Home Renovation Product Spotlight: Luxury Vinyl Flooring
Luxury vinyl flooring has changed the way flooring is done. With the ability to mimic hardwood texture at a fraction of the cost, LVP has become one of the most popular flooring options for home renovation projects. Whether you’re replacing ceramic tile, carpet, or hardwood, luxury vinyl has plenty of designs and options.
If you want to renovate your floors and are considering using luxury vinyl, here are some things you should know.
What is Luxury Vinyl Flooring?
Luxury vinyl flooring is a vinyl compound made of four main layers:
Layer 1: Backing Layer
This layer is the base for all other layers to be laid on top of.
Layer 2: Vinyl Core
The vinyl core is a PVC material that makes up the majority of the flooring. Thicker LVP has a thicker vinyl core.
Layer 3: Decorative Image
The decorative image is a thin, 3-D printed layer, designed to give the floor texture and a desired appearance. This is the layer that can make luxury vinyl flooring look like hardwood or tile.
Layer 4: Wear Layer
The wear layer is a clear finishing layer, that seals in everything below it. This layer is what makes luxury vinyl so durable, and able to last for years to come.¹
Luxury vinyl flooring pieces click together and come in endless colors and designs. Installation is simple and it can be used in any room. If you’re looking for a cost-effective, easy option to update your flooring, luxury vinyl is for you!
What’s the difference between LVP and LVT?
When discussing luxury vinyl flooring, you’ll be met with two acronyms LVP, luxury vinyl planks, and LVT, luxury vinyl tile. The big difference between the two is the shape. Luxury vinyl tile comes in shorter strips to mimic the look of tile, while luxury vinyl planks are longer, mimicking hardwood. There’s really no difference between installing LVP flooring and LVT flooring. Both install the same, with the pieces clicking together.
Benefits of Luxury Vinyl Flooring
So, why has luxury vinyl flooring come to dominate the flooring market? Here are some reasons luxury vinyl flooring is great for your home renovation project!
Easy Installation and Removal
We’ve already mentioned this one, but that’s because it’s one of the best parts! The ease of installing LVP flooring is unmatched. The pieces click-lock together - no nails or glue required! This makes for a straightforward installation, and removal if you decide to change it up later.
Note: There are luxury vinyl floorings that require glue. Make sure to find the floating click-lock style when purchasing!
Waterproof and Durable
Part of what makes luxury vinyl flooring work in any room is its durability. This flooring is scratch resistant, making it a great option if you have kids or pets. You can even put appliances right on top of it, without having to worry about ruining the flooring.
Additionally, the flooring is waterproof, so water damage won’t be an issue. This means you can use it in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms without fear of a spill or leak ruining your entire floor. If you want your home renovation project to hold up for many years to come, luxury vinyl is for you.
Wide Variety of Designs and Colors
The decorative image layer makes LVP flooring incredibly versatile. It can look like hardwood or tile, and it comes in tons of different colors. There are so many options, it’s easy to find something you love!
Very Affordable
While the cost varies, as it does for everything, LVP tends to be more affordable than other flooring options. If you want the appearance of hardwood without the hardwood price tag, LVP is for you.
Feels Better Under your Feet
If you live somewhere with a cold winter, you know the pain that comes with stepping on your kitchen tile in the wintertime. LVT doesn’t get cold like traditional kitchen tiles do, making it a good option if you’re considering replacing ceramic tile.
Colin’s Brand Recommendation
Luxury vinyl flooring has become so popular, there are a bunch of different brands and styles to choose from. If you’re looking for a more specific recommendation when it comes to LVP, we recommend Coreluxe Ultra.
This LVP is thicker than other vinyl floorings, meaning it won’t flop around when you’re working with it. CoreLuxe Ultra cuts with a regular saw just like other LVP and it’s more forgiving on uneven subfloors. If your floors are slightly uneven, CoreLuxe Ultra does a great job of hiding the imperfections.
Examples
Want some examples of how LVP flooring can look in your home renovation? Take a look at some of our past projects!
Photo Story: Cottage Kitchen Design and Remodel
Photo Story: Two Tone Kitchen Design and Remodel
Photo Story: Bathroom Design in Niantic CT
Want to hear Colin and Jimmy talk about this topic? Check out these podcast episodes!
S5E3: July Reddit Special - Home Improvement Questions and Answers
S4E13: A Paint Horror Story | LVT Flooring and HVAC Recommendations
*Information in this article provided by Colin Shaw & Jimmy Driscoll, written in collaboration with Jordan Chenette
References:
“A Paint Horror Story | LVT Flooring and HVAC Recommendations.” Behind the Studs, 1 Nov 2021, https://www.behindthestuds.com/home-improvement-podcast-episodes/paint-horror-story
“July Reddit Special - Home Improvement Questions and Answers.” Behind the Studs, 29 Jul 2022, https://www.behindthestuds.com/home-improvement-podcast-episodes/july-reddit-special
“What Is Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring? LVP and LVT Explained.” Bestlaminate, Bestlaminate.com, 1 Nov. 2018, https://www.bestlaminate.com/help/what-is-luxury-vinyl-plank-flooring/.