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.
Depending on the thickness of the wear layer and the foot traffic, luxury vinyl flooring will last from 10 to over 20 years. Routine maintenance, such as cleaning and addressing minor issues promptly, can help prolong the life of your vinyl flooring and minimize the need for repair or replacement.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Fading: when sunlight dulls your floors
We all love a bright, sunny room, but too much direct sunlight can cause your LVP flooring to fade. With time, the UV rays from the sun can break down the pigments in your floors, leaving them looking dull and washed out.
LVP and LVT, on the other hand, have a PVC core, which makes them water-resistant but not entirely waterproof. While they can withstand exposure to moisture and spills, excessive water exposure can cause damage over time.
High-quality vinyl plank flooring, such as that from Vidar Design Flooring, typically features a wear layer thickness of at least 20 mils. This ensures the flooring can withstand heavy traffic and maintain its appearance over time. Thicker wear layers provide better protection and longevity.
Typically the answer is yes.
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.
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.
Not to mention the most publicized advantage that vinyl plank flooring has to offer: Some luxury vinyl plank can handle typical spills and puddles, allowing homeowners to have wood and stone beauty in kitchens, bathrooms, and mudrooms, and can even be warranted as waterproof!
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.
Summary. LVP is the clear winner when it comes to overall color selection and lifetime waterproofing, whereas flood-rated Laminate offers better overall durability and pricing. The thickness of Laminate flooring reduces the need for sub-floor prep.
Applying a Vinyl Floor Polish
One of the most effective ways to bring back the shine is by using the best vinyl floor polish. These products are designed specifically for vinyl and can significantly enhance the glossy finish.
If your number one concern is finding a urine-proof floor, you'll likely want to go with: Luxury vinyl planks (LVP) by Firmfit: Luxury vinyl planks by Firmfit offer unmatched water resistance. They're a popular choice for kitchens, bathrooms and basements for that reason.
LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile) and LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank) are two different types of luxury vinyl flooring. LVT is vinyl flooring designed in a tile shape, whereas LVP is vinyl flooring designed in planks to resemble traditional hardwood floor planks.
Yes, you can. Vinyl plank flooring is highly protective, featuring a variety of preservative surfaces such as a top design layer, backing and two protective layers. These durable coatings prevent scratches, scuffs, rips and tears, making it an excellent option to support the weight of pianos under 500 pounds.
Along with sweeping or vacuuming every day, one of the best ways to prevent scuffing is to add protectors on the bottom of furniture legs. If you notice scratches or scruffs on your vinyl flooring, you can lightly buff or try a spot repair kit to remove the mark.