Luxury vinyl plank flooring (LVP) combines style, durability, and affordability. It’s an excellent alternative to traditional hardwood or ceramic tile. Whether you’re renovating the kitchen, living room, or bathroom, LVP flooring is a fantastic option that combines function with a modern aesthetic.
We’ve created a buyer’s guide to luxury vinyl plank flooring to serve as the go-to resource for understanding this flooring option. From key advantages to selection tips, here’s how to make the best flooring selection for your space.
What Is Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring?
Luxury vinyl plank flooring is a high-quality, synthetic flooring material. The design mimics the natural look and texture of hardwood, porcelain tile, or natural stone.
Unlike traditional vinyl flooring that comes in rolls or tiles, LVP is available in planks. These planks closely replicate the texture, grain, and appearance of wood or stone due to advanced printing technology and embossing techniques.
LVPs’ unique construction includes multiple layers. The core layer provides stability, the photographic layer creates the hardwood or stone appearance, and the top layer adds protection. The multilayer design provides durability, water resistance, and visual appeal.
Comparing LVP Flooring to Other Materials
Compared to other flooring options such as hardwood, ceramic tile, and laminate, LVP is affordable, easy to maintain, and more resistant to moisture. Hardwood floors are beautiful, but they are more likely to suffer from damage without consistent care. Ceramic or porcelain tiles are durable but can be cold and hard underfoot. Laminate lacks the waterproof features of LVP.
Advantages of Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring
Durability and Water Resistance
LVP is built to withstand heavy foot traffic, making it a fantastic option for busy households or homes with kids and pets. It’s also 100 percent waterproof, so spills and moisture won’t damage the planks. This makes LVP flooring a top choice for high-risk areas such as the bathroom, kitchen, and basement.
Easy Maintenance and Installation
Cleaning LVP just requires regular sweeping and damp mopping—no need for special products or tools.
Installation is beginner-friendly, as well, with options like floating floors that click together easily. Depending on the size of your space, installation can take anywhere from a day to a weekend. With proper planning, the entire process is commonly hassle-free.
Affordability and Design Versatility
LVP gives the luxurious look of natural wood or tile without the high price tag. Available in countless patterns, colors, and textures, there’s an option to suit every aesthetic, from rustic farmhouse vibes to modern interiors.
How To Choose the Right Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring
Selecting the right LVP flooring involves considering features, practicality, and aesthetics. Here’s how to narrow down your options:
Evaluate Core Materials
Not all LVP flooring is the same. Each one has a different core material. Here are some of the different options to choose from:
- A vinyl core is flexible and best suited for uniform spaces.
- A wood polymer composite (WPC) core is thicker and more comfortable underfoot. It supplies superior noise reduction and insulation, making it a good option for living rooms and bedrooms.
- A stone polymer composite (SPC) core is very durable and rigid. It performs well in spaces with heavy traffic or uneven subfloors.
Consider Style, Color, and Texture
Style also plays a role in your decision, so pay attention to elements like texture, color, and pattern. You might be drawn to sleek grays or warm chestnut tones for a cozy ambience. Textures like embossed or hand-scraped can mimic the feel of real wood for a natural look. LVP offers diverse designs to match every vision.
Choose the Wear Layer Thickness
The wear layer is the top protective coating of LVP that shields the floor from damage. The thicker the wear layer, the more resilient the flooring will be.
For residential spaces, a wear layer of 12 to 20 mils (one-millionth of an inch) works well. High-traffic areas may benefit from a thicker layer.
Create a Budget That Prioritizes Quality
While luxury vinyl plank flooring is affordable, prices can range widely depending on quality and features. Look for planks in your price range, but avoid going too cheap, as lower-quality options may compromise on durability and appearance.
View the Flooring in Person and Order Samples
When possible, visit a showroom to see the flooring in person. Photos online won’t always capture the texture or color accurately. Viewing samples—and even purchasing one to try at home—can help guide your choice.
The Installation Process
Installing LVP is straightforward but knowing what to expect ensures things go smoothly.
Start by preparing the space. This means clearing out furniture, cleaning the subfloor, and ensuring it’s level. Skipping preparation can cause uneven results.
You’ll also need to decide between two installation methods:
Glue-Down Installation
Glue-down installation involves securing each plank with adhesive. This method provides exceptional stability, making it a good choice for high-traffic areas. However, it takes more time to complete due to the additional attention to detail required.
Floating Installation
Floating installation uses interlocking planks that snap together. This method is fast and easy for DIY projects. However, the floor might not feel as firmly anchored as glue-down LVP installations.
Maintain Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring
Taking care of luxury vinyl plank flooring is simple! For daily upkeep, all you need is a soft-bristle broom or a vacuum without a beater bar to sweep away debris.
Harsh chemicals aren’t necessary. Clean stains or spills with a damp mop and a gentle floor cleaner.
Occasionally, you might want to give your flooring a deep clean to remove buildup and restore its shine. A specialized vinyl floor cleaner and mop will thoroughly refresh the surface.
Avoid abrasives like steel wool or scouring pads, as they can scratch the wear layer. A great tip is to use felt pads under furniture legs to prevent accidental scratches.
Make Your Final Flooring Decision
This buyer’s guide to luxury vinyl plank flooring will provide homeowners with valuable insights into improving their property’s floors. Whether you’re refreshing your living room or tackling a full home makeover, luxury vinyl plank flooring from Portland Floor is the answer. Contact us today with questions or visit our showroom to see all of the incredible luxury vinyl plank flooring options we offer.