What is the lifespan of luxury vinyl?

Author: Isabella Hahn  |  Last update: Monday, August 4, 2025

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.

How long does luxury vinyl last?

A high-quality luxury vinyl, when compared to hardwood, holds up much better. Thanks to the manufacturing process and durability, you can see 10-20 years, if not more, in the lifespan of your vinyl floor. Of course, you can only achieve that through proper installation and maintenance.

Can mold grow under LVT 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.

How often should I replace my LVP?

LVP needs to last 3.5 times longer than carpet to reach a breakeven point according to your figures. On average, LVP lasts 10-20 years or more if installed correctly. Carpet on the other hand needs to be replaced every 3-5 years assuming you have good tenants who take care of the carpet.

How often should you mop your LVP floors?

Dry mop and vacuum vinyl floors regularly—daily in high-traffic areas—to remove loose dirt that can cause permanent scratches. Always dry mop or vacuum vinyl floors before using wet cleaners.

Real Hardwood vs Luxury Vinyl Floors--My Thoughts After 3 Years Testing Both Types

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 happens if water gets under LVP flooring?

Excess moisture and water under the flooring can deteriorate and soften vinyl planks. It can also lead to mold growth, setting up a potentially unhealthy indoor environment. Addressing surface-level moisture as well as any water damage under vinyl floors is essential to avoiding a worsening situation.

What can you not use on LVT flooring?

Avoid using detergents, soaps, abrasive cleaners or products intended to add shine to your floors. These can cause product buildup that may leave a film on your floors and will generally dull their shine over time. Don't use wax or solvent-based polishes. Don't use ammonia or ammonia-based cleaning solutions.

What is the black stuff under the vinyl floor?

If you see black stuff under your vinyl flooring, it's probably mold. There is a chance it could just be dirt, dried-out adhesive, or slight water damage, but some of those are causes for mold growth, so you should remove it immediately anyway. In some older homes, it could be black mastic asbestos.

What brand of LVP is best?

2025's Top Picks: Best Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring Brands Reviewed
  • #1 Proximity Mills.
  • #2 Canopy Floors.
  • #3 Liberty Home.
  • #4 Doma.
  • #5 Newton.
  • Honorable Mentions.
  • #6 Armstrong.
  • #7 Mannington.

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.

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 a good price for luxury vinyl?

The average price of luxury vinyl planks is between $2.00 to $4.50 per square foot. The average price of luxury vinyl tiles is similarly between $1.75 to $4.00 per square foot, making them slightly more affordable. This of course, doesn't pay for installation, just the material.

Is luxury vinyl in high end homes?

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 thickness LVP is best?

Choosing the Right Thickness for LVP and LVT

For low-traffic areas like bedrooms or home offices, thinner vinyl planks may suffice. But for busy spaces like living rooms or commercial settings, opt for thicker options like 12mm or even 20mm laminate flooring.

Can you use a Swiffer on luxury vinyl plank flooring?

Our Swiffer Wet cloths are designed with a pH close to neutral. As well, these cloths have been tested to be safe for use on vinyl plank flooring.

Can mold grow under LVT?

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 flooring is better than LVT?

Both types of flooring are comfortable to the touch, but laminate will have more of a natural feel than LVT because of its structure. The thicker the laminate, the better insulated the floor will be.

What causes luxury vinyl plank flooring to buckle?

Vinyl will expand when exposed to heat and contract when the ambient temperatures are cooler. The expansion and contraction cause the flooring to shift and buckle. Planks that are closer to windows and exposed to constant fluctuation of heat and cold are more prone to buckling.

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.

What can ruin vinyl flooring?

Never use an abrasive detergent. Instead of providing you with the desired shining floor, vinegar or "mop and shine" products could leave a film on your film. Use wax polish sparingly. On your floor, never use an abrasive scrubber.

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.

What is the most popular flooring in high end homes?

While marble, natural stone, bamboo, ceramic tile and luxury vinyl have been trending in recent years, hardwood is still the dominant choice of flooring for high-end homes.

What color flooring is best for resale?

Hardwood flooring is become increasingly popular due the different color options. Greige and white oak are two of the most popular choices for hardwood flooring when it comes to house resale.

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