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What is Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring?
Luxury Vinyl Planks (LVP; also known as LVT – Luxury Vinyl Tiles) are interlocking, plank-shaped flooring that replicates the look and feel of traditional hardwood flooring planks. LVP is waterproof, low in maintenance, highly durable, and available in an almost endless variety of colors and wood species, making it the most popular option for flooring that replicates hardwood planks. This isn’t your grandparents’ vinyl. These planks put the LUXE in luxury!
Brands such as Armstrong, Shaw Floors, Mohawk, Bella Flooring Group, Durato, COREtec, Happy Feet, JJ Haines, Palmetto Road, The R.A. Siegel Company, and William M. Bird all carry luxury vinyl plank flooring in a number of styles.
The Lowdown on LVP Thickness
The thickness of Luxury Vinyl Planks is measured in units called mil, referring to the level of wear it can withstand. Despite the similarities in the name, this measurement (mil) is not related to millimeters (mm), as 40 mil is roughly equivalent to 1.0 mm. Thicker planks are more resistant to dents and scratches. The most common thickness of LVP used in common households is 12 mil, but if your household is fairly active, or has a number of pets, a higher thickness is recommended – such as 20 mil. Most thicker planks, such as 28 mil, are used for commercial rather than household installations. Thicker planks are more sturdy and durable, but with the increase in thickness comes an increase in price.
Installing LVP
Along with its aesthetic versatility, low maintenance, and exceptional durability, Luxury Vinyl Planks are fairly easy to install and do not require underlayment like other flooring options do. The planks simply lock together creating a floating floor layout, making them ideal for easy installations on most flat surfaces. Check out the DIY video above from one of Sellers’ features brands, Shaw Floors.
Maintenance
The most efficient and safe way to clean LVP flooring is with a microfiber mop dampened with a mild soap and water once a week or as needed. It can be regularly swept or dry mopped several times a week to prevent dirt and debris build up.
How long will it last?
The durability and thickness of the flooring greatly affects how long LVP flooring will last. If installed correctly and maintained appropriately, the flooring can last from 10-20 years depending on location and the thickness installed.
‘Normadic Desert’ – Luxury Vinyl Planks by Mohawk Flooring
The Pros & Cons of LVP
Interested In Installing Luxury Vinyl Planks?
There are a few factors that will determine which LVP product is best for you: the activity of your home or business (kids, pets, and all the goings-on of everyday life!), the rooms it will be installed in, the overall aesthetic.
If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed by all the options available, we’re here to help! Our expert designers are here with plenty of recommendations on the perfect LVP flooring for your home or business. And, as always, our design consultations are FREE, so contact us today!
Luxury Vinyl Planks by Armstrong Flooring
