There is nothing that compares to the look and feel of luxury vinyl flooring. Technology has come such a long way that it looks like a hardwood floor crafted from pine wood or natural stone. Best of all, vinyl flooring is durable, reduces noise, and is easy to maintain.
In this post, as part of our customer care, we'll give the ultimate run-down of vinyl flooring by answering all of the most popular questions homeowners ask regarding the two most sought-after flooring types: LVP and LVT.
What is LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank) flooring?
LVP, or Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring, looks like planks of natural wood. LVP flooring has several layers, starting with the 'backer board'- a PVC-based layer for the rigid core. Center layers add water resistance and strength to the flooring, and the top 'vinyl layer' is the decorative and design layer. The final and most important layer is the wear layer.
What are LVTs (Luxury Vinyl Tiles)?
LVT, or Luxury Vinyl Tiles, are essentially the same as LVPs, except LVTs look like stone or tile. LVT has all the same advantages as LVP, such as easy installation. Like luxury vinyl plank flooring, luxury vinyl tiles are used in commercial and residential settings and come in various designs. Both are known to add beauty and elegance to your home. Whether you like the look of wood flooring or stone and tile flooring are the only fundamental differences, but more on that later.
Is Luxury Vinyl Flooring Better Than Ceramic Tile Flooring?
Luxury vinyl flooring has developed to a point where it has become the more popular choice over ceramic tile for a good reason.
- Durability and Flexibility - Ceramic can be prone to cracks and chips if not installed correctly, unlike luxury plank flooring. LVT also provides more flexibility than ceramic and is highly durable. If something heavy falls on luxury vinyl flooring, there is much more give.
- Attractive Look - Ceramic tile can be messy and labor-intensive to install, unlike luxury vinyl. LVP comes in a variety of styles and colors and is indistinguishable from ceramic tiles. Luxury vinyl mimics wood and stone and can easily incorporate any design, color, or pattern to match any décor.
- Cost - Luxury vinyl is much more economical than ceramic tile. Some ceramics can cost as much as high-end carpet or hardwood flooring. Unlike ceramic, luxury vinyl plank flooring doesn't require additional labor costs, as well.
Is Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring Considered 'Cheap'?
Vinyl plank, peel-and-stick, and sheet vinyl are three types of ceramic tiles becoming increasingly popular. Some might consider these flooring options 'cheap' because of the quality of materials and affordability.
Luxury vinyl plank flooring and luxury vinyl tile, on the other hand, simulate and mimic hardwood or natural stone floors in a way that makes them almost indistinguishable from the real thing. LVP and LVT are a more elegant and beautiful option that is five times thicker than standard vinyl.
Slightly more of an investment, luxury vinyl lasts longer than traditional vinyl and is preferred for high-traffic areas, such as kids and pets.
Easy maintenance is another reason luxury vinyl is the preferred choice of flooring. Consumers understand that they can get the hardwood or stone look without paying the hefty price tag with luxury vinyl flooring.
Does Vinyl Flooring Look Ugly?
Gone are days when vinyl floors looked like something out of a bad 70's sitcom. While some traditional vinyl flooring, such as stick-ons, can still leave much to be desired, luxury vinyl flooring can help increase home value. Luxury vinyl plank flooring gives your home the appeal of hardwood, plus the benefit of scratch and water resistance. Luxury vinyl plank is also cost-effective, and the technology has gotten to a point where most can't tell the difference between vinyl or hardwood.
How Durable Are Luxury Vinyl Plank Floors to Dog Claws?
The best reason to buy luxury vinyl flooring is if you own a dog (especially a big one)! Dog claws and scratches can be problematic, especially if you've invested a lot of money and time into new flooring. Hardwood floors can be susceptible to water damage if your pet has a mistake on the floor.
Luxury vinyl plank flooring is also scratch-resistant so that any dog claw marks won't show up. It’s very durable and has a soundproof quality that makes it ideal if you have kids and pets running through the home. The best part is it's easy to maintain and easy to clean and, because of the material, it's comfortable for dogs to walk on.
How Do I Install Luxury Vinyl Flooring?
- Layout the Plan - The first thing you want to do when installing vinyl plank flooring is to Figure out which way the planks will go, considering the design pattern you want and the room shape. For example, if you want an 'open' room setting, consider running your planks in the direction of the light source.
- Removing the Trim and Prep Once you determine the layout, square off your room and measure your planks. Remove the trim moldings to make the flooring easier to install. Prepare the floor by sanding down any high spots.
- Install Your First Planks Start laying planks on one side of the room. Take care that you won't wind up with too thin of a final row. A wider last row looks better and stays in place better than a thinner plank.
- Layout and Cut Vinyl Planks Now, you can start connecting planks like a jigsaw puzzle. As you move along, make sure and use a tape measure to figure out how big each piece should be and cut to the appropriate size.
Notice the patterns of each plank as you work to ensure similar planks don't wind up next to each other. This can make the floor look 'manufactured,' as opposed to that natural, organic look. - Reinstall the Trim and Final Touches Reattach the trim and use a rubber mallet to ensure all the flooring is tight and locked into place (click lock).
Are People Satisfied With Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring?
Because of the wide range of patterns, designs, and realistic qualities of luxury vinyl flooring, consumers quickly make it the flooring of choice for their homes. Luxury vinyl is a more attractive option than hardwood because it has water-resistant qualities, is scratch-proof, and it's easier to install. The cost to install vinyl plank flooring is also much more affordable than ceramic or hardwood, which usually requires a professional.
Luxury vinyl flooring is also more attractive than traditional ones, which can sometimes look 'cheap.' LVT has no glossy, highlighted finish. Instead, it gives off an organic, authentic feel that makes a home look as though much more money was spent on the flooring than was. Technology has vastly improved the quality and variety of luxury vinyl flooring to make it one of the premier choices for commercial and residential buyers.
