Why choose luxury vinyl flooring?

Also called LVT or LVP, vinyl tile or plank flooring is a multi-layered synthetic flooring product that is designed to imitate the look of hardwood, ceramic, stone, or other materials. However, as a product that is both durable and waterproof, it is much easier to maintain than traditional hardwood; it is also frequently much more affordable than the materials it mimics, making it an excellent option for homes with kids and pets, as well as spaces like basements that may be prone to moisture. You can learn more about the pros and cons of vinyl flooring here.

What is the difference between luxury vinyl tile and luxury vinyl plank?

When searching for vinyl flooring options, you’ll likely see the terms “vinyl tile,” “vinyl plank,” “LVT,” and “LVP” used quite a bit. Is there any difference between tile and plank? All of these may be used to refer to vinyl flooring, although LVP or “vinyl plank” usually is used for the wood-imitation vinyl, while “LVT” or “vinyl tile” is used to refer to vinyl that has more of a “tile” look to it, including ceramic, terracotta, or stone-looking styles. At Floor Concepts, many of our manufacturers’ product lines include wide varieties of designs imitating different materials, but since the synthetic construction of the flooring is the same, we tend to use the terms somewhat interchangeably.

Is vinyl flooring a good choice for kids and pets?

Absolutely! Vinyl tile is one of our most recommended flooring materials for high-traffic areas, kids, and pets. We are especially proud to carry products from COREtec, “the original 100% waterproof, kidproof, petproof luxury vinyl flooring” – but you’ll find that most vinyl flooring, regardless of the manufacturer, is designed to withstand all kinds of wear and tear.

Is vinyl flooring high-maintenance?

Generally speaking, vinyl flooring is one of the most low-maintenance flooring options available, and it can last up to 25 years with proper maintenance and protection (although this does depend on the manufacturer, as well as the traffic level of the area).

How does vinyl flooring compare to laminate flooring?

Many people confuse vinyl and laminate as they are both often perceived as “hardwood substitutes.” The most important difference between laminate and vinyl is their construction. Including its plastic core, vinyl is made of 100% synthetic materials, while laminate is mostly constructed of high-density fiberboard, making it slightly more environmentally friendly. However, some vinyl manufacturers like COREtec prioritize the use of recycled materials and sustainable engineering to make their product more of a sustainable option for eco-conscious homeowners.

Another difference between the two is that laminate also usually more closely resembles wood, while vinyl may be more recognizable as something other than wood. However, vinyl is ultimately more durable and waterproof than laminate, and tends to last longer while requiring less maintenance. Both flooring options have some pros and cons worth considering, and homeowners will need to decide which is a better choice for their home or particular space.

How does vinyl flooring compare to hardwood flooring?

Although hardwood is often the standard when it comes to flooring that is both classically beautiful and sustainable, vinyl flooring is typically considered a lower-cost, lower-maintenance alternative, especially useful for areas of the home where hardwood is not a good choice due to the presence of moisture or high-levels of traffic, including basements, kitchens, or bathrooms.

To learn more about our wide selection of luxury vinyl plank and tile flooring options available from our Pittsburgh store, please contact us or stop into our Wexford, PA showroom to explore our inventory and select the perfect flooring for your household.