For residential applications anything over 5 mil is preferred. When shopping for luxury vinyl planking (LVP) you will come across the thickness of the planks, measured in mil. The trade off is that SPC has less give, doesn’t absorb as much sound and can be difficult to replace. SPC is also harder to scratch or gouge, making it ideal for commercial properties with shopping carts and heavy traffic. SPC, on the other hand is made from a limestone composite material for added strength and durability. While there are WPC planks made for commercial use, it is more common in residential applications. WPC is softer when you walk on it, is less durable to constant, heavy use and doesn’t do well under a lot of stress.
The newer type is known as stone plastic composite (SPC). The most common is called WPC or wood-plastic composite. This is the base material inside the plank that gives it rigidity, strength and durability. Vinyl flooring comes with a variety of core types. Since LVP is a synthetic material, lower quality brands may have some off-gassing for a few days after being opened.Ĭonsiderations When Buying Vinyl Plank Flooringīefore you head out and purchase the next vinyl plank floor that you see, there are several things you need to think about.īelow, I cover the various features and options that are worthy of consideration before buying. This is most notable in mattresses and furniture with memory foam. Off-gassing is the release of built-up fumes and odors. If there is excessive damage, the ruined planks will need to be removed and replaced. It isn’t designed to be sanded, treated or patched. Only natural hardwood floors will increase a home’s resale value, though LVP won’t hurt the value, either. Like most other flooring options, LVP will not raise the resale value of your home. Just understand that most commercial installs will have a limited or lower warranty coverage. This allows you to find the perfect solution for both residential and commercial applications. LVP comes in various ratings and thicknesses. LVP has come a long way in recent years and you can now select from hundreds of colors and styles, including wood-look, stone-look, solid and multi colored boards. While damage can happen, LVP is resilient to staining, gouges and damage from normal wear and tear. Keeping material costs low will help save on the overall project. If you purchase a good quality plank, you won’t need much else in terms of underlayments, moisture barriers or adhesives. With the click-in-place and tongue and groove boards, LVP is one of the easiest floor systems to install. This makes them ideal for installing in wet areas, including bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms. Almost all mid-range and top-tier LVP products are waterproof. Let’s dive into both and let you decide which ones make or break your purchase decision.[ LVP Advantages However, while there are a host of advantages, there are also downsides. Luxury vinyl planks are among the most popular and well reviewed flooring options available. With thousands of reviews and millions of installs, it is an interesting option. COREtec is one of the most popular LVP brands in the market. One of the highest quality flooring options, Karndean brings elegance and beauty to any LVP option. LifeProof is a Home Depot exclusive that offers a highly affordable LVP with decent durability and selection. Armstrong floors specialize in durable, beautiful planks that are affordable and reliable. Shaw is arguably the best flooring company in many categories. These brands bring you the best of both worlds, and are the ones we recommend in 2023.
When it comes to vinyl planks, it can be a fine line between money savings and higher-quality. Best Vinyl Floor Brands – Final Thoughts.Review: Best Vinyl Plank Flooring Brands.Considerations When Buying Vinyl Plank Flooring.