring
What is luxury vinyl flooring made of ?
Luxury vinyl flooring is made of several engineered layers designed to ensure both durability and style. These layers typically include a transparent wear layer that resists scratches and stains, a decorative design layer that replicates wood or stone, a rigid waterproof core (SPC or WPC), and sometimes an integrated underlay for comfort and sound insulation. This multi-layered structure explains why so many homeowners in London choose LVF over other solutions.
Is luxury vinyl flooring waterproof ?
Yes, luxury vinyl flooring is 100% waterproof. This makes it an ideal option for high-moisture areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and basements. Unlike laminate or engineered wood, which can swell when exposed to water, LVF maintains its integrity, offering long-lasting performance. For anyone searching for a durable solution at a trusted vinyl flooring shop, UniqFloors provides collections specifically designed to handle wet conditions without compromising on style.
Can luxury vinyl be installed on uneven floors ?
A common question is: can luxury vinyl be installed on uneven floors? The answer is no – not directly. LVF requires a level and stable subfloor to achieve the best results. Installing it on uneven floors may cause gaps, movement, or premature wear. At UniqFloors – Flooring Specialist London, we take care of subfloor preparation by sanding, levelling, or using special compounds to ensure your flooring looks perfect and lasts for decades.
How long does luxury vinyl flooring last ?
When installed and maintained correctly, luxury vinyl flooring can last between 20 to 25 years in residential settings and around 10–15 years in commercial spaces. Its longevity depends on the thickness of the wear layer, the quality of the installation, and how well it is maintained. Choosing a professional installer like UniqFloors ensures your floor performs at its best for years to come.
How to clean luxury vinyl flooring ?
Cleaning luxury vinyl flooring is simple and requires little effort compared to natural wood or stone. For everyday maintenance, vacuum or sweep to remove dust and debris. For deeper cleaning, use a damp mop with a mild vinyl-specific cleaner. Avoid steam cleaners or abrasive products, as they can damage the wear layer. At UniqFloors, we recommend regular but gentle cleaning to preserve the shine and durability of your flooring.
Where can I buy luxury vinyl flooring in London ?
If you’re looking for a reliable vinyl flooring shop in London, visit UniqFloors. Our showroom at 669 Finchley Road, at the junction of Finchley Road and Prospect Road, London NW2 2HY, showcases a wide selection of LVF, from wood-effect planks to stone-effect tiles and herringbone designs. Our specialists will guide you in choosing the right style for your home or business and provide expert installation services.