When it comes to combining luxury, durability, and versatility, few options rival the charm of vinyl plank flooring. In this comprehensive guide, we will navigate through the world of luxury vinyl plank flooring, exploring the many benefits and style possibilities that make vinyl plank flooring a standout choice for discerning homeowners.
Luxury vinyl plank flooring—or LVP—is luxury vinyl flooring made up of planks instead of one large sheet of vinyl or individual tiles. LVP flooring is popular because it's:
The luxury vinyl flooring market has taken off primarily due to many of these benefits as homeowners look for better floors to match their lifestyle. Able to withstand heavy foot traffic, scratches, and spills, luxury vinyl planks are the ideal flooring solution for any home design. Plus, who doesn’t want a gorgeous wood-look plank to improve their home decor?
We’ll go into more detail about why you should choose LVP floors for your next home renovation below.
The growing popularity of LVP flooring isn’t just about the low cost and easy installation—the floors themselves are beautiful! High-quality LVP can resemble authentic hardwood down to the coloration, knotting, and grain patterns with embossed-in-register technology and an advanced printing process. Some products are so good at mimicking the look and feel of natural wood flooring in planks of varying colors and thicknesses that your friends might not believe that your LVP floors are actually luxury vinyl.
LVP floors have a simple click-lock system that makes these floors easy for professionals to install. The benefit of having luxury vinyl planks that click together, as opposed to one large sheet of vinyl, is that they can better lock out moisture. Repairs to a floor with planks (versus one large sheet that would have to be ripped up) are more accessible, too. Due to their painless installation process, some experienced homeowners often like to tackle this project themselves; however, tools and precise alignment are needed, so we strongly recommend our expert Flooring America installation team to ensure that your brand-new vinyl floors are installed properly.
All luxury vinyl plank floors are water-resistant to some extent but even better, most LVP floors on the marketplace are waterproof, meaning they can withstand small floods and household spills. This makes them a great addition to your busy household. LVP floors are perfect for the whole house, especially kitchens, entryways, basements, or any room with high foot traffic that is prone to moisture, leaks, or spills. Another bonus of LVP floors? They’re easy to clean! You only need to regularly sweep or dry mop and avoid using a vacuum with a beater bar to ensure their beauty for the long haul.
One of the most popular aspects of luxury vinyl planks is their ability to hold up well in crowded spots, thanks to their incredible wear layer. This product is an excellent option for homes with small children and pets running underfoot, as the rigid core floors are constructed out of plastic composite with various strengthening agents that can hold up against messy shoes and pet accidents.
LVP flooring is also a great buy because of the cushion and insulation that this type of flooring provides. Unlike cheap, glue-down vinyl floors, LVP flooring won’t curl up over time. And because of the thickness of luxury vinyl planks, there is more protection offered by your home’s subfloor. If cheap vinyl is layered on a concrete subfloor, for example, the top of the floor is bound to be much colder. With LVP flooring, your feet are more cushioned—and warm!
So, what do luxury vinyl planks cost, you might be wondering? Often, upgrading your floors sounds like a great idea in theory, but it might not be within your budget. Luckily, LVP floors are an excellent choice for those looking for affordable options! LVP floors are not as expensive as natural hardwood floors or ceramic tile, and, once installed, they require very little upkeep to keep them looking new for years to come.
So, what’s the difference between luxury vinyl planks (LVP) and luxury vinyl tiles (LVT)? While both flooring products are composed of the same four layers of plastic, the two vary depending on what natural flooring they’re mimicking. LVP is constructed in plank style to resemble traditional hardwood flooring, whereas LVT flooring is designed in a tile shape and often mimics natural stone, ceramic, and porcelain tiles. Learn more about luxury vinyl tile in our flooring FAQ here.
While buying new floors is exciting, we know finding the perfect match for your home can be time-consuming. To save you time (and money) we've compiled a list of popular questions you might have about luxury vinyl planks.
While luxury vinyl plank flooring is a great option for many areas of your home, LVP does have a few disadvantages you should consider. One drawback is that, compared to some traditional flooring options, LVP may have a shorter lifespan. Additionally, while progress has been made in making vinyl resemble natural materials, the artificial feel of vinyl may not appeal to those seeking an entirely authentic look. Furthermore, some individuals express concerns about the environmental impact of vinyl production and disposal.
While both share the resilience and water-resistant features that are part of vinyl, the key difference lies in the quality and aesthetics. Luxury vinyl plank, as the name suggests, goes a step further in terms of design and durability. LVP typically has a thicker wear layer, providing better protection against scratches and wear. Luxury vinyl planks often have the authentic look and feel of natural materials such as hardwood or stone with remarkable realism. So, while vinyl plank flooring offers a practical solution, the "luxury" in LVP signifies a higher standard, offering a more sophisticated and visually appealing flooring option for those seeking a combination of durability and style in their homes.
If you're looking for a flooring solution that blends beauty with practicality, investing in luxury vinyl plank flooring is worth the extra cost. With a wide variety of styles and textures to choose from, luxury vinyl plank flooring ensures you don't have to compromise on aesthetics for durability. In essence, the quality, visual appeal, and overall value make luxury vinyl plank flooring a worthwhile investment for those who appreciate the perfect combination of luxury and functionality in their living spaces.
EVP, or Engineered Vinyl Plank, is a subset of LVF. Many EVP flooring options look uncannily like hardwood floors. EVP floors are also waterproof and durable, as they are constructed in multiple layers.
It's clear that this flooring option acts as a shining example of style, durability, and practicality in the realm of flooring vinyl. With its ability to copy the look of natural materials while offering unmatched resilience, luxury vinyl plank flooring emerges as a transformative choice for your living spaces. Are you ready to take the first step in your flooring journey? Find the perfect luxury vinyl flooring for your home when you shop at your local Flooring America today!
