What Is Vinyl Plank Flooring?
Perhaps you've seen high-end marble or charming maple hardwood in your best friend's home and were surprised to learn they were really luxury vinyl planks. You wouldn't be the first! The latest flooring technology allows manufacturers to create realistic-looking reproductions of gorgeous hardwood, stone, and other natural elements using a multi-layered design.
How does this man-made flooring look just like natural materials? The basic structure of vinyl plank floors is pretty straightforward, beginning with a backing layer. This rigid vinyl is one of two options:
- Stone plastic composite (SPC) - Stone and plastic combined to make a sturdier, denser core
- Wood plastic composite (WPC) - Made of plastic and wood that forms a thick, dense core
A photo design layer covers the core, creating the hardwood, stone, or another look you choose. A clear layer protects the image and a final top layer acts as a plank shield, fending off scratches and scuffs for years to come.
Pros and Cons of Vinyl Plank Flooring
Though you're excited about the prospect of plank vinyl flooring underfoot soon, you want to be sure you consider all aspects to make sure it’s the right fit for your lifestyle.
On the plus side, vinyl plank floors are:
- Resilient to foot traffic and moisture
- Low maintenance
- Great options for every room of your house
- Perfect for families with pets since they don't scratch easily
When it comes to the downside of vinyl flooring planks, the main concern is its lifespan, which can be shorter than more costly natural options, like stone, hardwood, and tile. That said, it depends on the quality. For example, high-quality luxury vinyl can outlast a lower-quality tile.
Durability of Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring
Vinyl plank flooring's popularity has a lot to do with its engineered strength and water resistance. The resilient core construction gives you comfort underfoot while taking the work of protecting your floors off your shoulders. So you've got no need to stress about how your floors will handle your busy holiday season hosting family gatherings and neighborhood parties. The top layer helps resist scratches and scuffs, plus it provides protection from moisture and humidity.
Appearance
Are you finally taking the plunge and adding a touch of drama to your home with a bold floor? Or maybe you want to find a light-hued plank option to brighten your space? Whatever your vision, you're bound to find it in a strong, budget-friendly vinyl. This composite flooring can resemble natural aesthetics, like creamy oak hardwood, luxurious white marble, or cool grey slate, just as well as solid colors or traditional patterns.
Vinyl Plank vs. Laminate Flooring
Curious about the differences between vinyl and laminate? They're pretty similar, actually. Both flooring options are affordable and can easily resemble natural materials like stone, marble, and hardwood. When it comes to installation, though, your professional installer will have a much easier time cutting vinyl. This can make for a quicker and more efficient installation, so you can begin living on your stunning new floors even sooner.
Vinyl Plank Flooring vs. Hardwood
If you're looking for wood vinyl flooring, you won't find it, but there is something worth exploring. Wood-look vinyl flooring can easily be mistaken as genuine hardwood based on its image layer, which uses digital technology to deliver the texture, color, and grain patterns of real hardwood. Plus, your busy household filled with kids and pets will benefit from this man-made material because it's waterproof!
Solid hardwood flooring, on the other hand, doesn't hold up to moisture very well. Though wood planks can withstand a little spill that's quickly cleaned up, they can't handle long-term humidity. Plus, hardwood floors will take a bigger chunk out of your budget than resilient vinyl.
Maintenance
When it comes to your luxury vinyl plank flooring, you won't have to worry about hours of prep time before your guests arrive for the holidays. Plus, keeping it well maintained will help it wear better and last longer. So what kind of maintenance does it require? You'll want to sweep regularly and use a damp mop on occasion. Your best bet is to follow the manufacturer's care instructions.
Lifespan and Installation
Perhaps one of the best parts of investing in luxury vinyl flooring is that once you’ve committed to new flooring for your home, you won’t have to worry about going through it all again anytime soon! Installing vinyl plank flooring in your home can result in many years of beautiful floors, but its actual longevity will be largely dependent on a few factors that you can help with. They include:
- How it's installed
- Quality of the materials used, including the vinyl itself
- Thickness of the wear layer you choose
- Whether you follow the product's care instructions provided by the manufacturer
- How much wear and tear your new floor receives over time
Your local Flooring America expert can help you find the best long-lasting vinyl plank floor for your family's lifestyle and activity level. Plus, you'll want warranty protection that ensures you have peace of mind for the lifetime of your new investment.
Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring FAQs
- Are vinyl plank floors scratch resistant? Yes! Vinyl plank flooring is incredibly scratch resistant, making it one of the best floors you can have in a pet-friendly home! This resilience is due to its composite core.
- What are the most popular color choices for vinyl plank flooring? Many homeowners install vinyl flooring planks in neutral colors because they easily accentuate any style of decor. They can also open up a dark or small space, especially if they're in a lighter hue.
- Is luxury vinyl flooring good for kitchens? Yes, absolutely! Luxury vinyl plank flooring in kitchens is a smart selection since it's durable, waterproof, and outfitted with a scratch-proof top layer.
- How long will vinyl plank flooring last? You can expect a decade or more from your plank vinyl flooring, though it will ultimately depend on a few variables. Installation, maintenance, and whether you follow the manufacturer's guidance are just a few factors that influence lifespan.
- Is luxury vinyl flooring good for bathrooms? Yes, plank vinyl flooring works beautifully in bathrooms! Not only can you have elegant stone-look flooring or wood vinyl flooring but you can also benefit from vinyl's waterproof composition. No damaged floors after your teenager leaves wet towels on the floor or spills bath water every other night.
- Is vinyl plank flooring waterproof? Yes! Vinyl flooring planks resist water, which is a big reason for its popularity in today's homes. You can install luxury vinyl plank flooring in bathrooms, kitchens, the basement, and any other area susceptible to high moisture levels.
