Luxury vinyl plank FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is vinyl plank flooring?
Vinyl planks, often referred to as luxury vinyl planks (LVP), are a highly popular choice for flooring. These planks offer an affordable alternative to genuine hardwood with realistic textures and a wide range of colors. Luxury vinyl is water-resistant, and if it features a WPC (Wood Plastic Composite) or SPC (Stone Plastic Composite) core, it is also waterproof. Depending on the type, vinyl planks can be installed as click-lock floating floors, glue-down, or peel-and-stick options.
How do you install vinyl plank floors?
Luxury vinyl planks are installed as floating floors with a tongue-and-groove design, allowing the planks to snap together effortlessly. Peel-and-stick planks are similarly straightforward to install—simply remove the backing paper to expose the adhesive, then place the plank in position. Both options are DIY-friendly, helping you save on installation costs.
Are luxury vinyl planks better than laminate?
Vinyl planks offer superior water resistance compared to laminate, making them a better choice for areas like kitchens or basements. While vinyl and laminate may look similar, vinyl is specifically designed to be water-resistant and, with WPC or SPC cores, even waterproof. On the other hand, laminate is typically more affordable than luxury vinyl. Both types of flooring are available in a variety of styles and colors, are easy to clean, and offer exceptional durability.
How durable is luxury vinyl?
For many homeowners, the lasting beauty and durability of flooring are top priorities. Durability ensures you get the best value for your investment and that your floors maintain their appearance over time. Luxury vinyl is renowned for its durability, largely due to its robust wear layer, which preserves the floor's original look and simplifies maintenance. The importance of choosing flooring with an appropriate wear layer depends on your home's specific needs—consider factors such as pets, children, and heavy foot traffic when making your selection.
Can vinyl plank flooring be installed over concrete or tile?
Engineered luxury vinyl planks, such as WPC (Wood Plastic Composite) and SPC (Stone Plastic Composite), can be installed as floating floors over hard, level surfaces like concrete or ceramic tile. For the best results, choose vinyl planks with attached underlayment to help smooth out imperfections and provide added comfort underfoot..
Are vinyl planks waterproof flooring?
Vinyl flooring is inherently water-resistant, but advancements in technology have led to the development of even more robust options. Newer WPC (Wood Plastic Composite) and SPC (Stone Plastic Composite) vinyl flooring is denser, less prone to expansion and contraction, and offers superior resistance to water and moisture. These innovative flooring solutions are ideal for high-moisture areas such as laundry rooms, bathrooms, and other water-prone spaces.
What is luxury vinyl made of?
Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) flooring comes in various types, each with distinct material compositions, but generally includes several key layers:
Wear layer: This top layer is often made from polyurethane-treated plastic or aluminum oxide, providing a scratch-resistant and UV-resistant surface.
Image and texture layer: Situated below the wear layer, this layer features a printed design and texture that replicates the appearance and feel of natural materials like wood or stone.
Core layer: The core layer significantly influences the LVT's characteristics. Rigid core and Stone-Plastic Composite (SPC) vinyl have a dense, durable core, offering robustness but potentially feeling harder and noisier underfoot. Conversely, Wood- Plastic Composite (WPC) and flex-core vinyl floors feature softer, cushioned cores, providing greater comfort but possibly less durability.
Backing layer: Typically made from cork, fiberglass, or foam, this layer supports the LVT and adapts to different subfloor conditions.
These layers combine to offer a range of options suitable for various applications and Preferences.
What is the best vinyl plank flooring?
WPC (Wood Plastic Composite) and SPC (Stone Plastic Composite) represent the highest quality in vinyl plank flooring. They are both waterproof and come in various wear layer options, making them suitable for a range of uses from residential spaces to high-traffic areas, depending on the thickness of the wear layer.
How do you clean luxury vinyl plank floors?
To clean your vinyl floors, start by sweeping up dust, dirt, and debris. If you prefer vacuuming, use a vacuum without a beater bar to avoid damage. For a deeper clean, use a damp mop. Always address spills promptly to prevent damage and maintain the appearance of your flooring..
Do you need underlayment for vinyl plank floors?
Some luxury vinyl floor planks come with an attached underlayment, but if your planks do not, we recommend purchasing one separately. Underlayment provides sound-dampening benefits, protects both your subfloor and flooring, and adds cushioning for greater comfort underfoot. Popular choices for underlayment with vinyl planks include cork and foam.
