No, Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) rarely decreases home value. In fact, high-quality, professionally installed LVP usually increases a home's perceived value by 2% to 3%. It is highly desired by buyers because it is waterproof, scratch-resistant, and low-maintenance.
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) is not going out of style; instead, it is becoming a practical, permanent standard. While some interior designers are returning to natural hardwoods, LVP remains a massive trend for busy households because it is affordable, waterproof, and durable.
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring is popular for its water resistance and durability, but its main drawbacks include the inability to be refinished, susceptibility to dents from heavy furniture, and potential for fading in direct sunlight. It is generally considered less eco-friendly than natural materials and can feel artificial or cold underfoot compared to hardwood.
Wooden flooring – a fresh take on natural beauty
The year 2026 marks a time when wood regains its true power. Naturalness becomes the central theme in interior design, and wood tones – particularly warm, honey-coloured shades – will reign supreme in modern spaces.
Vinyl flooring does not automatically lower home value. In many cases, it can improve buyer perception, especially when replacing worn carpet or outdated flooring. Real estate professionals increasingly view high-quality LVP as a positive feature in mid-range and family homes.
Many potential buyers appreciate the high-end, natural look that is nearly identical to solid hardwood. While high-quality LVP can certainly make a home more attractive to buyers—especially compared to dated carpet or tile—it doesn't typically carry the same investment weight as real wood.
Yes, you can place a refrigerator on top of vinyl plank flooring. Because the floor is highly durable and waterproof, it easily handles the weight and potential spills of a fridge. However, as with any heavy object on a floating floor, taking a few precautions prevents damaging the planks.
Gray-toned hardwood and laminate. Wide plank farmhouse-style wood. Painted floorboards. Artificial or fake-looking wood.
LVT allows for creative custom patterns—perfect for adding unique designs to your floors. Meanwhile, LVP offers a seamless, continuous flow, which can make rooms look larger and feel more cohesive, which is ideal for open spaces.
In the end, the best choice depends on the unique proportions of your home, the amount of natural light, and the atmosphere you want to create. Whether you choose dark floors to ground your space or lighter floors to lift it, color balance between walls and floors can completely transform how your home feels.
Yes. Both dry and wet Swiffer mops are safe to use on vinyl plank, as long as you're using cleaning pads that don't leave behind residue. Just avoid soaking the floor.
The versatility of LVP, particularly in mimicking the look of authentic wood or stone, has made it a favored choice both for higher-end homes and more affordable ones. “I love LVP flooring that mimics wood or stone, especially the wide and long planks. And so do buyers.
The healthiest flooring options for your home are those that are low-emitting, hypoallergenic, and free from volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and toxic adhesives. The absolute best choices for indoor air quality and chemical sensitivity are solid hardwood, ceramic or porcelain tile, and natural linoleum.
The wrong flooring choice can make a room look off and cause maintenance and cleaning issues. Designers say one of the worst flooring options is luxury vinyl planking for its upkeep and poor quality. Other flooring choices to avoid include mosaic tile, dark wood floors, and shiny wood flooring.
The 2026 wood color trends center on rich, natural warmth and deliberate contrast. As stark, ashy, and gray tones fade out, design focuses on honey-colored oak, espresso, and deep walnut to create layered, highly textured spaces rather than perfectly matched finishes.
To get the most realistic LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank) flooring, you need to look for Embossed in Register (EIR) technology. This means the physical texture of the wood grain perfectly aligns with the printed photographic layer underneath, so you can feel the knots and grooves you are looking at.
What are the most popular vinyl plank flooring colors in 2026? Light oak, greige, and soft brown tones continue to be favorites. These colors feel fresh and versatile, working well with neutral palettes, natural light, and the relaxed, airy look many homeowners are going for right now.
Yes, mold can absolutely grow under vinyl plank flooring. Because vinyl is waterproof and non-porous, it does not allow air to pass through. If moisture gets trapped underneath, the flooring acts like a plastic lid, trapping water and creating an ideal, dark breeding ground for mold.
Sustainability is central to flooring choices in 2026. The trend emphasises materials that are both stylish and environmentally responsible: – Wood & vinyl: Reclaimed or responsibly sourced. – Carpet: Wool and recycled‑fibre carpets are gaining popularity for their natural feel and eco‑credentials.
Marble and Other Stones
"They can become a source of frustration in busy areas of the home," Marie Cloud, the founder of Indigo Pruitt, says. "These surfaces can easily show wear, scratches, and stains, and without rigorous upkeep, they lose their luster quickly."
Flooring trends prioritize grounding warmth and natural beauty. Dominant styles include wide-plank light oak, intricate patterns like herringbone and chevron, low-sheen matte textures, and the practical durability of Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP).
Installing vinyl flooring near a fireplace is generally not recommended due to the risk of damage from heat and embers. "The heat will likely damage them. Use real tile."
Floating Floor
Never install cabinets on top of floating flooring. Based on seasonal changes in humidity, the flooring material needs to expand and contract.
A significant drawback of vinyl plank flooring, when compared to true hardwood, is that the surface is softer and it is more susceptible to dents from heavy items. If your floor is overloaded by heavy appliances or heavy furniture, you risk damaging the planks.