Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring, also known as LVP flooring, has become more popular in recent years thanks to its many benefits.
If you're considering a flooring upgrade for your home, you may be wondering what LVP flooring offers and why it's worth considering.
In this article, we'll explore what LVP flooring is, its benefits, and other important details you need to know before making a decision.
Whether you're a homeowner or a business owner, LVP flooring could be the perfect solution for your flooring needs.
What is Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) is a type of synthetic flooring that mimics the look and feel of natural materials, such as hardwood, tile, and stone.
It is made from a variety of materials, including polyvinyl chloride (PVC), stabilizers, and a wear layer.
Additionally, LVP flooring is available in a wide variety of colors, styles, and patterns, making it a versatile option for any home or business.
LVP flooring is popular for a number of reasons.
- It's durable and can withstand heavy traffic and wear and tear.
- It's waterproof and can be installed in kitchens and bathrooms.
- Easy to install and can be done by DIYers.
- Affordable - making it a good value for homeowners.
Benefits of Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring
- Durability: LVP flooring is highly durable and can withstand heavy foot traffic, making it a great choice for high-traffic areas such as entryways, hallways, and living rooms. It's also resistant to scratches, dents, and stains, making it a practical choice for households with kids and pets.
- Water resistance: LVP flooring is highly water-resistant and can withstand spills and moisture, making it a great choice for bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. Additionally, it won't warp or swell when exposed to water, unlike hardwood and laminate flooring.
- Low maintenance: LVP floors require very low upkeep. Luxury vinyl floors does not require waxing or polishing, and you can clean it with just a damp cloth.
- Cost-effective: LVP flooring is more affordable than many other types of flooring, such as hardwood and natural stone. This makes it a great choice for homeowners on a budget who still want a stylish and durable flooring option.
- Variety of styles: LVP flooring is available in a variety of styles, including wood, stone, and tile. Luxury vinyl flooring's versatility makes it a great choice for any room in the house.
Types and Styles of Luxury Vinyl Plank Floors
When it comes to Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP), the world of possibilities is as vast as your imagination.
From capturing the timeless elegance of hardwood to the rugged charm of stone and more, LVP offers a treasure trove of styles to explore.
So let's discover the perfect style to bring your vision to life.
Types
- Rigid Core LVP: Rigid core LVP is the most durable type of LVP floors. It has a rigid backing that makes it resistant to dents, scratches, and water damage. Additionally, rigid core LVP is a good choice for high-traffic areas and homes with pets.
- Flexible Core LVP: Flexible core LVP is less durable than rigid core LVP, but it is also less expensive. Flexible core LVP is a good choice for low-traffic areas and homes without pets.
Styles
- Wood-look LVP: Wood-look LVP is the most popular style of LVP floors. It is designed to look like real hardwood, but it is more durable and affordable. Wood-look LVP is available in a wide variety of colors and finishes.
- Stone-look LVP: Stone-look LVP is designed to look like natural stone, such as marble, slate, and travertine. Stone-look LVP is a good choice for kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas where you want the look of stone without the high cost or maintenance.
- Tile-look LVP: Tile-look LVP is designed to look like ceramic or porcelain tile. Tile-look LVP is a good choice for entryways, kitchens, and bathrooms. It is also a good choice for homes with pets, as it is resistant to scratches and stains.
- Distressed Wood-look LVP: Distressed wood-look LVP is designed to look like reclaimed wood. It has a rustic, weathered appearance that is perfect for farmhouse and industrial style homes.
Designs
- Herringbone LVP: It is a classic style that adds elegance to any room.
- Chevron LVP: It is a similar style to herringbone, but with a more zig-zag pattern.
Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring Specifications
LVP flooring comes in a variety of specifications, including thickness, wear layer, and texture.
- The thickness of LVP floors usually ranges from 2mm to 8mm, with thicker floors giving more durability and insulation.
- The wear layer of LVP floors is the top layer that protects the flooring from scratches, dents, and stains. Additionally, thicker wear layer provides more protection and durability.
- Texture options for LVP floors can include smooth, embossed, or hand-scraped finishes to mimic the look of real wood or stone.
Choosing the Right Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring
Consider your lifestyle and the type of wear and tear your floors will experience.
If you have kids or pets, for example, you may want to choose a thicker wear layer for added durability.
Ultimately, picking the right LVP flooring for your home comes down to a combination of personal style, practical considerations, and budget.
Key Factors
- Wear layer: The wear layer is the top layer of LVP flooring that protects it from scratches, dents, and stains. The thicker the wear layer, the more durable floors will be. For residential use, a wear layer of at least 12 mil is recommended. For commercial use, a wear layer of at least 20 mil is recommended.
- Thickness: The overall thickness of LVP floors can range from 2mm to 8mm. Thicker planks will be more durable and provide better sound insulation, but they will also be more expensive. For most residential applications, a thickness of 5 mm or 6 mm is a good choice.
- Style: LVP floors are available in a wide variety of styles and colors to choose from. You can find planks that mimic the look of hardwood, stone, tile, and even concrete. Consider the overall style of your home when choosing a style of LVP flooring.
- Budget: LVP floors can range in price from $1 to $5 per square foot. The price will vary based on the thickness, wear layer, and style of the floors.
LVP Flooring Installation
Ready to transform your space with Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) floors?
Installing LVP is a rewarding DIY project that can breathe new life into your home. We made a list of must-have tools for DIY enthusiasts.
We'll walk you through the installation process, from preparation to the end.
You'll soon be enjoying the beauty and durability of LVP in your own space.
So let's get started.
Preparation
- Remove all existing floors and baseboards.
- Clean and level the subfloor. Any flaws in the subfloor will show through the new flooring, so it's important to make sure it's as smooth as possible.
- If your subfloor is concrete, you'll need to install a moisture barrier. This will prevent moisture from seeping up through the concrete and damaging your new floors.
- If your subfloor is wood, you may need to install underlayment. Underlayment provides a soft cushion for the LVP floors and helps to reduce noise.
Installation
- Start by installing the first row of LVP flooring. Place the first plank against the wall, leaving a 1/4-inch expansion gap.
- Continue installing the planks in the first row, staggering the end joints by at least 6 inches.
- To install the second row, start by cutting the first plank in half. This will create a staggered pattern for the second row.
- Angle the tongue of the second row plank into the groove of the first row plank.
- Lower the second row plank into place and tap it gently with a rubber mallet to lock it into place.
- Continue installing the planks in the second row, staggering the end joints by at least 6 inches.
- Repeat steps 4-6 for the remaining rows of LVP flooring.
- Once all of the LVP floors are installed, trim the excess flooring from around the perimeter of the room.
- Install transition strips at all doorways and other areas where the LVP floor meets another type of flooring.
- Reinstall the baseboards.
Pro Tips
- Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for your specific LVP floor product.
- Use a tapping block to tap the planks into place, rather than tapping them directly with the rubber mallet. This will help to prevent the planks from being damaged.
- Leave a 1/4-inch expansion gap around the perimeter of the room. This will allow the LVP flooring to expand and contract without buckling.
- When installing transition strips, be sure to use the appropriate fasteners for the type of subfloor you have.
- Installing Shaw LVP? Check out our comprehensive guide.
Maintenance and Care for Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring
To keep your investment looking its best and lasting a lifetime, proper care and maintenance are key.
In this section, we'll provide you with simple yet effective ways to ensure your LVP retains its stunning appearance and durability.
- Sweep or vacuum regularly. This will remove dirt and debris that can scratch the flooring.
- Mop with a damp mop and mild detergent. Avoid using harsh chemicals or harsh cleaners, as these can damage the flooring.
- Clean up spills immediately. LVP flooring is water-resistant, but it is not waterproof. Prolonged exposure to water can damage the flooring.
- Protect your LVP flooring from furniture legs and other sharp objects. Use felt pads or floor protectors to prevent scratches and dents.
- Avoid dragging heavy furniture or appliances across the flooring. This can damage the planks.
- Do not polish or wax your LVP flooring. LVP flooring has a built-in wear layer that does not require polishing or waxing.
- Place a doormat at the front door to trap dirt and debris before it gets on your flooring.
- Regularly check for any damage or loose planks and fix them as soon as possible.
- Moving or doing renovations? Read our guide to protecting your floors during the transition.
Conclusion
LVP flooring is a great choice for homeowners who are looking for a durable, low-maintenance, and affordable flooring option.
LVP flooring comes in a variety of styles, so you can use it in any room in the house.
Key Benefits:
- Waterproof
- Easy Installation
- High-Quality Digital Printing
- Anti-Static and Slip Resistant
- Affordable Flooring Option
If you are considering LVP flooring for your home, contact us and we can help answer any questions you may have.