Last Updated on December 2, 2021 by Kimberly Crawford
Updating your home with a brand new look is every homeowner’s dream. But this dream can also be a nightmare because finding the perfect flooring solution isn’t easy. Well, someone may say that there are many options available in the market. But will any of them work for your home? What about your budget? Can you afford to buy the floor and cater to the installation costs?
When thinking of a perfect flooring solution for your house, you probably want a combination of cheap and durable. Well, you can find all these in Vinyl flooring. Thanks to their benefits, vinyl flooring is taking the market by storm. It looks like everyone is out searching for this flooring solution, thanks to their amazing characteristics.
But before you join the rest, you must understand that every flooring solution you choose comes with its share of benefits and drawbacks. Vinyl is not an exception. So, you need to understand everything about vinyl before installing it in your house. Check the prices, durability, installation costs, and their unique features. Luckily, you don’t have to go anywhere to do the research as this article has all the information you need.
What is Vinyl Plank Flooring?
If you’ve always loved wood floors but for one reason or another can’t use them, vinyl plank flooring is a great alternative. And yes, these kinds of floors have unique designs that make them look exactly like a hardwood floor. But they have a great advantage as compared to hardwood or other flooring solutions. The planks look exactly like wood but differ in terms of cost, durability, and waterproof nature.
Vinyl plank floors are popular for their affordability and family-friendly nature. The floors are extremely easy to install. You need to look for something that will help you renovate your home without costing a lot to buy and still save you the installation costs. And you have that answer in vinyl plank flooring.
The products come in a variety of designs and styles to provide you with perfect home décor. Since everyone has a certain wood type that they love, you can corporate your favorite hardwood design into vinyl. The outcome will be a perfect flooring solution that you’ve desired for a long time.
Are you wondering how this is possible? Well, vinyl comes in strips made to mimic different types of hardwood. If you want oak wood style, you’ll get that incorporated into your vinyl floor. Make sure you shop around and find a design that will go with your home décor and match the preferences of your entire family.
What Is a Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)?
Since the introduction of vinyl planks in the market, the manufacturers have continued to come up with amazing designs and technological improvements. Some look so real that you’ll think they’re real wood. Those that look real are probably the luxury ones.
Luxury Vinyl planks, also known as LVP, are individual vinyl pieces that look so real you’ll confuse them with real hardwood. They come in both waterproof and water-resistant, depending on the brand.
Don’t be confused between waterproof and water-resistant vinyl. You already know that LVP comes in different forms and grades. Well, the cheap ones are water-resistant, and the more expensive ones are waterproof. Be very careful when purchasing these, as other crooks can sell you the cheaper grades at the price of waterproof ones.
One thing homeowners love about LVP is its great look and durability. They’re also very easy to install. You can use a DIY project and save installation costs. They resist moisture and are kids and pet-friendly.
Related: Laminate vs Hardwood
What Is Vinyl Plank Flooring Made of?
Vinyl planks are specifically crafted using vinyl to resemble a specific type of hardwood. The process of making this flooring material involves meting polyvinyl chloride resins (PVC) with a synthetic material. The melted materials are then combined with other compounds such as stabilizers, calcium carbonate, fungicides, and plasticizers. These additional compounds make the end product more durable and resilient.
But this is not enough to make vinyl flooring. The material goes through further pressing to form multiple layers of planks. These planks come in different layers. The first is the backing layer made to prevent moisture from seeping into the subfloor below it. Therefore, it’s waterproof or water-resistant. Another layer is the core that makes the bulk of the vinyl plant. This consists of strong and durable material.
Onto the core stands a high-resolution digital image. This can be wood, stone, or tile. This is what makes vinyl mimic the look of hardwood or stone flooring types. Lastly, there is a layer on top of the plant. This is a transparent layer that allows you to see underneath. This layer is scratch and stain resistant that protects vinyl plank from damage. It also makes the floor easier to maintain. This layer can fade with time.
Vinyl Plank & Tile Flooring Pros
The Visual Appeal
Vinyl plank and tile flooring give homes a touch of class, elegance, and portray a unique personality. These flooring solutions have undergone massive improvements over the years, with one of the aims being to make them even more attractive. Thanks to technology, floors now feature HD technology that takes hardwood or stone photos to make luxury vinyl products.
You can get your vinyl flooring solution in any kind of wood of your choice. Whether you want cherry, maple, oak, or hickory, you have it all. The beauty is not only in the exterior. The planks are also beautifully shaped, appearing exactly like hardwood planks. You have the freedom to choose different textures, colors, and styles.
Ease of Installation
Thanks to constant improvements, vinyl floors go so well with DIY projects. You’ll not need to do any sawing or hammering during installation. Other luxury brands come with self-adhesive, which you just place in the sub-floor, and it sticks. There are also click clock vinyl, which is the easiest to install as they need no glues, solvents, or chemicals to stick.
You’ll only need a day, depending on your floor size, to finish the installation process. Installing it yourself saves you a lot of money as you won’t need to pay a professional to do it.
Easy to Maintain
The upper layer of vinyl makes them stain resistant, making cleanup easy. You only need to sweep to remove dust and mob for dirt and spills. This is great for those who suffer from allergies, as allergens on the floor are easy to eliminate. They don’t linger around like the case with carpet floors. Mopping your vinyl gives it a beautiful look, but you don’t have to do it daily unless in high traffic areas.
Waterproof
One of the worst nightmares of homeowners is molds and mildew in the house. If you live in wet areas, vinyl floors should be your ideal material. Install vinyl in wet prone areas like kitchen, bathroom, and basement, and you’ll never have to deal with moisture issues.
Thanks to their water-resistant nature, vinyl floors do not absorb water quickly. This feature also contributes to the durability of the materials.
Vinyl is Affordable
Despite their versatility, durability, and flexibility, you can still get these flooring solutions at very affordable prices. Vinyl has become a great flooring option for those who love hardwood. They offer the same look, elegance, and stun of hardwood, but they’re more cost-effective. The prices for luxury vinyl will depend on the type you get.
If you’re willing to pay more, you can get additional features such as durability, variety of designs, and added cushion.
Family-Friendly
If you have a big family comprised of pets and children, vinyl will be the best option. One of the reasons why it’s family-friendly is because it’s easy to maintain. They come with a non-slip feature ideal for homes with kids who’re protected from falls. It’s anti-static and slip-resistant makes them ideal for bathrooms.
Vinyl Plank & Tile Flooring Cons
Non-Recyclable
One big disadvantage of vinyl floors is that you cannot recycle them. The synthetic material used to make vinyl is non-biodegradable and hard to reuse. Finding manufacturers with programs that recycle vinyl flooring is not easy. This means old vinyl ends up in landfills and pollutes the environment.
But you can avoid this by going for environmentally friendly vinyl planks. These ones are not made with dangerous chemicals and can be recycled. But overall, recycling is not easy, and you might want to consider a different flooring alternative if you’re environmentally cautious.
Fading and Denting
Fading is common with vinyl flooring, especially when exposed to direct sunlight. This makes vinyl planks a bad idea for outdoor surfaces. But you can prolong their beautiful look by using rugs and blinds to block excess sunlight. Avoid mats with rubber material as they can also cause the floor to discolor. Also, consider moving furniture often to maintain color consistency.
Vinyl is Hard to Remove
While the vinyl installation process is very easy, but removing them is another story. If you’re dealing with those that do not have click lock installation, you’ll be in for quite a task. Glued planks will take a lot of work to remove.
Health Risks
Vinyl is a less regulated flooring method, and as a result, manufacturers pay no attention to health issues. Vinyl is known to release some gases called the VOC’s which is a major indoor air pollutant. These gases can cause respiratory issues and not good for homes that have people with allergies.
When buying vinyl, consider those with low VOC. But if you have no allergies, you can ensure the smell for a few days as the gases will disappear after a while.
Vinyl Types Vary in Quality
Luxury vinyl varies in qualities even if you buy from top-rated brands. You can determine the quality of vinyl if you focus on its thickness and other characteristics. Ask the sellers about different qualities to help you choose.
Where and How to Find High-Quality Vinyl Planks
Because vinyl varies in quality but almost look the same from a distance, shopping for the best can be overwhelming. While there is no sure way to tell quality ones from inferior vinyl, there are ways to help you get the best quality. You can differentiate quality ones from inferior ones by looking at the core, thickness, visual layer, wear layer, and register embossing.
Before heading out to buy your long-desired vinyl, you must understand the ideal features you want to have. Apart from the water and scratch-resistant layer, you look for manufacturers that add an extra layer of protection. This way, you got to ensure your vinyl floor lasts long enough.
Look for high-quality material with a thicker wear layer. For a busy household, consider 20 millimeter vinyl or higher. For not so busy spots in the house, you can do about 12 millimeter vinyl layer.
The topcoat material for your vinyl also matters a lot. This is what’s going to protect your floor from stains and scratches, and the hardest and clearest coat will work best for you.
Before buying, make sure you check the safety labels. They must be compliant and certified with the relevant authority. Don’t forget the warranty on your floor. Quality floors come with residential warranties of 20 years or more. The wear layer alone should have at least ten years warranty.
Finally, don’t just buy vinyl for the sake of it. Looking for a reputable brand is paramount if you want something useful. Going for trusted brands ensures quality and a good warranty. With that in mind, let’s head to the reviews of some of the best vinyl brands in the market.
Vinyl Plank Flooring Brands & Reviews
NuCore
An exclusive brand from Floor & Décor with the name NuCore tops our list. This wonderful vinyl floor type is made with exceptional durability making it ideal for home areas that experience a lot of foot traffic. The vinyl also stands out when it comes to its waterproof nature. This brand is made to offer 10% waterproof.
NuCore vinyl comes with models with grain wood finish that mimic the real hardwood. They are made with a wonderful design with overlay cork that’s hypoallergenic. If you love walking barefoot in the house, you’ll love NuCore. The floor is soft enough on foot, absorbs sound, and warm in cold climates.
NuCore also leads in its simplicity and ease of maintenance. The floor only requires simple sweeping and mopping to give you a sparkling look. If you have pets and children who regularly scratch and stain the floor, you’ll never regret getting NuCore. This vinyl floor brand gives homeowners a lifetime warranty. For commercial use, you get a 15 years warranty.
Shaw
Shaw is another reliable vinyl brand that is very pricey, but worth every penny. You can never regret purchasing it at a high price because it offers complete value. Shaw is high-quality, durable, waterproof, and feature a lifetime warranty. Shaw features a wide variety of products mostly sourced from the USA.
The company uses cutting-edge technology to come up with incredible realistic texture floors. Their designs are complete works of nature with styles that are beautiful from all angles. They offer a variety of modern choices for homeowners looking for beauty and durability all in one.
Shaw manufactures its luxury vinyl floors in different lines. These are Daratru, Floorte, and Floorte Pro. Each line features various designs and color species, so you can choose whatever matches your home style. Their quality is based on thickness, and their flooring lines go up to 5 mm. The wear layer goes up to 20mil thick.
Menards
Do you want to give your home a brand new look? Buy Menards to get beautiful designs, styles, and color variations that are sure to offer value. If you’re a large family, Menards will blend well in your home. This is because the brand produces flooring solutions that are durable enough to withstand daily traffic. Their beautiful wood designs are sure to match any home décor.
The brand also stands out for its ease of installation and maintenance. Menards come in no glue, no mess angle click system that makes the work easy, simple, and fast. Despite its ease of installation, make sure you get a professional to do it for you. This will help in case you need to use the warranty. They’re perfect for any room in your house, thanks to their waterproof nature and ease of maintenance.
Cali Bamboo
When you hear the name Cali Bamboo, don’t think their floors must look like bamboo. They still look like traditional hardwoods, just like other brands. Cali Bamboo makes two renowned brands called the Vinyl Pro and Vinyl Plus. Both are perfect for any floor type and offer excellent durability, affordability, and ease of maintenance.
Cali Bamboo brings to the market vinyl floors with superior thermal insulation and sound-reduction technology. All these make the bamboo vinyl floors one of a kind. This means you won’t experience any cold feet during winter and will stay comfortable in summer.
The floors are perfect for both residential and commercial use. You can install them in yoga studios, gyms, and daycare facilities and won’t have any problem with maintenance.
Armstrong
Armstrong is a renowned manufacturer when it comes to floor coverings. Their widely recognized vinyl floor line is the Luxe Plank. Making your purchase at Armstrong is one of the best decisions you can ever make as they have a large selection of luxury vinyl planks. They also split their floor selections into three qualities ranging from Good, Better, and Best.
Their floors are extremely easy to install as they use a self-stick adhesive called FasTak to join the boards. Unlike other adhesives, FasTak a lower tack and pressure-sensitive adhesive that you can reposition many times until you get the desired angle. They also use the famous click-and-lock function.
Armstrong prices can be categorized as mid-range. They’re not too expensive, and neither are they cheap. Their warranties don’t extend much, but you still won’t go wrong with this brand. If you buy Armstrong, you buy affordable and durable vinyl.
LifeProof
LifeProof is a product of a well-known and trust brand called Home Depot. The beautiful flooring solutions were formally known as Allure. Although they changed the name, Lifeproof continues to command the market. You get to choose different selections of plank widths. The floors are customized to resemble some of the best woods, including oak, pine, and hickory.
They make the perfect vinyl for a busy home. Their LVP is resistant to water and can withstand scratching and heavy traffic. If you’re looking for a flooring solution that goes well for high traffic areas, this is your ideal flow. LifeProof presents several styles and colors to choose from depending on your preferences. They feature a rigid PVC core, which is 100% waterproof.
If you’re running a commercial place that can afford some high-budget flooring, LifeProof makes a perfect selection. Their think planks are sure to get the job done perfectly. They’re easy to maintain and sure to create stunning floors for both home and commercial use.
Mannington
For a company that has been in business for more than 100 years, you expect nothing less than perfect quality. And Mannington stands up to that by offering some of the best vinyl flooring solutions in the market. The company takes pride in design and innovation. They’ve made a name for themselves with allergy-friendly, environmentally safe, and noise-reducing flooring solutions.
Apart from making some of the best floors, Mannington is also known for excellent customer service. This is evident from their online reviews that say nothing but praises about the company. If you go there with no idea of what you want, you’re assured that you will get out with the best products.
If you have a home full of kids and pets, get Mannington. This is because the planks can withstand staining and scratching. They’re easy to clean and maintain as well. When it comes to pricing, Mannington can be categorized as an industry average. At affordable prices, Mannington still guarantees high-quality vinyl flooring solutions.
Karndean
Karndean is also a brand that has managed to create a name for itself thanks to its high-quality LVP and environmentally conscious flooring solutions. Karndean is a perfect definition of luxury when it comes to floors for both commercial and home use. They produce 100% waterproof vinyl floors ideal for kitchen and bathroom use. Their floors are available in a range of styles with beautiful wood and stone effect.
One thing that makes Karndean unique is that they offer rare and elusive loose planks. The floors are very easy to install as they come with resilient rubber backing. You won’t need to go through the trouble of interlocking planks or to fit the pieces together. The rubber backing makes it easy to install as they prevent the planks from moving, bowing, or shifting during installation.
If you don’t mind playing with premium prices, Karndean should be your ideal flooring solution. This is because they come with a lifetime warranty that isn’t pro-rated. This covers you from any damages within the normal wear and tear. But you must get professionals to install these floors for the warranty to take effect.
Mohawk
Mohawk is an excellent LVP flooring choice for a family with children and pets. Well, this is for the obvious reason that the planks are easy to care for and resistant to scratches. What’s more, they’re water-resistant and can work well in water prone areas of the house.
For a company that has been in the market since 1978, you expect them to have undergone many changes across the years to provide you with the best. And as you expect, Mohawk doesn’t disappoint. One notable thing is that their planks are made in accordance with sustainability guidelines by the United Nations.
If you have children, you’ll appreciate Mohawk for their ease of maintenance but also their warmth and softness. Mohawk has a reputation for creating high-quality vinyl at very affordable costs. Mohawk boasts of a large following from customers who’re satisfied with their flooring solutions. Their responsive customer service makes their biggest pride.
COREtec
COREtec is known to provide its customers with vinyl flooring solutions that look more realistic than other brands in the market. They make high-quality floors with huge considerations on health and environmental issues. They’re known as the leading producer of sustainable and eco-friendly floors all over the US.
At a glance, you’ll confuse COREtec for real engineered hardwood thanks to the striking resemblance. They do a better job than any other brand when it comes to making floors that look more like hardwood. The secret behind this is that they use texture and real graining for their products.
COREtec also boasts of a patented construction method that has worked to make their LVP durable and very attractive. Their 20mil wear layer offers perfect protection against high traffic. This has made the floors ideal for high traffic areas, including commercial premises. You can install COREtec in wet rooms such as bathrooms and basements thanks to their waterproof nature.
Installation Cost
There is no definite answer to the vinyl installation cost. The prices vary with location, type, material, finish grade, preparation, surface area, among many factors. When buying vinyl floors, you don’t only consider the price of the material but also the installation. Well, you must find the best deals.
Whether you’re installing planks or tiles, the costs will be the same because they take the same style. Well, both types can take a DIY installation process. But you have to consider your warranty terms if you choose to go the DIY route.
Other factors that affect vinyl installation pricing are features such as rigid core or waterproof nature. The costs may also vary with the thickness of your flooring wear layer and that of the planks. With thicker layers, you’ll have to pay more for the installation costs.
You’ll pay more to install new vinyl flooring than to upgrade an existing one. Some brands may be more expensive to install than others. Talk to your installers to give you a complete quote after considering all the mentioned factors.
Additional Costs
Apart from the initial installation costs, there are other things you’ll pay to have your floor ready for use. For perfect installation work, you might need to do some floor molding. The molding process keeps your floor looking sharp. The costs for this will depend on the size of your room and the molding type.
Another cost factor to consider is the underlayment. Most luxury vinyls come attached with underlayment. If they don’t, you might want to purchase one for your flooring. That adds up to your vinyl installation costs. Ask your professional installation guys if you’ll need an underlayment.
You might also need to buy a vapor barrier if you’re installing vinyl in damp or humid areas. This extra layer will help protect your floor from mold and mildew hence prolonging its lifespan.
Finally, you might need to pay more for the removal of your existing floor. Whether it’s an old vinyl type or a different flooring type, the removal costs may vary. You might also pay for transport and non-hazardous dumping fees for the removed flooring.
If you prefer to install your vinyl flooring yourself, you might save on the installation costs. However, that doesn’t mean you won’t spend a penny because you must buy some installation tools. Checkout different tools required for vinyl installation and compare that will what professionals are charging.
Vinyl Plank Flooring Installation
Which direction to install vinyl plank flooring?
There are no laid down rules that dictate the direction in which your vinyl planks should take when installing. But to bring out the designs perfectly and have a good finish, following some directions may be necessary. Here are some direction suggestions when installing vinyl.
- The shape of the room: Because your vinyl planks need to run parallel to the longest wall, you must pay attention to the shape of the room. This installation direction is perfect for small rooms as it makes them appear bigger and wider.
- Follow the light: Your planks will blend well with your house if you follow the direction of the natural light. This direction mostly works well for people with big spaces. If you have space limitations, consider other direction guides.
- Use your entrance: Your most used entrance provides a perfect direction for installing vinyl flooring. Following your main entrance outwards elongates the house and makes it appears bigger.
- What do you prefer? Your personal preference also helps you decide which direction your planks should take. While this can go against design norms, there is no better feeling than fulfilling your desires. Choose something that will make you happy and satisfied.
Is It Better to Glue or Float Vinyl Plank Flooring?
Glued down vinyl installation is the use of adhesive to stick the planks to the base. Adhesive ensures the floors remain stable and maintain their natural characteristics. Floating, on the other hand, requires no adhesive to install. It can be installed directly over a subfloor, or you can use a vapor barrier.
Both installation techniques have their benefits and drawbacks. They’re both easy to install, maintain, and are waterproof. Choosing one from the other is not easy. But there are a few things that should guide you.
The Cost
Which one is more affordable between glued down and floating vinyl installation? Glue down vinyl plank flooring installation costs less than floating vinyl plank flooring installation. However, the process can be a challenge if you’re doing it yourself. The adhesive in the glue can become messy and difficult to use. You’ll need the help of a professional if you have no experience with these.
Floating vinyl installation is easier and perfect for a DIY. When choosing one, consider both the material and installation costs. You still need professional help if you’re doing it for the first time.
The Rooms
Deciding whether to use glue down or floating method for installation also takes into consideration the room characteristic. Floating vinyl makes a perfect choice for several rooms, including the kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom. This is because they’re the most waterproof and durable.
If you’re dealing with larger rooms, you might want something stable and consistent. Glue down will be your ideal option here. The glues adhere to the sub-floor making it less likely to lift.
Durability
If you’re dealing with high traffic areas, glue down installation works best. They reduce the roll and lift of floors caused by heavy traffic. They can also withstand frequent carts and furniture rolling over the floor. Both glue down and floating installation can resist dent and scratches. They’re strong enough to hold on to heavy furnishings and stand the test of time.
Glue down Installation Tips
- Prepare the floor for the installation and make sure the surface is flat and free from debris
- Use a floor scraper, belt sander, o a floor grinder to make sure you have no high points
- You can use a paint-on primer before installation to make sure the adhesive sticks effectively
- Do moisture testing to ensure the humidity levels are within the acceptable range
- Stick to the manufacturer’s installation instructions
Floating Installation Tips
- Prepare all the needed tools, including protective equipment like gloves
- Sand the high spots to level the floor
- Fill the low spots to make your floor smooth and easy to work on
- Trim all the jambs and casing so you can easily slide the flooring underneath
- Figure out the direction in which the planks need to run
- Lay your vinyl planks using the floating vinyl flooring style
Hire a Pro
Installing vinyl floors all by yourself gives you some sense of pride. But do you have the experience and expertise to do it perfectly? Do you have enough time to focus on your flooring work? Hiring a professional to install your vinyl flooring will work better than doing it yourself in most circumstances. Some flooring can be so complicated that only a professional can do the work.
It’s recommended to find a certified installer to do your vinyl flooring installation work. This way, you’ll be guaranteed efficiency and perfect work. With a professionally installed floor, you can relax and enjoy your beautiful flooring for many years. Not to mention that most warranties will only cover you if you get professional flooring installation.
Cleaning Tips
While most vinyl flooring solutions are made to serve for more than 20 years, the longer it lasts depends on how well you take care of it. Here are some cleaning tips to ensure vinyl serves you longer.
Protect it From Dirt
The first step to caring for your beautiful floors is to keep dirt at bay. Well, stopping your floor from getting dirty all together is not easy, but you can at least minimize the dirt. One way to do this is by using doormats that keep tiny particles and rocks away from your floor. Ensure all your family members take off shoes before entering the house and use furniture pads to prevent dents and scratches.
Clean Spills Immediately
Spills are common, especially in a house with children. However, you must ensure the spills don’t stay there longer. Make sure you clean them as soon as possible. If you leave spills and messes to stay on the floor for long, it will get stuck-on stains, which will take a lot of time and money to clean. You might also need to scrub them harder, leading to scratches.
Sweep Frequently
Even when there are no visible signs of dust and debris on your floor, you should adopt the habit of sweeping you often. Sweeping keeps away any particles that you’d not see easily and keeps your floor in good shape. This is also a good way to stay away from dust particles that cause allergies and other breathing problems. Make sure you use a soft broom every time you sweep.
Get the Right Cleanser for Your Floor
When cleaning your vinyl flooring, never get tempted to use harsh cleaners no matter how dirty the floor looks. Always clean your floor using mild cleaning methods and solutions. If it has stubborn stains, use a damp mop with hot water. You can also find a specific soap designed for your vinyl flooring type to clean dirt.
Rinse Well
If you use soap to clean your floor, make sure you rinse well to remove all the foam. If not well rinsed, soap can leave behind a film that collects more dirt. To rinse, damp a clean mob with clean water and use it to mop your floor. You can use two mops. One specifically for mopping and another for rinsing after you clean.
Repairing Tips
No matter how well you take care of your vinyl flooring, damages are inevitable. You’re going to have to deal with dents and scratches sometimes, and urgent repair work is necessary.
Your vinyl flooring can suffer different kinds of damages. You need to understand what you’re dealing with before getting to work. How you repair your floor will depend on the kind of damage you have there. Here are tips you need to adopt when repairing your vinyl.
- If you’re dealing with damaged tiles, you can simply replace the marred tiles
- If you have small cuts and scratches on your planks, fuse with liquid seam sealer
- Clean the damaged area with a soft cloth, deep in a thinner, then squeeze the sealer
- Cut out the damaged area if you’re dealing with burns or tears on your floor
- You need an extra piece of identical flooring and a double cutting process to repair the damage
FAQs About Vinyl Plank Flooring
What is better laminate or vinyl plank flooring?
Laminate floors are known to offer beauty, comfortable underfoot, and affordability. Vinyl flooring solutions are perfect for those who need water-resistant and durable floors. Both floorings have similarities such as ease of installation, eco-friendliness, and are easy to maintain. The choice largely depends on your preferences and the rooms you need to use the floors for.
Related: Vinyl plank vs laminate flooring
What goes under vinyl plank flooring?
An underlayment usually goes under vinyl plank flooring. Most of the time, an underlayment acts as compensation for a subfloor that’s not in good shape. This means that if the floor is in good condition and appears smooth enough, nothing needs to go under the planks. Otherwise, an underlayment is necessary for moisture prevention and providing extra cushion.
What is the best vinyl plank flooring?
LVP makes the people’s favorite vinyl flooring type because of its high-quality construction and wood-like looks. They also provide comfort underfoot, enabling you to stay warm during winter and comfortable in summer. LVP comes in different layers, including the core, waterproof, and scratch and stain-resistant layer. They’re perfect for homes with kids and pets.
How long does vinyl flooring last?
Another thing that people love about vinyl flooring is its long-lasting nature. Depending on the quality and layer, vinyl can go up to 20 years. They also come with an extensive warranty to cover you against everyday wear and tear. Of course, good care and maintenance are necessary for the floor to last long enough.
Do you need underlayment for vinyl plank flooring?
Luxury vinyl planks do not need an underlayment. These are already softer flooring solutions, and adding an underlayment can mean too much cushion. Too much cushioning can cause denting and possible wear and tear before the flooring can be of service. If you must, go for dense underlayment.
Is vinyl plank flooring better than laminate?
Both laminate and vinyl are great flooring options. However, LVP is a perfect choice for homes with large families. They can withstand high traffic, stains, and scratches from children and pets. LVP is also a popular choice, thanks to its durability and multiple styles. When choosing a flooring solution for residential areas, vinyl is a better alternative than laminate.
Is vinyl plank flooring good for uneven floors?
Vinyl is a great material choice for uneven floors, thanks to its stability. The only requirement for installing vinyl is to ensure the floor is flat. Leveling is not important. If you’re using glue-down vinyl planks, a paint-on primer can make the adhesive stick better.
What happens if water gets under vinyl plank flooring?
Moisture underneath your vinyl planks is something you wouldn’t want. This will automatically cause problems. The planks themselves are made waterproof and won’t get affected by moisture. However, water underneath the planks weakens glue bonds causing them to lift and cause bubbles to form. If not addressed on time, this can result in mold and mildew growth.
Conclusion
If you imagine how beautiful hardwood will look good in your house but can’t do it because of the cost, now you have an alternative. Don’t let your desire to own a hardwood flooring become just a dream. You can get something very similar at an affordable price. That something is none other than vinyl.
Gone are the days when vinyl flooring looked like fake wood. Thanks to technology, you can no longer differentiate real hardwood floorings from vinyl ones. Manufacturers have stepped up to ensure customers get beautiful designs, colors, and styles that suit their tastes and preferences.
There are many brands coming with beautiful designs to choose from. It doesn’t matter the size of your pocket as you can choose different qualities. What’s more, each brand comes with different warranties, with some being lifetime. The warranties also depend on whether you want to install vinyl on residential or commercial premises.
Vinyl is indeed a wonderful flooring solution for homeowners. It doesn’t choose the type of family as it blends well in homes with pets and children. Before you buy your vinyl planks, take time to go through all the features, characteristics, pros, and cons. All these will help you make an informed choice.