Luxury Vinyl Flooring Buying Guide
Waterproof vinyl flooring can be installed throughout your home, including bathrooms, kitchens, or basements.
Luxury Vinyl Benefits
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Types of Luxury Vinyl Flooring
Luxury vinyl is the new and improved vinyl flooring, made to look more realistic and offer greater resilience and durability. The two main types are luxury vinyl plank, also known as LVP, and luxury vinyl tile, known as LVT.
Luxury vinyl planks mimic the look, feel, and cut of high-end hardwood flooring. Luxury vinyl tiles replicate the look and patterns of natural stone.
How to Choose the Best Luxury Vinyl Floor
A Durable Wear Layer
The wear layer in luxury vinyl flooring consists of a top clear coat that protects your floor from damages, scratches, and stains. There are generally two options to choose from, 12mil or 20mil. A 12mil wear layer is the standard option and is sufficient for most homes. A 20mil wear layer offers commercial-grade protection for areas with heavy foot traffic.
The wear layer in luxury vinyl flooring consists of a top clear coat that protects your floor from daily wear and tear: damages, scratches, and stains.
There are generally two options to choose from, 12mil or 20mil. A 12mil wear layer is the standard option and is sufficient for most homes, and a 20mil wear layer offers commercial-grade protection for areas with heavy foot traffic. If you have pets and a reasonably active household, a 20mil is your best option.
Thicker is Better
The thickness of the plank or tile plays a significant role in the quality of your flooring. A high-quality thickness starts at 5mm. If there is an underlayment pad attached, you should subtract the thickness of the pad to determine the actual thickness of the floor.
Go with a thickness higher than 5mm if you are looking for a sturdier, more durable choice. Additionally, thicker planks are more forgiving to uneven areas in your subfloor. There is a slight price increase with a higher thickness, but it’s justified due to the increase in performance.
A Strong Core Layer
The core layer of luxury vinyl is made of either SPC (stone plastic composite) or WPC (wood plastic composite). Both options are 100% waterproof, which is the primary reason you can install luxury vinyl flooring throughout your entire home.
While WPC and SPC are both excellent choices, there are slight performance differences between them. Floors with a WPC core are less dense, feel more comfortable under your feet, and are better at retaining heat. Floors with an SPC core are denser, feel more sturdy under your feet (similar to the feeling of wood flooring), and offer more durability. SPC is a great choice for commercial use and can hold up exceptionally well in homes with heavy traffic.
A Realistic Surface Texture
Cutting-edge technology is used to mimic natural surface textures in LVP and LVT flooring. The extremely realistic appearance makes your floor stand out from any angle at a fraction of the cost of natural hardwood or stone flooring.
Surface textures for LVP flooring create a luxurious wood look with natural variations and astonishingly realistic details. Popular surface texture choices include woodgrain, smooth, and EIR (Embossed-in-Register).
Most LVT floors have a smooth surface texture embracing the characteristics of natural stones.
Plank Size
The width of the planks typically ranges between 6 inches to 9 inches or more. Generally, wider and longer planks look better in bigger rooms, and standard planks are more suitable for smaller spaces.
If you have an open floor plan, wider planks can add a sense of luxury and appear less cramped. To create an aesthetically pleasing overall look, aim for a balance between the size of your space and the size of planks.
Installation Methods
Luxury Vinyl Flooring offers a variety of installation methods; the main installation methods are click-lock installation or glue-down vinyl.
A click-lock installation is the easiest, most DIY-friendly option. The edges of the planks snap together and float over your subfloor, creating a secure connection that doesn’t require the use of glue or nails. This method cuts down your installation time and is the go-to for most residential buildings.
Glue-down vinyl, not to be confused with peel and stick vinyl flooring, requires the use of an adhesive to seal the planks to your subfloor. Although it creates a more secure connection, it is recommended for commercial use with heavy foot traffic.
Always refer to the manufacturer’s installation guide to ensure your subfloor and expected traffic levels are compatible with these installation methods.