Vinyl is the most popular form of resilient flooring (a category that also includes linoleum and cork) because it's low-maintenance, water-resistant, cost-effective, and long-lasting. It also has the perfect balance of firmness and “give,” meaning it springs a bit when you walk on it for a comfortable feel underfoot.
Extremely durable.
Vinyl plank flooring is made to be lived on. It doesn't scratch, indent or stain easily, which makes it kid and pet-friendly. Vinyl planks durable qualities allow you to install it virtually anywhere in your home.
Problems related to vinyl plank flooring include being prone to discoloration, stains, scratches, peeling, cracking, and crumbling at the edges. There are also certain installation-related failures that you need to watch out for. These include curling, warping, peaking, and mold and mildew.
Vinyl planks are an attractive, durable, easy-to-install, and affordable flooring option. This in-depth article looks at how to select the best option for your home or business use. Hardwood planks have long been a popular flooring choice, offering unrivaled natural warmth.
Vinyl has a longer lifespan and better overall durability than laminate. Don't forget to factor in your budget, however. Vinyl flooring may be more expensive than laminate flooring, especially if you choose luxury vinyl flooring.
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.
A single vinyl plank can hold up to 500 pounds. 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.
Luxury Vinyl Plank – Medium Scratch Resistant
Basically, the LVP proved to be more scratch resistant than the hardwood, but not more than the laminate.
Vinyl flooring is highly durable. If installed and maintained correctly, it can last upwards of 10-20 years. That said, vinyl is a great choice for the rooms in your house that get the most foot traffic. Additionally, most vinyl flooring has a wear layer on its surface that resists scratches and stains.
On average, it costs between $1,000 and $12,000 to install vinyl flooring in a 1,000-square-foot space. This price is for materials only, and it does not include labor.
The estimated material, installation cost, and labor necessary to install vinyl plank floors for 1,000 sq ft (93 m2) are approximately $9,500. In most cases, the total cost is within a range from $3,000 to $16,000.
At between $2 and $5 per square foot, including installation, luxury vinyl flooring is a bargain compared to wood floors, which can cost $10 per square foot, and carpeting, at $3 to $5.50 per square foot. The savings continue when you factor in that vinyl is cheaper to clean and maintain than other types of flooring.
When it comes down to finding the best flooring to increase home value, it all boils down to your market. Hardwood will likely give you the highest return, but laminate and luxury vinyl plank flooring also offer plenty of perks to buyers.
Can dogs scratch vinyl plank flooring? High-quality vinyl plank flooring is very durable and scratch resistant, so it should hold up well to the pitter-patter of paws.
One of the best vinyl plank flooring cleaners is a cup of apple cider or white vinegar in a gallon of hot water. Dampen your mop, and mop your vinyl plank flooring in the direction of the planks. The vinegar will tackle dirt, grime, and stains without leaving behind streaks or a sudsy mess.
If needed, Swiffer WetJet Spray Mop can be used on sealed hardwood, tile, and vinyl flooring. It is safe to use Swiffer WetJet on vinyl floors as long as it is not left wet, and you can dry up liquid immediately after cleaning. Swiffer wet jet also can be used on vinyl flooring as long as the surface is sealed.
Vinyl plank flooring offers the look of real wood, yet offers quiet and resilience that hardwood does not offer. Noise absorption is very noticeable when it comes to vinyl plank flooring. Vinyl plank flooring is also water resistant, and often water proof.
The one area where vinyl floors outshine hardwood floors in terms of durability is moisture resistance. Vinyl floors are virtually impervious to moisture damage, whereas hardwood floors will have to be completely replaced if they sustain major water damage.
The best and most permanent solution for protecting vinyl floors is to apply felt pad protectors to your furniture feet and bases in order to minimize routine wear and tear and scratches. You'll find a wide range of floor protectors for various sized chair and table legs at 1877FloorGuy.
While refrigerators and stoves can be removed easily to install the flooring, the same cannot be said for kitchens with a dishwasher. However, it is possible to install laminate flooring under a dishwasher without completely disconnecting it.
You cannot install a cabinet or island on top of a floating floor. The weight will create a pinching point and will buckle the floor. As you install your kitchen island, your biggest concern is preventing the laminate floor from buckling.
1. Hardwood Continues to Dominate. Hardwood has remained at the top of the podium for decades now and continues to dominate the home flooring industry.
The Lowdown on LVP Thickness
The most common thickness of LVP used in common households is 12 mil, but if your household is fairly active, or has a number of pets, a higher thickness is recommended – such as 20 mil. Most thicker planks, such as 28 mil, are used for commercial rather than household installations.