The accent wall was made popular in home design by popular HGTV series like Fixer Upper and Property Brothers, where shiplap, tile, reclaimed wood, and hardwood flooring are often used as design elements in beautifully-remodeled homes. This trend has extended into the commercial sector, but real wood and tile aren’t always the best options for these environments, particularly where moisture can be an issue. Many business owners are turning to the next best thing: luxury vinyl flooring as wall treatments.
Today’s luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and luxury vinyl tile (LVT) are extremely realistic and provide a number of advantages that make them ideal for commercial applications. LVP and LVT offer extensive design choices, are resistant to moisture, scratches, and stains, are easy to clean, and are much less costly than real wood, stone, and tile options. Individual planks or tiles can easily be replaced if damage occurs. Color and pattern selections are nearly endless, and luxury vinyl planks and tiles are readily available in various shapes and sizes.
Proper wall preparation and adhesives are key when using LVP and LVT on walls. Installing LVP on painted or primed drywall, for example, will differ greatly from installation on concrete or cement-block walls. Surfaces must be smooth and made free of defects using an appropriate patching compound, and must be clean and free of any substances that might hinder adherence such as dust, oil, grease, soap, and existing adhesives. Some surfaces, particularly non-porous ones like wallpaper, tile, and oil-based paint, aren’t suitable for LVP/LVT installation. Adhesives must be carefully selected for the application.
SRI & Company is an expert in the selection and installation of both specialty floors and wall panel and cladding systems, which makes us uniquely qualified for your commercial LVP or LVT wall project. Please contact us at 973-832-7627 for more information.
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