As mentioned earlier, luxury vinyl flooring is softer than other flooring types like hardwood, and is prone to scratching, scuffing and indentations. This can be frustrating for a homeowner, as it's not like you can remove the furniture from your home.
Con: Hard to Remove
Once the flooring is down, it will be difficult to remove should you change your mind later on. This is because the adhesive glue that affixes the planks to the subfloor is not easy to remove. Still, should it become necessary, removal is possible without professional help.
But! If you do dent the brand new fancy floor your wife loves, you can fix it! Use an iron on high (with the steam button on or else nothing happens- I learned this after 10 minutes of starring at the floor) held 1 inch over a damp cloth for 5 minutes. Good as new and cheaper than divorce!
Laminate Flooring for high-traffic areas
The plastic topcoat is extremely resistant to scratches and dents, making laminate one of the most durable flooring options. Laminate flooring is resistant to sunlight and fading.
Avoid using detergents, soaps, abrasive cleaners or products intended to add shine to your floors. These can cause product buildup that may leave a film on your floors and will generally dull their shine over time. Don't use wax or solvent-based polishes. Don't use ammonia or ammonia-based cleaning solutions.
Since most furniture will not go under just one plank, it is perfectly safe for bulky furniture and refrigerators to go on vinyl plank flooring. Vinyl plank flooring will not be damaged or cracked by home appliances' weight due to its strong durability.
While vinyl floors hold up to everyday wear and tear, such as walking, spills, and minor abrasions, these floors tend to dent easily. The most common way that vinyl flooring is dented is from furniture.
Dents, scuffs, gouges, and scratches can appear due to many factors, unfortunately, a lot of them happen on an everyday basis, including moving heavy furniture, simply in households with young children and pets, due to high traffic on worn flooring surfaces, and more.
Glue-down vinyl plank is an excellent choice for high-traffic areas. We recommend Happy Feet Luxury Vinyl. Pros: Can withstand heavy foot traffic without fading.
Since refrigerators weigh, on average, between 200 and 400 pounds, there should not be any problems placing a fridge or other heavy furniture on your vinyl plank floors. Vinyl planks are specifically designed with durability in mind.
Minor damage to LVP floors can often be repaired with a simple touch-up kit. These kits typically come with a putty that can be used to fill in scratches, as well as a sealant to protect the area from further damage. If the damage is more severe, you may need to replace one or more individual planks.
If your floors are not installed properly, wet spills can damage your flooring planks. This is one of the many reasons why we suggest having your LVP floors installed by a professional.
For some homeowners, the choice between luxury vinyl and genuine hardwood comes down to a variety of factors including budget, lifestyle, and personal taste. High-end homes may still opt for the timeless appeal of real hardwood in main living areas, while using LVP or LVT in spaces like kitchens and bathrooms.
Steam mops are not recommended for LVP flooring or any other type of flooring that is not water-resistant, such as hardwood or laminate. Excessive heat and moisture from steam mopping can damage these floors.
Common mistakes like using inappropriate cleaning agents or excessive water can shorten the floor's expected lifespan. In conclusion, with proper selection, installation, and care, your LVP or LVT flooring can serve you well for 10 to 25 years.
Subfloor Damage
If your foundation has settled since the house was built, your subfloor may have also settled, creating a dip between the boards on top and the subfloor boards beneath. This can cause low spots to form, which can also be perceived as soft spots. You'll need a professional to repair the plywood floors.
Laminate flooring is durable, withstanding stains, dents, and fading over time. However, no flooring is indestructible. Even laminate can begin to look worse for wear over time. In some cases, it can be repaired instead of replaced.
Cons: LVP Can be Difficult to Remove
LVP floors that use a peel-and-stick or a glue-down method during installation can be difficult to remove due to the strong adhesives they use to attach the vinyl flooring to the subfloor.
The easiest way to protect your vinyl flooring is to place either a rug or a PVC chair mat underneath the seating area at your desk. You can also try fitting chairs with felt tips, or simply avoid buying chairs and desks with wheels.
Heavy furniture and commercial appliances getting dragged around are one of the main culprits for destroying luxury vinyl floor tiles. Sometimes things need to be moved, and it's out of your control whether the furniture is lifted correctly or dragged across the floor, causing nasty scrapes and marks.
In most cases, you can confidently walk on your floating vinyl plank flooring 24-48 hours after installation once the planks have had time to acclimate and settle. Of course, following the manufacturer's specific guidelines for your product is always a good idea to ensure a successful installation.
Material Matters: Opt for natural fiber rugs like wool, cotton, or polypropylene. These materials are less likely to react with the vinyl and cause damage. Avoid Rubber Backing: Rugs with rubber or latex backing can cause discoloration on vinyl flooring due to a chemical reaction.