Everything to Know About Luxury Vinyl Planks (LVP)
What flooring is child proof, pet proof and waterproof? Vinyl! Vinyl has come a long way from what used to be installed in your grandparents’ home. LVP (Luxury Vinyl Planks) is designed to resemble natural hardwood. It comes in strips, which can be installed in any room, including wet or damp rooms. LVP flooring is extremely durable and is a good choice for homes with children, pets, high moisture, and high traffic spaces. It is extremely resistant to damage and will not have to be refinished over time like traditional hardwoods.
Plank Vinyl flooring is made up of a resilient hard surface with a waterproof core, finished with a clear, protective urethane top layer. Vinyl plank flooring is still plastic, and that means it's not the greenest choice. Unlike wood, vinyl is not a renewable resource and though long-lived, lasting up to 20 years, eventually it will end up in the landfill.
Since vinyl plank imitates hardwood, you’re sure to find a version that matches the rest of your home’s decor. You can find this product in several styles, each mimicking a specific type of wood, from oak to hickory and beyond. Vinyl plank can be installed directly on top of your subfloor, making the process quick, cost-effective, and easy (given that the subfloor is in good condition). Vinyl planking doesn’t require extensive knowledge to install, making it budget-friendly choice for renovators who want the look of hardwood without the challenging installation and cost.
Unlike hardwood, vinyl does not add much resale value to your house. So, if you’re renovating in order to increase the value of your home, vinyl may not be the best option, but it is a great choice for those looking to increase the visual appeal of your home without investing in hard wood floors.
Pros & Cons of Luxury Vinyl Planks (LVP)
Phyllis Bridges, Design Center Coordinator for Royal Homes of North Carolina. Studied interior design at High Point University, has been a freelancer designer for 20yrs and loves residential interior design and working with bright colors.