WILMINGTON, MA—Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) is trending in hospitality. Created to simulate the look and feel of wood, stone or even ceramic tile, the options are limitless for this versatile, durable and cost-effective material in hotel settings.
LVT is a hard surface flooring that has a stronger resilience compared to other options for commercial use. It is composed of a vinyl backing; a color or photographic film layer; and a protective polyurethane coating or wear layer. This type of flooring is lightweight and can be installed over existing flooring.
“Parterre was one of the original manufacturers of LVT product,” said Ralph Grogan, CEO, Parterre Flooring Systems. “We were established in 1991 and over the last couple of years, there’s been a lot of business as LVT expanded in the marketplace.”
With durable characteristics, Parterre’s LVT was originally used in restaurants’ common areas because of its ability to withstand high traffic, and the maintenance was fairly simple, as well as affordable.
“We started out in those common areas; people in hospitality saw the benefits of LVT, and the company moved into more floor space in the hotels, replacing carpet. It’s easy to maintain, and the designs have significantly improved over the last several years,” said Grogan.
In the manufacturing of its LVT flooring, Parterre uses a process called the hot press method, which is a heat-infused technology. It helps to provide clarity in the design and durability in the performance.
“We apply high heat and pressure to the different layers of the product, and it fuses together for greater quality and control,” said Grogan.
A durable, well-made product is key in hotels where floors take a beating—whether it’s the rolling of luggage, moving furniture or heavy foot traffic. In commercial spaces, LVT provides resistance to scuff, scratches and water.
“We pay attention to ensure the performance level that goes into the product,” he said. “Our film design is the usage of realistic textures—whether it’s wood or stone—and the hot press method gives much greater clarity of the end result.
“The last thing it does is give it real stabilization of the product,” he continued. “It won’t shrink or expand in hot or cold temperatures or high moisture areas. The way we manufacture it creates a tight bond between layers.”
Grogan touted the low maintenance of LVT flooring. “We recommend regular sweeping and mopping of the product, with a two-bucket system of mopping where the clean water is on one side and dirty water is on the other,” he said. “Waxing or polishing is not required. When you buy it, you have it installed and you don’t need to polish it. We’ve all gone to hotels where you can’t tell if a floor is clean; with LVT, it’s easy for someone to see the floor is clean. For LVT, we recommend a 20-ml.-wear layer and we’ll do an embossing of the product that makes it difficult to scratch.”
Parterre’s easy-care LVT is seen in the spaces of major hotel brands such as AC Hotels by Marriott, Hilton Garden Inn and others.
“We have the product in two AC Hotels by Marriott properties,” he said. “They picked out a modern teak, which is a very contemporary-looking product. The LVT is in the guestrooms, bathrooms and they do have some soft surface in the hallways. It’s all LVT and very sleek, a good look for the guest and identifies well with the AC brand. It’s new, fresh and clean and very easy for the staff to upkeep, as you just sweep the room.”
Grogan explained that empire linear oak installed at the Hilton Garden Inn near Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA, created a modern look and feel. “It coordinated well with the carpet and it gave them a branded look. It’s also easy to clean, just sweeping and mopping—no waxing required,” he said.
As a fellow traveler, Grogan understands the need for the basics of a guestroom done well. “I travel 50% of the time, and when you go into a hotel room, you want it to smell clean and feel clean in the room. It’s nice to go into a hotel room now with LVT and see the designs have improved,” he said. “It’s a great looking wood-like or stone-like product that’s durable; it will last longer than the hotel will want it to, as many hotels will refresh themselves in three to five years. All of our warranties are 15 years, so the product will last. It won’t need to be replaced until it’s time.” HB