LVP Flooring Products Combine Waterproof Durability with the Look of Real Hardwoods
There are so many flooring options available today, it can be hard to choose the right ones for your home.
Hardwood flooring remains, for many, the most desirable choice, but it is not appropriate for every room, and it can sometimes be prohibitively expensive.
An increasing popular alternative to hardwoods, especially for high-traffic or moisture-prone areas, is luxury vinyl plank flooring (LVP), also known as luxury vinyl tile (LVT).
So what, exactly, are LVP and LVT flooring?
The Beauty of Hardwood or Stone, with Water Resistant Features
Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) and luxury vinyl plank (LVP) are a durable, low-maintenance, waterproof type of flooring designed to look like natural hardwood or stone.
The flooring comes in either planks or tiles that lock together for easy installation.
Hence, the different names—waterproof flooring that looks like wood usually comes in planks and is known as luxury vinyl plank, while stone or ceramic-look waterproof flooring comes in tiles and is called luxury vinyl tile.
Whichever form it comes in, the pieces are generally easier to cut than hardwood or ceramic, and do not require specialized cutting tools.
Each vinyl plank or tile consists of a waterproof or water-resistant vinyl core attached to a sturdy tile backing and is topped with a printed film layer, a protective wear layer and a polyurethane coating.
Some luxury vinyl flooring will include a cushioning layer or underlay, as well.
Luxury vinyl products for floors can be used in any room of the home, and they are especially good for homes with kids or pets and for wet areas like kitchens, mudrooms, bathrooms and basements.
Pros of LVP Flooring
Waterproof: Each luxury vinyl plank or tile is made to be waterproof, so it can resist moisture and won’t warp as easily in humid areas as hardwood floors.
Built to last: LVP flooring is also highly durable, resisting scratches, fading and stains better than other flooring products.
Comfortable: Luxury vinyl flooring has a warmer, softer, less slippery feel than ceramic or porcelain tile, making it a good alternative to this sometimes cold and unforgiving floor choice.
Affordable: Luxury vinyl tile and plank are considerably less expensive than ceramic tile or hardwood flooring per square foot, and its easy cutting and installation saves on labor costs – or allows for DIY.
Cons of LVP Flooring
There are very few cons associated with luxury vinyl flooring, but it is important to point out its differences from – and similarities to – other products.
Those who don’t keep up with new flooring innovations may mistakenly associate it with older, cheaper vinyl or laminate flooring, but there really is no comparison between the two.
LVP/LVT is a luxury flooring product made using high-tech processes and materials, much like engineered wood flooring or ceramic hardwood tile.
Like engineered wood, luxury vinyl plank cannot be refinished, and it also cannot be easily recycled like some natural materials.
Luckily, the durability and damage-resistance of LVP means you won’t have to worry about replacing your floors anytime soon.
Common Questions About LVP Flooring
What is the difference between luxury vinyl tile and luxury vinyl plank?
The two terms are largely used interchangeably to refer to luxury vinyl flooring you install in pieces of a certain shape. Luxury vinyl that looks like hardwood usually comes in plank-shaped components (LVP), while vinyl products that look like stone or ceramic often come in tiles (LVT).
How long does LVP flooring last?
Luxury vinyl floors can last for decades or more, giving your family years of durable beauty and comfort underfoot. Many LVP and LVT products come with impressive warranties that guarantee their performance, too.
Is LVP easy to care for?
Luxury vinyl plank (as well as tile) is one of the easiest flooring surfaces to care for due to its water resistance and durability. To clean it, simply sweep or mop it like any other flooring surface. Just be careful to only use cleaning products that are safe for luxury vinyl flooring and not to use anything abrasive.
What flooring styles can I get with luxury vinyl flooring?
You can get a vast array of flooring styles with luxury vinyl. Choose from a range of hardwood designs, textures, and colors, or go with a product that looks like natural stone or tile.
Where can I use LVP and LVT flooring?
You can use luxury vinyl flooring in pretty much any room of the house, including high-moisture areas like bathrooms, laundry rooms and basements. Its waterproof properties mean it can stand up to spills, humidity and pet accidents while maintaining its integrity and appearance.
How do you install luxury vinyl flooring?
Luxury vinyl flooring can be glued down or installed as a floating floor, as it snaps together on the sides and end-to-end. It is a popular option for DIY-minded homeowners, but most people choose professional installation for ease and to ensure the job gets done right.
Wondering if LVP Flooring Might Be Right for You?
We can help you assess all your flooring options. Stop by our flooring showroom in Cumming to see what we have to offer or make an appointment to come in and talk to one of our flooring experts.
You can see all our different luxury vinyl flooring styles, compare them with other flooring options like hardwood or carpet, and schedule a home visit to get a custom quote.
Call us at (770) 889-9753 with any questions or to find out more about the types of flooring we stock.
And be sure to check out our current specials on waterproof flooring to get a great deal on your new floors!