Luxury vinyl plank flooring pros and cons are worth considering as you search for the perfect flooring for your space. This versatile option has gained popularity for its durability, affordability, and stylish appearance, but it’s not without its trade-offs. Let’s dive into what makes LVP a standout choice and the factors to keep in mind as you shop.
What is LVP Flooring?
Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring, also known as LVP flooring, is a synthetic flooring that consists of multiple layers. The three main layers in LVP are the core, the print layer, and the wear layer. The thickest layer is the core, which provides structural stability. The print layer mimics the look of wood, stone, or tile flooring. The wear layer, which is often made of Polyurethane, protects the print layer from stains and scratches. The construction of LVP makes it a durable, versatile, and stylish choice for your home.
If you’ve already heard of Luxury Vinyl Tile flooring, you may be wondering what the differences are in LVT vs LVP flooring. These abbreviations are often used interchangeably, since both LVT and LVP are constructed from similar materials, but there is one key difference. LVP is cut into planks, like hardwood and engineered hardwood floors, and LVT is cut into squares to more seamlessly replicate the look of tile.
With its durable construction and versatile design, Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring combines style and practicality in one affordable option. Its innovative construction makes it easy to maintain while offering the timeless appeal of natural materials like wood and stone.
10 Top Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring Pros and Cons
Although there are many benefits of Luxury Vinyl Tile and Plank flooring, it’s important to know what some of the Luxury Vinyl Plank pros and cons are so you can invest in the flooring that best fits your home.
Pros
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Affordable
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Versatile
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Waterproof
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Durable
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Long-lasting
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Easy to Clean
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Easy to Install
Cons
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Lower Resale Value
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Cannot Be Refinished
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Less Environmentally Friendly
Is Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring Waterproof?
Yes, high-quality Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring is typically waterproof, but it’s important to ensure the specific LVP you’re choosing is waterproof, as some brands only sell water-resistant flooring. Since high-quality LVP is waterproof, it’s a popular choice for rooms that are often exposed to moisture, including kitchens and bathrooms. However, if your home floods or a pipe bursts, clean up the water as soon as possible. The longer the water is trapped under the LVP, the more likely it is that mold will develop.
It’s important to note that no matter how resistant and sturdy your vinyl flooring is, natural wear and tear will occur over time. Because vinyl flooring cannot be refinished, it may need to be replaced sooner if it is subject to dents or scratches from falling items or dragging furniture. Also, because the materials it is constructed with are difficult to recycle, LVP is considered to be a less environmentally-friendly flooring option than other types made with real wood. However, a quality brand selection combined with proper care should guarantee a long life for your vinyl flooring.
How Much Does LVP Flooring Cost?
Luxury Vinyl Plank is a popular choice when wanting to lay the foundation of your home’s style without breaking the bank. Although this also means that it doesn’t contribute the same resale value to a home as a higher-end flooring choice like hardwood, this does not change the fact that vinyl can be a very financially-savvy choice for stylish flooring. In fact, it’s one of the most cost-effective types of flooring as it’s readily available and simple to replace. But Luxury Vinyl Plank costs do vary based on the thickness of the LVP selected, the amount needed, and the cost of labor.
If you choose LVP with a thicker wear or backing layer, the cost of your LVP will increase. But in return, your floor will be more resistant to scratches and water and more comfortable under your feet. Remember though, no matter the quality of LVP you choose, the more you need, the higher your project budget should be.
Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring cost includes more than just material cost. LVP is diy-friendly, but we recommend including the cost of professional installation into your budget, especially if your room has nooks and crannies where you’ll need to install LVP without leaving noticeable gaps.
What are the Best Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring Brands?
There are a number of high quality brands that provide LVP flooring. Some of the best Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring brands are Shaw, Southwind, COREtec, and Stanton.
Shaw Floorté LVP is both low maintenance and high performing, making it a popular choice for busy homes. Its print layer is manufactured using high-definition printing, giving it a realistic hardwood or tile finish. Shaw Luxury Vinyl Plank is available in a large assortment of colors and styles that will fit any home.
Southwind Flooring, specifically their Harbor Plank line, is not just a favorite of our customers, it’s also a favorite of ours. Southwind LVP is available in a variety of color and style options, from soft neutrals to bolder colors. Not only is Southwind LVP affordable, but it can withstand years of use without needing to be replaced.
While LVP is not biodegradable, high-quality LVP flooring often comes with air quality certifications that help minimize the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. Some of the brands that offer certifications are Shaw and COREtec. Benefits of choosing LVP from Stanton are that it’s 100% waterproof, pet and child friendly, dent resistant, and has an ultra-quiet comfort pad.
With so many trusted brands offering high-quality LVP flooring, you can feel confident you’re investing in a flooring that matches your lifestyle and design of your home. Shaw, Southwind, COREtec, and Stanton (along with many others available at Floor Concepts) offer unique features in addition to exceptional value and durability.
Where to Buy Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring in Greater Pittsburgh, PA
Floor Concepts carries an extensive selection of high-quality LVP flooring from trusted flooring brands Shaw, Southwind, COREtec, Stanton, and more. Our team of experts is committed to providing guidance every step of the way, from selecting the right product to professional installation. At Floor Concepts, we’ve made it our mission to not only offer the best brands, but also provide you with expert advice to make your decision easier.
We know that choosing the right flooring involves considering both the benefits and drawbacks, which is why understanding Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring pros and cons is so important. With its combination of affordability, waterproof performance, and stylish designs, LVP is a fantastic choice for many homeowners. Stop by our showroom and experience the difference that personalized service and premium products can make.
Floor Concepts provides local flooring solutions to greater Pittsburgh, PA and the North Hills, free in-home measurements and estimates and worry-free installations. Book your free in-home measurement now or get in touch with our flooring experts today!
