Is luxury vinyl plank better than waterproof vinyl?

Author: Prof. Milo Kreiger DVM  |  Last update: Thursday, June 5, 2025

Luxury vinyl plank can handle spills and moisture, but if water manages to seep into the seams or edges, it can cause damage over time. Waterproof laminate, on the other hand, boasts superior water resistance, making it an ideal choice for areas prone to spills, such as kitchens and bathrooms.

What are the disadvantages of luxury vinyl plank?

Cons: LVP May Fade in Direct Sunlight

This inconsistency in appearance detracts from the overall visual appeal of the flooring and limits where it can be installed in the home. Furthermore, fixing faded portions of a floor often means replacing those areas, which adds to its overall cost over the long-term.

Do high end homes use luxury vinyl plank?

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.

What happens if luxury vinyl plank gets wet?

Why It Matters: While vinyl flooring is water-resistant, prolonged exposure to water, especially at the seams or edges, can cause the adhesive to weaken or the flooring to lift. Early detection of damage can help you address the problem before it worsens.

What is the best grade of vinyl plank flooring?

For the best product, look for click-lock planks that are made with a thick, premium base layer and feature a 20mil wear layer or greater.

Luxury Vinyl Plank vs Laminate | What’s the Difference?

What is the longest lasting vinyl plank flooring?

As we already mentioned, the SPC core makes the sturdiest and most durable luxury vinyl planks. The rigid core, composed of a mix of limestone powder, polyvinyl chloride, and stabilizers, is highly resistant to all kinds of impacts, dents, and scratches. It's common to see SPC core LVP lasting over 20 years!

What thickness of vinyl plank flooring is best?

For residential spaces, 4-6mm vinyl planks are ideal for balancing comfort and durability. These are perfect for living rooms and kitchens where you spend most of your time. In commercial settings, go for 6-12mm to handle the heavy foot traffic of places like restaurants or retail stores.

Can mold grow under luxury vinyl plank flooring?

Yes, mold can grow under vinyl flooring if moisture becomes trapped underneath the flooring material. Vinyl flooring is not a breathable material, which means that moisture cannot escape through the flooring.

What destroys vinyl plank flooring?

Enemies of Vinyl Flooring
  • Dirt and Grit: Acting like sandpaper, dirt and grit particles can scratch the wear layer of the vinyl, especially at entryways and high-traffic areas. ...
  • Sharp Objects: Dropping sharp objects like knives or tools can puncture or gouge vinyl.

Does luxury vinyl plank devalue a home?

Does vinyl flooring devalue a home? It's possible. While vinyl plank floors are affordable and versatile, they might not boost your home's resale value like hardwood or tile would.

What is better than luxury vinyl plank flooring?

But while a damaged luxury vinyl plank may need to be replaced, an engineered hardwood plank can be sanded and refinished several times. Ultimately, engineered hardwood floors are likely to last 25 to 50 years or more, while luxury vinyl plank flooring may need to be replaced in 20 to 30 years.

Can you put heavy furniture on luxury vinyl plank flooring?

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.

What is the number one selling flooring?

Top 6 Most Popular Flooring in New Homes 2025. The most popular flooring in new homes is wood floors, including prefinished hardwood, unfinished hardwood, and engineered wood followed by laminate, luxury vinyl tiles, and luxury vinyl planks.

What are the problems with luxury vinyl flooring?

Challenges related to installation failures
  • Moisture levels in the room and subfloor must be regulated to prevent issues like curling, cupping, and lifting of the flooring.
  • Vinyl flooring reacts to temperature changes, so it's important to choose the right location for installation. ...
  • The subfloor choice is also critical.

Is LVP cheap looking?

So, will LVP make your house look “cheap”? Will it look “fake”? No. It will help you bring your design vision to a beautiful reality, ensuring it looks its best.

What is better, hybrid or vinyl plank?

Both flooring options are scratch-resistant and can handle heavy foot traffic. However, hybrid vinyl has a clear edge. The rigid core layer makes it highly durable and can withstand wear and tear, dents and scratches. Especially if you have pets or children, hybrid vinyl is a great option.

Can you put rugs on vinyl plank flooring?

Well, you definitely can put rugs on vinyl plank flooring but you must be careful what kind of backing the rug has as well as the rug material itself. Your best bet is to see what the flooring manufacturer recommends. Absent that, natural material rugs such as cotton or wool are safe for vinyl plank floors.

Can I use Swiffer wet pads on vinyl plank flooring?

If your flooring is waterproof, you can use a wet Swiffer safely, and can get a deeper clean than you'll get with a dry mop. Make sure that you use pads that feature a neutral household cleanser, rather than any harsh chemicals that could damage the flooring.

What will damage luxury vinyl plank flooring?

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.

What is the best flooring to avoid mold?

Waterproof vinyl flooring is engineered to be completely impervious to water, meaning spills and splashes stay on the surface and don?t seep through to the subfloor, where mold can thrive. This characteristic is especially valuable in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms.

What is the life expectancy of luxury vinyl planks?

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.

Is 5mm LVP too thin?

While there might be concerns about 5mm Luxury Vinyl Flooring being too thin, its durability depends more on the wear layer than the overall thickness. For example, a 5mm flooring option with a 0.5mm wear layer provides ample durability for most residential applications.

Do I need 20 mil wear layer vinyl plank flooring?

The 20-22 mil thickness can actually withstand commercial environments. Choose flooring with a middle or higher wear layer if it will be in a high-traffic area of your home. A thinner thickness will be fine if the room in issue is unlikely to have substantial foot traffic. 12 mil works just fine in residential homes.

Does LVP need underlayment?

If you're laying the LVP over an existing cushion-backed vinyl floor or a below-grade tile floor, you won't need to use an underlayment. However, you'll want to use one in every other application, including covering existing hardwood floors, uncushioned vinyl flooring, and concrete floors.

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