Hardwood
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What is Luxury Vinyl Plank? Everything You Need to Know

Written by
Paul Galushkin
Published on
September 20, 2023

What is Luxury Vinyl Plank?

Introduction

Many ask, "What is luxury vinyl plank?" Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) is a type of vinyl flooring that incorporates both the look and feel of traditional hardwood floors with the durability and convenience of modern luxury vinyl. It combines the visual appeal of natural wood with long-lasting performance, making it an ideal choice for any home or commercial space. LVP is very similar to regular vinyl flooring with some differences that we will go over through this article.

Whether you are looking for a more economical option to traditional hardwood, something easy to clean and maintain, or just something that will last longer than older methods like linoleum or carpet, LVP may be your perfect solution.

Vinyl Flooring

Construction

Regular vinyl flooring is constructed using multiple layers of synthetic materials, including a protective top layer, a wear layer, and a balance layer. The top layer offers protection from scratches, scuffs, and stains. The wear layer helps the floor resist abrasion and tear while providing improved traction for slip resistance. The balance layer provides stability and cushioning for the top two layers to ensure the durability of the flooring. This makes it an excellent choice for areas with heavy foot traffic or furniture as well as areas subject to spills or moisture.

Benefits

Luxury vinyl plank flooring

Ease of Installation

Regular vinyl flooring is a great choice for homeowners looking for an affordable and low-maintenance option in a variety of stylish options. One of the main benefits of regular vinyl flooring is its ease of installation and cost. It can be installed over most existing hard surfaces, such as tile, concrete, or existing linoleum floors, reducing the costs associated with remodeling and installation times. Vinyl flooring also provides excellent sound insulation, absorbing noises and vibrations to create a quieter atmosphere.

Durable

In addition to being economical and easy to install, regular vinyl flooring is also incredibly durable. It is usually made from multiple layers that help protect against scratches and scuffs while providing improved traction for slip resistance. The wear layer found at the bottom helps it resist abrasion and tear, making it ideal for areas with heavy foot traffic or furniture as well as areas subject to spills or moisture.

Regular vinyl flooring has become increasingly popular due to its resilient finish that can last up to 20 years in well-maintained homes. With proper care and maintenance, regular vinyl flooring will look good year after year without any major fading or discoloration from frequent cleaning and exposure to sunlight. Overall, regular vinyl flooring offers a combination of affordability, durability, style, comfort, and convenience that make it an attractive option for any home or commercial space.

Appearance & Design Options

Different styles of luxury vinyl plank flooring

Vinyl flooring is available in a wide range of colors, textures, and styles, making it easy to find the perfect fit for any home or commercial space. From traditional wood-look planks to classic vinyl tile designs, there are plenty of options to choose from. The wear layer found in luxury vinyl plank also provides an added level of realism with its embossed texturing that replicates the feel of real hardwood floors.

Homeowners can also choose from various graining patterns to create a unique look that complements their existing décor, such as hand-scraped or distressed looks for a rustic charm.

Sizes

In addition to the visual appeal, homeowners can customize their flooring even further by choosing from various sizes and shapes to create more complex patterns. feel free to reach out to us to get a free estimate. Plank widths come in varying sizes such as 6”-9” for an authentic hardwood look or 12”-24” for something bolder and contemporary. Some shapes also come pre-cut into rectangles, squares, or hexagons just like stone or ceramic tiles, for easy installation and intricate designs at a lower cost.

Overall, with its realistic visuals and versatile design options, vinyl floors provide homeowners with an affordable and stylish choice, similar to ceramic tile, that can complement any room in the home without breaking the bank.

Durability & Maintenance

Vacuuming on luxury vinyl plank flooring

Vinyl Plank Flooring Layers

Vinyl plank flooring is incredibly durable and easy to maintain. Its multi-layer construction provides protection against scratches, scuffs, and stains, as well as improved traction for slip resistance. The wear layer found at the bottom helps it resist abrasion and tear, making it ideal for areas with heavy foot traffic or furniture as well as areas subject to spills or moisture, unlike laminate flooring.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance of vinyl planks includes vacuuming or sweeping to remove dirt and debris that can scratch its surface, as well as damp mopping with a mild detergent solution to clean up any spills or messes.

To keep vinyl plank flooring looking like new, homeowners should also use a gentle cleaner formulated specifically for vinyl floors every few months. It’s important to avoid most common household cleaners on vinyl planks, as they can cause discoloration or damage to the wear layer over time.

When properly cared for, vinyl plank flooring offers long-lasting performance that will look good year after year without major fading or discoloration from frequent cleaning and exposure to sunlight. Additionally, many engineered vinyl plank floors come with warranties from 10 to 25 years so you can enjoy their beauty and durability even longer.

Cost & Installation

A team installing luxury vinyl plank flooring

Regular vinyl plank flooring is an economical and affordable option for any home or commercial space. The cost of vinyl plank flooring depends on the type, size, style, and thickness of the planks. Luxury vinyl planks are usually more expensive than regular vinyl planks since they offer additional features such as better durability and improved aesthetics.

Installation of vinyl plank flooring is relatively straightforward and cheep, making it a great choice for do-it-yourselfers or someone looking to hire a contractor/company to remodel their space. Regular vinyl planks can be installed over most existing hard surfaces including tile, concrete, or existing linoleum floors without requiring any additional preparation such as sanding or refinishing.

In addition, many sheet vinyl plank floors are designed with click-and-lock installation systems that make them easier to install than traditional wood floors.

Regular Vinyl Compared to Luxury Vinyl Flooring

Cost

While regular vinyl is more economical than LVP up front, it may require more frequent repairs or replacement over time because the wear layer is thinner and therefore not as resilient as LVP's thicker top coat.

Performance and Flexibility

In comparison to regular vinyl flooring, luxury vinyl plank offers superior performance with its thicker wear layers that are designed to last longer.

Luxury vinyl plank also offers much greater flexibility when it comes to style options as many modern designs have photo-realistic visuals that mimic the look of real wood grain at a fraction of the cost.

Luxury vinyl plank floor

Stability and Maintenance

Additionally, LVP also has improved stability which minimizes any curling or buckling that can occur over time with regular vinyl flooring due to its multiple layers and improved construction process. Furthermore, LVP requires less maintenance compared to traditional wood floors and is easy to clean with just occasional vacuuming or mopping required.

Overall, luxury vinyl plank provides an ideal solution for those looking for an affordable yet long-lasting product that will add both style and value to their home or commercial space. It combines the look and feel of traditional wood floors with the durability and convenience of modern luxury vinyl.

Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring

Construction

LVP is constructed with multiple layers. The top layer is a protective wear layer that prevents scratches and other damage, while the bottom layer acts as a cushioning foam for increased comfort underfoot. In between are several additional layers of vinyl material, all bonded together using high pressure and heat. This combination creates an incredibly strong and durable finish that can withstand everyday wear and tear without losing its initial luster.

Benefits

The most obvious benefit to luxury vinyl plank is its appearance – it looks exactly like real hardwood without any of the drawbacks associated with real wood such as buckling, warping, discoloration, or fading. Additionally, luxury vinyl flooring is far more durable and waterproof than traditional hardwood, making it an ideal choice for areas like bathrooms and kitchens where moisture can be a problem.

Finally, luxury vinyl planks are also much easier to install and maintain than solid hardwood flooring which makes it a great choice for any DIYer looking to save money on installation costs.

Appearance & Design Options

Different luxury vinyl plank boards

One of the best benefits of luxury vinyl planks is that there are many forms of luxury vinyl and a  vast array of design options available. From classic hardwood looks to more modern luxury vinyl tile styles, there is something for everyone. There are also various luxury vinyl tile textures available, so you can choose from smooth finishes to luxury vinyl tiles that feel like real engineered hardwood.

Durability & Maintenance

Water spill on luxury vinyl plank flooring

Luxury vinyl planks are incredibly easy to maintain and clean. It is also highly resistant to water, unlike laminate flooring, making it an ideal choice for areas of the home that may be prone to spills or wetness. With proper care, LVP can last many years without needing any major repairs or replacements.

Cost & Installation

Man installing luxury vinyl plank flooring

Luxury vinyl plank flooring is also very affordable compared to traditional hardwood floors and similar to laminate flooring, making it a great option for those on a budget. It is also relatively easy to install luxury vinyl planks, meaning you won’t need to spend too much money for installation compared to other flooring materials. If you are looking to get it installed please reach out to us to get a free estimate.

The price of the luxury vinyl plank will vary depending on the quality and type of plank you choose but generally speaking, it tends to be much cheaper than real hardwood flooring. On average you can expect to pay anywhere from $2-$6 per square foot for basic sheet vinyl with higher-end planks costing up to $15 per square foot.

Overall, luxury vinyl plank flooring provides homeowners with an attractive and durable option that is both cost-effective and easy to maintain. Whether you’re looking for the classic look of hardwood or something more modern, there are plenty of design options available to fit any style. With proper care, luxury vinyl plank can last many years and provide great value for your money.

Conclusion

Luxury vinyl plank is a great option for anyone looking to add the look of real hardwood to their home or commercial space without breaking the bank. It’s durable, waterproof, easy to install and maintain, and much more affordable than traditional hardwood flooring. With its wide variety of options, you’re sure to find a plank that fits your needs and budget perfectly. So if you’re considering an upgrade to your flooring, luxury vinyl plank may be just what you need.

Contact Floor Care Installation

If you have any questions or concerns about your flooring please reach out to us via Phone number (916) 802-5454, Email [email protected], or

if you have a floor installation or refinishing job feel free to reach out through the top right corner on our page with the yellow get a free estimate button.

Our Floor Care Installation team would love to help.


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