LVP (luxury vinyl plank) flooring is designed to provide the look and even the feel of luxury flooring materials, but without the extra cost.
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.
Quality of vinyl planks is determined by thickness of the wear layer, and thickness of the plank. Thicker = better. Wear layer is the priority for measuring quality. Higher traffic spaces need higher quality vinyl.
In response, to improve some of the downfalls of sheet vinyl, manufacturers developed a new type of vinyl flooring, known as Luxury Vinyl Flooring, or LVF. Luxury vinyl flooring is sold in rigid planks called Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) or rigid tiles called Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT).
This combination of style and durability is what has designers and homeowners alike scrambling to install LVP in homes everywhere—and there's no sign of a slowdown in the trend.
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.
White oak is a popular choice among interior designers due to its durability and versatility. It has a beautiful, light colour with subtle grain patterns that complement any interior style.
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.
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.
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.
Proximity Mills is first on our list for a reason. They specialize in making high-quality LVP that's practical to install and easy to maintain. You will find more than 40 LVP designs spread across eight collections, each with different features that adapt to various practical and design preferences.
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.
Like any type of flooring, luxury vinyl flooring can suffer from damage if not properly protected, especially from heavy furniture. Indentations, scratches, and tears can mar its surface, reducing its longevity and visual appeal.
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.
Firstly, it can be difficult to install and may require professional help. Secondly, vinyl plank flooring is not as durable as other types of flooring such as hardwood or tile. It is also prone to scratching and denting from heavy furniture or objects being dragged across the surface.
Some manufacturers provide a click and lock structure, while others offer a glue in place method. How you install your luxury vinyl plank determines how quickly you can move your furniture back into place. If it's glued down, most manufacturers will suggest waiting 48 hours to allow the glue to dry thoroughly.
Will Dog Pee Ruin Vinyl Planks? No! Dog pee won't ruin vinyl planks. The wear layer on the planks blocks urine from seeping into their core.
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.
When it comes to resale value, hardwood floors often have the upper hand. Many homebuyers appreciate the timeless appeal and quality of hardwood, which can increase a home's resale value more significantly than LVP. This can make hardwood flooring a smart investment for homeowners planning to sell in the future.
One of the most exciting trends for 2024 is the continued love for natural, sustainable materials. Homeowners are increasingly looking to both protect and connect with nature, and flooring options like hardwood, bamboo, and cork are at the top of the list for their eco-friendly appeal and timeless beauty.
Wooden flooring is a type of flooring that never goes out of style. After all, the planks bring nature's beauty to the inside of your home. That being said, thousands of wood species can be used to create hardwood floors.
Perhaps one of the biggest appeals of vinyl plank flooring is the many appearances it can take on. Patterns, colors, and textures used to create vinyl planks are extremely authentic, giving your floors the look and feel of the real deal. 3. Easy to clean & maintain.