What are the downsides to vinyl plank flooring you ll wish you knew before installing?

Author: Travis Runolfsson  |  Last update: Wednesday, August 13, 2025

Despite being pitched as a durable and DIY-friendly product, vinyl plank flooring can be hard to install and is not waterproof. It's important to note that vinyl plank flooring comes in a variety of installation options, with some being more DIY-friendly than others.

What are the negatives to vinyl plank flooring?

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.

Can mold grow under vinyl plank flooring?

Mold Growth: Mold can thrive under vinyl plank flooring due to moisture. Health Risks: Exposure to mold can lead to respiratory issues, allergies, and more serious health conditions. Vinyl Plank Flooring: While durable and versatile, can be a breeding ground for mold if not properly maintained.

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.

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.

Why I Hate Luxury Vinyl Flooring (LVT and LVP)

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.

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.

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.

What is the life expectancy of vinyl plank flooring?

Generally speaking, vinyl sheet flooring will last anywhere from 10 to 20 years, while vinyl plank and tile flooring will last 15 to 20 years. The thickness of its wear layer vastly impacts vinyl flooring's lifespan, so pay attention to this detail when purchasing your flooring.

Should I put something under vinyl plank flooring?

If your planks already have a pad-attached underlayment, you most likely won't need an underlayment. However, if your flooring manufacturers installation instructions allow for an extra underlayment, adding an extra underlayment will provide improved sound reduction, insulation, and moisture protection.

Why has my vinyl floor bubbling up?

Description: Bubbles often occur when the vinyl flooring is not installed correctly. This can happen if the adhesive is not applied evenly or if the vinyl is not properly smoothed out during installation, trapping air pockets underneath.

Is T molding necessary between rooms for vinyl plank flooring?

Between two rooms utilizing the same flooring material. While you may be able to get away without a transition strip in these spaces, using one can better allow for expansion and contraction over time. This is particularly important with wood plank, vinyl plank or tile materials.

Why do people not like vinyl flooring?

Some disadvantages of vinyl flooring include: Cannot be repaired. Can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) Shorter lifespan than wood floors.

How much does it cost to install 1000 sq ft vinyl plank flooring?

The average cost to install 1,000 square feet of vinyl flooring is between $2,000 and $7,000 for standard vinyl planks and between $3,000 and $10,000 for luxury vinyl planks. Adding in labor costs brings the total to between $5,000 and $20,000.

Does furniture leave dents in vinyl plank flooring?

Can heavy furniture cause permanent damage to vinyl flooring? Yes, if heavy furniture is not properly supported or moved, it can cause permanent damage such as deep indentations, scratches, and tears. Using protective measures like furniture pads, coasters, and sliders can help prevent this.

What should you not use on vinyl plank flooring?

Vinyl Flooring “Don'ts”
  • Never use steel wool or abrasive scrubbers to clean your vinyl floor.
  • Avoid using detergents, soaps, abrasive cleaners or products intended to add shine to your floors. ...
  • Don't use wax or solvent-based polishes.
  • Don't use ammonia or ammonia-based cleaning solutions.

Can I put a stove on top of vinyl plank flooring?

Do not place stove directly on carpeting, vinyl tile or any combustible material other than wood.

How soon can you put furniture on vinyl plank flooring?

Adhesive systems, on the other hand, have a waiting period of 48 hours before you can place any of your belongings on it. This waiting period gives the adhesive enough time to dry, but once that 48 hours is up, you're good to go!

What backing is not good for vinyl plank flooring?

Rubber, both the natural and synthetic, is not safe to use with vinyl floors because it reacts with the chemicals found in vinyl and causes staining. Heat from sunlight or even the friction of foot traffic on rubber-backed rug pads causes this chemical reaction.

Can you put a bed on vinyl plank flooring?

High-quality felt or rubber furniture pads spread out the weight of heavy couches, tables, or beds so they don't dent your floor. Plus, they make moving furniture a whole lot easier! Appliance advice: Yes, you can put appliances on vinyl plank floors, BUT a little extra protection is advisable.

Do you need a chair mat for vinyl plank flooring?

Even though vinyl flooring has a tough wear layer, it's a good idea to use a mat under desk chairs. Over time, rolling desk chairs might cause some wear and tear. It's better to be safe than sorry!

Can you put rubber backed rugs on vinyl plank flooring?

Neither natural or synthetic rubber or latex-backed rugs should be used on any type of vinyl flooring. They can react with the top layers of the vinyl floor and cause discoloration or staining, potentially resulting in permanent damage to the floor.

Can you put a pool table on vinyl plank flooring?

With direct pressure on the joints and planks, this can cause buckling if expansion and contraction is blocked. Pool tables under 500 pounds should be fine over a properly installed laminate floor. With a floating floor, it is important to stagger joints and properly place transition moldings.

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.

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