What is luxury vinyl plank flooring?
Explore what you need to know about LVP flooring as a homeowner
Even if you know what the acronym stands for, you’re likely unsure about what LVP really is and how it compares to the similar-looking laminate flooring options.
Join us as we explore the key features, benefits, and comparisons of luxury vinyl plank flooring below.
What is Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring?
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring is a popular all synthetic alternative to hardwood flooring that’s highly functional, cost effective, and aesthetically appealing. Its functionality makes it well-suited for many uses in both residential homes and commercial buildings.
LVP rose in popularity because it convincingly mimics the look, texture, and warmth of hardwood floors while providing the features and benefits of vinyl.
As the demand for LVP has increased, other similar products that imitate ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone have been designed as well. The stone-like products are usually shaped as tiles instead of planks and referred to as luxury vinyl tile (LVT).
Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring Pros and Cons
If you’re thinking about choosing luxury vinyl plank flooring for your home, it’s important to fully understand its pros and cons before making your final decision.
The main benefits of LVP flooring includes that it’s:
- Waterproof
- Hypoallergenic and eco-friendly
- Slip-resistant
- Extremely customizable and versatile
- Relatively inexpensive—hardwood is usually 2 times more expensive
- Durable—scuff, dent, scratch, and smudge resistant, and
- Simpler to install and easy to maintain
The disadvantages of LVP flooring include that:
- Some options have limited UV resistance
- It may not increase the value of your home as much as hardwood
Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring vs. Laminate Flooring
When deciding on floors for your home, it’s common to question the difference between luxury vinyl plank flooring and traditional laminate flooring. While the two are similar in appearance and method of installation, laminate is not fully synthetic unlike LVP because its core is made from authentic wood byproducts bonded with resin.
One of the main reasons to choose LVP over laminate is that it’s even more waterproof, so it can be effectively installed in areas like kitchens, bathrooms, mudrooms, and laundry rooms.
Additionally, LVP is usually easier to maintain and simpler to install than laminate. You can safely use any cleaning method on LVP that you prefer including sweeping, dry brooming, or even wet mopping. Both flooring options have similar installation techniques, but LVP can be cut with a utility knife while laminate requires a power saw.
Many people also agree that while both seek to appear as hardwoods, LVP more convincingly mimics hardwood flooring than laminate floors.
While the earliest iterations of LVP did not offer any of the texture that laminate flooring can provide, today’s LVP is offered in a wide variety of colors and textures.
In conclusion
Luxury vinyl plank flooring is a great option for home and business owners alike that are searching for beautiful, durable, and cost effective flooring. The benefits are nearly endless and with a vast array of colors and styles to choose from, there’s an LVP flooring option for everyone.