Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) cupping occurs when the edges of the planks raise up, making the center dip or the board look concave. It is almost always caused by trapped moisture, severe temperature swings, or installation mistakes that prevent the floor from expanding and contracting naturally.
Buckling vinyl plank flooring usually happens because it lacks proper room to expand or because trapped moisture has caused it to warp. To fix it, you must first relieve the pressure by trimming the planks near the wall, let the area dry if moisture is the culprit, and secure any loose pieces with heat or adhesive.
Moisture and Humidity: One of the most common causes of luxury vinyl floor cupping is excessive moisture and humidity. When luxury vinyl flooring is exposed to high moisture levels from the subfloor or the environment, the planks or tiles can absorb the water and expand.
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring typically lasts 15 to 30 years, depending on the quality of the planks, the thickness of the wear layer, and foot traffic.
How to fix buckling vinyl floors
Buckled floors can sometimes go back down if the damage is minor and moisture issues are addressed immediately. However, depending on the severity of the swelling and the flooring material, the boards may permanently warp, cup, or require replacement.
Yes, you can use Dawn dish soap on vinyl floors. It is a safe, cost-effective way to cut grease and grime. However, you must use it sparingly—adding just 1 to 2 drops per gallon of warm water—and always rinse the floor with clean water afterward to prevent a dull, sticky film from building up.
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) is a popular, waterproof flooring choice, but it has significant downsides. Its major drawbacks include vulnerability to heavy furniture dents, fading from direct sunlight, and total inability to be refinished. Furthermore, poor-quality options often suffer from brittle locking systems and emit VOCs.
Yes. Both dry and wet Swiffer mops are safe to use on vinyl plank, as long as you're using cleaning pads that don't leave behind residue. Just avoid soaking the floor.
Yes, you can place a refrigerator on top of vinyl plank flooring. Because the floor is highly durable and waterproof, it easily handles the weight and potential spills of a fridge. However, as with any heavy object on a floating floor, taking a few precautions prevents damaging the planks.
Remove and Replace: In cases of significant damage or extensive lifting, the affected planks may need to be removed and replaced. This requires careful removal of the damaged planks, preparation of the subfloor, and installation of new planks.
"Good news! You can, in fact, replace damaged click luxury vinyl planks without needing to unclick your entire floor. However, the process does take some finesse and we recommend hiring a professional installer for the work."
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.
The best months to buy flooring are late December through February and mid-May to early June. During winter, flooring stores clear out old inventory with deep discounts—often 15–30% off.
Things to Avoid With Vinyl Plank Flooring
Cupped hardwood floors frequently return to normal, provided the damage isn't severe. The success of this recovery depends entirely on addressing the source of the moisture, thoroughly drying the area, and giving the wood adequate time to stabilize.
The best mop for vinyl plank flooring is a microfiber flat mop (or a gentle spray mop). It cleans without scratching the wear layer and allows you to control moisture, preventing standing water from seeping into the joints and causing planks to swell or warp.
The best cleaners for Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring are pH-neutral, ready-to-use formulas that lift dirt without dulling the protective wear layer or leaving a streaky residue.
Yes, you can use vinegar on luxury vinyl plank (LVP), but only in a highly diluted mixture. Because vinegar is acidic, using it full-strength or too frequently can eventually strip or dull the protective wear layer of your floors.
The versatility of LVP, particularly in mimicking the look of authentic wood or stone, has made it a favored choice both for higher-end homes and more affordable ones. “I love LVP flooring that mimics wood or stone, especially the wide and long planks. And so do buyers.
Solid hardwood flooring is considered the safest and least toxic option as it's completely natural and free from any toxins. Solid hardwood floors are made of planks milled from a single piece of timber, which makes it a healthy flooring option.
Luxury vinyl flooring (LVP/LVT) typically lasts between 15 to 25 years, though high-quality options with proper maintenance can exceed 30 years. Its lifespan is primarily determined by the thickness of its protective top "wear layer" and how well it is installed and maintained.
To make your house smell amazing while mopping, use a simple DIY mix of hot water, 1 teaspoon of dish soap, and 5–10 drops of essential oils (like eucalyptus and lavender, or lemon and peppermint). If you prefer pre-made options, heavily scented commercial products like Clorox Scentiva Floor Cleaners work beautifully.
Professionals clean vinyl floors by vacuuming or dry-mopping to remove abrasive debris, followed by damp-mopping with a pH-neutral cleaner. They avoid harsh chemicals (like ammonia or bleach) and excessive water to prevent stripping the finish or causing planks to warp.
The best option for vinyl plank (LVP) floors is the Swiffer PowerMop or the Swiffer WetJet paired with a vinyl-specific cleaning solution. Both provide a fine, controlled mist that cleans thoroughly without leaving behind the pooling water that can cause planks to warp or cup.