While LVP is extremely durable, it isn't totally indestructible. Luxury vinyl flooring can dent and even scratch or scuff, especially from heavy appliances, furniture, or other weighty objects. Just because it's resistant to something doesn't mean it's impervious to it.
While luxury vinyl flooring has come a long way from its creation and has increased in durability and visual appeal, unfortunately vinyl may decrease your resale value in the long run. It's important to recognize that while you may spend less on vinyl vs. hardwood, the ROI may be less.
Phthalates can also affect the endocrine system, causing changes in hormone cell signal pathways and disrupting reproductive health. Some phthalates are even known to be cancer-causing. Luxury vinyl flooring is known to emit these toxins.
LVT is made from polyvinyl chloride, or PVC. PVC is hazardous to both the environment and human health. There are many reasons for this. First, the production of PVC causes the release of toxins into the environment.
Sunlight & Heat
Buckling is most common in areas that get more direct sunlight, such as along sliding glass doors and large windows in the home. If the tile is self-stick or glue-down, the extreme heat from the sun can also release the bond of the glue, allowing tiles to shift.
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.
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.
Will the luxury vinyl tile flooring trend last in 2022 and beyond? Yes and no. Luxury vinyl tiles will maintain popularity, but luxury vinyl planks will take off over the next decade while LVT stays consistent.
Manufacturing vinyl flooring requires the use of toxic chemicals, and after installation, vinyl floors have been known to emit VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Off-gassed VOCs can adversely affect health and an indoor environment, particularly without windows or ventilation, will lead to higher concentrations.
LVT will never look “cheap” — it will make your life easier and enhance the look and comfort of your home.
Healthier flooring options include solid wood, natural linoleum, cork, bamboo, tile and stone. A key feature of all of these is that they are easily cleaned of dust and dirt.
The excellent scratch resistance you'll find in LVP flooring comes from a protective wear layer that also protects against stains, scuffs, dents, and other forms of daily wear. It's the perfect option for busy rooms, especially with pets and children in the home.
So let's answer the above question. Luxury vinyl flooring comes with a strong top layer that resists staining and scratching, not to mention other abrasions as well. It is functional, durable, and attractive to look at. It is also easy on your budget and practically maintenance-free.
Furniture legs are the biggest reason why furniture can damage your luxury vinyl flooring. This is because all the weight of the piece is spread out over four small contact points. These points can put an immense amount of pressure on the flooring.
Luxury Vinyl Plank can add to a home's resale value in some cases, but it depends on the type of home. If the home is considered a “starter home,” such as a Duplex or Townhome, buyers might be looking for something like LVP that is durable and can withstand young children, pets, and first time homeowner mishaps.
Protect Vinyl Flooring From Heavy Furniture
Heavy furniture or appliances is one of the main reasons for dents in vinyl flooring. When these items aren't handled properly, they can cause too much pressure that the tiles can't handle.
Due to the materials used in the production process of vinyl, it will sometimes emit various levels of VOCs into the air for a short amount of time after installation. These toxic chemicals can be harmful to air quality of the immediate environment it's installed in and may cause respiratory problems over time.
LVP floors are made from vinyl planks with high def photos of hardwood floors that look absolutely real. The best LVP floors look so much like real hardwood they're basically indistinguishable. Planks are usually 36” to 48” long and 5-7” wide, and come in a rainbow of LVP color options and styles.
LVT flooring is ideal for those on a budget. For those who want flooring that's easy to maintain, then LVP is slightly easier to maintain than LVT. Both types of flooring options are easy to install, durable and available in an array of designs.
#4: Light Neutral Colors
Another top flooring trend in 2023? Light and neutral flooring. Modern grey wood flooring continues to be popular, as are light floor colors like blonde and beige. A great way to add these lighter flooring shades to your home or business is to use bamboo flooring.
50 Floor researched the most popular flooring trends of the year, and we found that homeowners are choosing dark wood, light wood and grey wood flooring color options. Many flooring options, such as luxury vinyl and hardwood, give a classic and traditional look that is functional and aesthetically pleasing.
LVPs come in a variety of colors, ranging from dark to light shades that can complement any home décor. The most popular colors are gray, beige, and brown, with variations that include pattern and texture.
When it comes to dropped cigarettes, hot pans or dishes, or curling irons, luxury vinyl will not hold up. This kind of extreme heat can and will damage these floors. It is also important not to attempt using a steam cleaner on these materials either to void the warranty and damage the floors.
Whether it's carpet, tile, laminate, luxury vinyl tile (LVT), or hardwood, our flooring makes a statement, so doing it right is important. But when is the best time to install new flooring? The fall months are the ideal time!
While costs are similar, the value of premium vinyl far exceeds that of laminate based on quality and value. Unlike laminate, premium vinyl is durable and stable, resistant to moisture and climate, and is easy to install and maintain. Laminate is restricted to light traffic and low moisture applications.