Yes, but only for comfort, sound absorption, and hiding subfloor imperfections. Thicker planks do not mean a more scratch-resistant surface.
Look for a wear layer of at least 12 mils for residential use and 20 mils or more for high-traffic areas. Think of it this way: The wear layer is your flooring's armor. The thicker it is, the longer your LVP flooring will stay looking fresh.
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.
A 22 mil wear layer is technically "better" than a 12 mil layer because it offers superior scratch, scuff, and dent resistance. However, 12 mil is perfectly fine for low-traffic areas, while 22 mil is ideal for busy households.
To tell if Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) is high quality, look for a wear layer of at least 20 mil and a total plank thickness of 6 mm or more. High-quality LVP features a rigid stone plastic composite (SPC) core, click-lock joints for durability, and an embossed-in-register (EIR) texture that realistically mimics wood.
The title of "best" luxury vinyl plank (LVP) depends on your specific needs, but COREtec consistently ranks as the best overall brand due to its premium comfort and realistic visuals, while Lifeproof is celebrated as the best overall value for heavy household traffic.
Vinyl plank flooring typically goes on sale during major holiday weekends (e.g., Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, and Black Friday). You can also find deep "off-season" clearance markdowns in late winter (January–February) and late spring (May–June) when retailers clear out old inventory before stocking new styles.
A 12 mil wear layer vinyl plank flooring (LVP) typically lasts 10 to 20 years in residential settings, offering a solid balance of durability and value for standard, moderate-traffic homes. While 12 mil is suitable for most rooms, it is generally considered a "standard" residential grade rather than heavy-duty, making it ideal for bedrooms, living rooms, and rentals, with a lifespan of 10–15 years in high-traffic areas.
The "Rule of 3" in flooring is a design principle that recommends limiting your home to a maximum of three different flooring types, tones, or textures. This restraint prevents spaces from looking busy or disjointed, allowing for a cohesive, visually appealing flow from room to room.
Yes, you can place a refrigerator on top of vinyl plank flooring. However, because most vinyl is a "floating" floor that expands and contracts, heavy static loads can sometimes cause buckling. Always distribute the fridge's weight evenly using furniture pads, coasters, or a protective mat.
Interior designers point to cool gray tones, artificial wood, and high-gloss finishes as the most outdated flooring trends. Today’s modern aesthetics prioritize warmth, texture, and natural materials over sterile, mass-produced styles.
The most realistic-looking Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) floors use Embossed-in-Register (EIR) technology—meaning the physical texture on the surface perfectly aligns with the printed wood grain.
Matte, light-to-medium neutral floors—such as light oak, beige, or soft taupe—look the cleanest. These shades beautifully camouflage everyday dust, pet hair, and footprints because they match the tone of most household debris. In contrast, dark espresso and stark white floors notoriously highlight every single speck.
There is no single "best" width for vinyl plank flooring; the ideal choice depends on your room dimensions and design style. Standard planks are 4–6 inches wide, while wide planks are 7–9+ inches.
Contrary to popular belief, vinyl flooring is not cold in winter. In fact, it maintains good insulation and helps keep indoor heat, showing high efficiency in thermal insulation. Vinyl planks are comfortable underfoot and generally less cold than natural surfaces such as wood or stone.
For a kitchen, the best vinyl flooring has a total thickness of 4 mm to 8 mm with a wear layer of 0.5 mm (20 mil) to 0.7 mm. This absorbs constant standing, resists dropped pans, and provides high durability against heavy foot traffic.
Yes, you can use Swiffer Wet products and the Swiffer WetJet on luxury vinyl plank (LVP). They are safe, convenient for quick clean-ups, and won't leave behind a sticky residue.
Installing 2,000 square feet of vinyl plank flooring typically costs between $8,000 and $20,000 fully installed. This translates to an average of $4 to $10 per square foot, depending on the quality of the planks and the complexity of your space.
12 mil is definitively better than 6 mil vinyl plank flooring. While a 6 mil wear layer is considered entry-level and is only suitable for lightly used spaces like closets or low-traffic guest bedrooms, a 12 mil wear layer provides a solid baseline for typical residential use.
In 2026, flooring trends are moving decisively away from cool grays toward warm, natural tones. The most popular colors are light natural oaks, creamy beiges, honey, and rich browns like caramel and walnut. Across materials, extremely glossy looks are out, with matte and satin finishes leading the way.
Whether Home Depot or Lowe’s is "better" for flooring depends on the specific product and whether you are doing a DIY project or utilizing their installation services. Both source from multiple manufacturers, but they cater to slightly different project needs.
Common vinyl plank (LVP) mistakes typically revolve around improper preparation, rushed layouts, and incorrect installation techniques. To ensure a smooth, lasting floor, avoid these critical errors:
The most popular Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) colors are currently "warmed-up" neutrals and nature-inspired tones, moving away from sterile, cool-toned grays. Homeowners and designers are heavily favoring light blonde oaks, warm greiges (a blend of gray and beige), and mid-tone browns like honey and caramel.
To determine if your Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) is high quality, look at the wear layer thickness, core material, and overall thickness. Premium LVP features a durable protective coating, a rigid sub-layer, and realistic aesthetics.
Neither brand is universally "better," but they cater to different needs—especially considering COREtec is owned by Shaw.