Posted by Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring has become one of the most popular flooring options for homes today. With its durable construction and wide variety of styles, it’s easy to see why Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring is in such high demand. But with so many brands, types, and installation options to consider, choosing the right LVP floor can be overwhelming.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to find the perfect Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring for your home. We’ll discuss the pros and cons of LVP floors, the different types available, and provide tips on how to select the right style, color and texture for each room. Read on to learn how to shop smart and get the look you love with a Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring that will last for years to come.
What is Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) Flooring?
Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring is a versatile, affordable synthetic flooring product that mimics the look of natural hardwood or stone. LVP flooring is constructed with multiple layers including a vinyl wear layer, a printed film layer, and a rigid composite core. The top layer is coated with a durable UV-cured urethane finish that resists scratches, stains, and fading.
LVP floors are available in plank sizes ranging from 4 to 8 inches wide which allows for a seamless installation. The planks click together via tongue-and-groove construction to create a floating floor that is not permanently glued down. This makes LVP an ideal choice for do-it-yourself homeowners.
Compared to natural hardwood or laminate, LVP offers superior durability and water resistance. The 100% waterproof construction means spills, pets, and kids won’t damage a Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring. LVP is an excellent choice for kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and other areas prone to moisture.
Pros & Cons of LVP Floors
Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring offers many benefits but also has some limitations to consider:
Pros:
- Durable and scratch-resistant wear layer
- 100% waterproof construction
- Wide variety of colors and styles
- Affordable compared to natural hardwood
- Easy DIY click-together floating installation
- Soft, warm, and quiet underfoot
- Ideal for kitchens, baths, basements
Cons:
- Not as resilient as stone or ceramic tile
- Can dent from heavy dropped objects
- Cannot be refinished like real wood
- Limited thickness options compared to hardwood
- Expands and contracts with temperature changes
- Not suitable for outdoor use
When choosing LVP flooring, it’s important to factor in your lifestyle, budget, and home environment. While very durable overall, LVP may not hold up to extremely heavy foot traffic over many years. But for most residential needs, Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring provides an attractive and easy-care alternative to natural wood and tile floors.
Types of LVP Floors
There are a few main categories of Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring to consider:
Rigid Core LVP
Rigid core luxury vinyl plank consists of a solid composite core layered between the backing and vinyl wear layer. The rigid core makes this LVP able to be installed directly over concrete subfloors and makes it very resistant to denting from impacts. It offers superior stability and structure compared to other LVP flooring types.
WPC Core LVP
Wood plastic composite (WPC) core LVP flooring features an engineered core made from a mix of ground wood fibers and recycled plastics. The dense core provides excellent durability and structure while being resistant to moisture. WPC vinyl plank flooring is suitable for all areas except bathrooms.
Stone Plastic Composite LVP
SPC vinyl flooring contains a limestone composite core encased in rigid layers for supreme structural integrity. Stone plastic composite LVP is 100% waterproof and extremely scratch-resistant, making it ideal for kitchens and baths. This material is very stable and can be installed over most existing hard surface flooring.
Cushioned Back LVP
Cushioned vinyl plank flooring contains a padded layer on the bottom which provides extra comfort and noise absorption while walking. The attached cushion also allows for installation over uneven concrete slabs. Cushion-backed LVP offers insulation and is softer than other rigid plank materials.
The type of LVP you choose can be based on your subfloor type, installation needs, comfort preference, and overall performance requirements. Consult an expert if you are unsure which category fits your home best.
LVP Flooring Styles
A major benefit of Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring is the huge range of colors, textures, and styles available. When browsing different LVP flooring collections, you will find options mimicking almost any type of natural flooring look:
Hardwood Looks
LVP is available in endless hardwood styles like oak, hickory, cherry, exotic woods, and more. Plank sizes typically range from 4-8 inches wide to replicate traditional strip flooring. Mix widths and colors for a custom look. Distressed, hand-scraped, and wire-brushed textures add unique character.
Stone Looks
Vinyl plank floors come in natural stone aesthetics like slate, travertine, marble, and limestone. The embossed grain patterns make LVP stone floors look impressively realistic and elegant. Popular colors include greys, tans, whites, and blacks.
Tile Looks
LVP can mimic the visuals of ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone tile flooring. Tile designs are produced in a variety of geometric shapes, sizes, and grout line colors. Tile-look LVP brings warmth and personality with the convenience of vinyl plank installation.
Barnwood Looks
Rustic barnwood-style luxury vinyl plank flooring features a weathered, distressed finish with nail marks, knots, and color variations. Barnwood LVP adds cozy, laid-back farmhouse flair to any room with rustic grays, taupes, browns, and tans.
With so many options, it’s fun to browse LVP floors until you find “the one” that perfectly suits your style and space. Order samples to view colors and textures up close.
How to Choose the Right LVP Flooring
Choosing the perfect Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring requires careful consideration of a few factors:
Quality
Be sure to buy from a reputable brand that offers a good warranty on wear and waterproofing. Check the thickness and layers of the LVP flooring, opting for products with durable top coats and stable cores. Rigid LVP floors generally provide the best performance.
Style
Browse plank colors and designs that will coordinate with your interior decor. Bring home samples or visit showrooms to make sure the LVP flooring complements your furnishings, wall colors, countertops, and overall aesthetic.
Room Suitability
Consider the room traffic, moisture levels, sunlight exposure and other features to determine what type of LVP construction best suits each space. The flooring needs of a kitchen will differ from a bedroom, for instance.
Subfloor Condition
The subfloor underneath must be clean, dry, flat, and structurally sound for proper LVP installation. Make any repairs before installing the planks. Some LVP products can be installed over existing floors, but check adherence requirements first.
Installation Method
LVP can be floated over foam underlay for DIY convenience, or it can be glued down for premium stability. Decide if you will tackle the install or hire a professional, and buy materials accordingly.
Doing your homework will ensure you select the most appropriate Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring for each room in your home.
LVP Flooring Costs
On average, you can expect to pay $2 – $8 per square foot for most Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring. This places LVP on the lower end of flooring costs.
The price range depends on the quality, construction, brand, and design of the vinyl plank flooring. Some factors impacting costs include:
- Thickness: Thicker products with more complex layered construction tend to cost more.
- Rigidity: Rigid core planks are more durable than cushioned back options.
- Realism: More realistic visuals and textures demand higher prices to achieve.
- Brand: Leading LVP companies like Shaw, Armstrong, and Mannington carry higher price tags.
- Patterns: Tile looks and mixed widths cost more than standard single plank floors.
- Extras: Attached underlayment and moisture barrier backing adds expense.
For a high-quality LVP floor installed throughout a home, the total costs typically range from $3,000 – $7,000 depending on the square footage.
LVP vs. Laminate Flooring
Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring and laminate are two affordable synthetic wood-look options that share some qualities but also have important differences:
- LVP is 100% waterproof while laminate is susceptible to damage from excessive moisture.
- LVP is more scratch and scuff resistant than laminate and better withstands pets.
- Laminate cannot be installed in bathrooms or laundry spaces due to moisture concerns.
- LVP provides better sound dampening for multi-floor homes.
- Laminate provides a more realistic wood look and feel.
- LVP is better for concrete slab installation; laminate requires more subfloor prep.
- LVP expands and contracts slightly with temperature changes. Laminate is more dimensionally stable.
For wet areas and busy households with kids or pets, LVP is typically the smarter choice over laminate flooring. But laminate remains popular for its attractive appearance and low cost.
LVP Flooring Installation
One of the prime benefits of Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring is the DIY-friendly floating click-together installation. Here is an overview of how to install LVP floors:
- Prepare the subfloor – Clean debris, level uneven spots, and fill cracks. Subfloor should be rigid and dry.
- Lay underlayment – Foam or cork pads add cushioning and smooth over subfloor imperfections.
- Dry lay planks – Arrange planks without clicking together to map out layout and mix up patterns.
- Click planks together – Carefully join ends and sides via the tongue-and-groove locking system. Stagger joints.
- Allow expansion gaps – Leave 1/4″ gaps along the walls and fixtures to prevent buckling.
- Finish the floor – Install trim pieces and transition strips where LVP flooring meets other flooring.
While floating installation is beginner-friendly, there are some advanced techniques that professionals can employ for a premium floor:
- Glue-down installation bonds planks to the subfloor for maximum stability and sound abatement.
- Herringbone patterns require special cutting and alignment but create unique diagonal plank layouts.
For best results, follow the manufacturer’s installation guidelines specific to your LVP product. Investing in professional installation is recommended for glue-down methods and intricate designs.
Maintaining and Cleaning LVP Floors
Caring for Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring is simple thanks to the durable, waterproof construction. Just follow these basic maintenance tips:
- Sweep, dust mop, or vacuum to remove dirt and debris. Avoid abrasive vacuum heads.
- Damp mop as needed with warm water and mild vinyl floor cleaner. Avoid excessive moisture.
- Blot up spills immediately to prevent staining, and spot clean with vinyl cleaner.
- Place walk-off mats at entrances to trap dirt, sand, and moisture from shoes.
- Use felt pads underneath furniture legs to prevent scratches.
- Avoid harsh cleaners, bleach, ammonia, or abrasive scrub brushes.
- Use ice to remove sticky residues like gum.
- Protect flooring from direct hot sunlight which can cause fading.
With proper care, quality Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring should retain its beauty and performance for many years before needing replacement. Be sure to keep a few spare planks for minor future repairs.