The Ins and Outs of Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) and Tile (LVT)
Luxury vinyl plank flooring in Virginia is experiencing record high sales! Vinyl is growing increasingly popular among homeowners due to new manufacturing techniques that have improved the flaws to the flooring choice in the past. Luxury vinyl is the general category. LVP = luxury vinyl planks (like hardwood) and LVT = luxury vinyl tile (like tile flooring). While vinyl records may be a thing of the past, luxury vinyl plank flooring and tile is a trend we could see stick around for a long time.
Types of Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl flooring comes in two types: sheet and tile.
Sheet flooring, which is laid down in sheets that are 6 or 12 feet wide – is water resistant and easy to install. Luxury vinyl isthe cousin of sheet vinyl and the competitor of laminate.
When someone talks about “vinyl flooring,” they’re most likely talking about sheet vinyl. This is NOT the same a luxury vinyl. Sheet vinyl is has been around for a long time. It’s cheap and water-resistant, but it also doesn’t have a great reputation because it can look and feel cheap.
Luxury vinyl took the vinyl core but added other layers to create the planks and tiles. This makes a floor that is still relatively inexpensive but is more durable and better looking than traditional vinyl. Like laminate, some of the high-end designs can look shockingly similar to real wood and tiles.
Vinyl tile flooring comes in tile sizes of 9 or 12 square inches; it replicates the look of ceramic tile but is more economical. Luxury Vinyl Tile—which simulates stone or wood—comes in plank shapes, often 7″ wide by 48″ long. Luxury vinyl tile looks like ceramic and stone tile flooring. It’s also called by the shorter names: “LVT” and “vinyl tile.”
Luxury vinyl planks look like wood flooring. It’s also called by the shorter names: “LVP” and “vinyl planks.”
The Cost of Luxury Vinyl Flooring
The cost of luxury vinyl tile and planks is comparable to laminate. Expect to pay about $4 sq.ft. for planks or tiles. The range is generally $2.50 to $5 per sq.ft., but luxury vinyl can go for as low as $0.50 sqft and as high as $9 sq.ft. Per square foot, luxury vinyl flooring is one of the most economic options of flooring that you can choose. When you compare the cost to wood, stone, or ceramic flooring, luxury vinyl offers a significant cost savings.
Installation
Installation of luxury vinyl flooring is typically easier than installation of other flooring materials. A floating vinyl sheet, for example, doesn’t require glue or staples. Instead, peel and stick vinyl can simply be adhered to a prepared subfloor. Vinyl flooring can also be installed over concrete, hardwood, or plywood. It can even be installed over existing vinyl; however, it isn’t recommended if you have 2 or more preexisting layers.
Vinyl Durability
Luxury vinyl flooring is highly durable. If installed and maintained correctly, it can last upwards of 10-20 years. Some vinyl products even offer warranties of up to 15 years on the wear layer. That said, vinyl is a great choice for the rooms in your house that get the most foot traffic. Most vinyl flooring has a wear layer on its surface that resists scratches and stains. The “wear” layer is one of the most important aspects of choosing a quality vinyl flooring based on durability. Go for at least 8 mil thick and consider a strong material.
Water and Stain Resistance
The majority of luxury vinyl wood planks and tiles these days has a wear layer that resists stains and spills—you can expect this protection with printed vinyl tiles and sheets. On the other hand, solid and composite vinyl tiles do not have this surface protection. You can find many companies that offer water-proof luxury vinyl plank wood floors to affordably replace your existing hardwood flooring in Virginia.
Luxury Vinyl Plank and Tile Maintenance
This is one area where luxury vinyl tiling really takes the cake. Maintenance tends to be a breeze. After sweeping your vinyl floor to remove dirt and grit, simply run a damp mop over it (using an approved vinyl floor cleaner) to keep your flooring looking its best. Most vinyl flooring has a “no wax” finish and will look just as shiny after mopping as the day that you bought it. Maintaining this simple care should make your vinyl floors easily last 20 years.
Vinyl Repairs
High-quality vinyl flooring is very durable. However, low-quality vinyl can be susceptible to rips and tears, and refinishing it can be a challenge. In particular, this is especially true if you are using sheet vinyl. Because vinyl flooring cannot be refinished, once damaged, it needs to be removed and replaced.
However, most homeowners do not opt for low-quality vinyl anymore, as there is highly durable, waterproof vinyl flooring options that are just as affordable and much less susceptible to repairs.
How Long Do Vinyl Plank Floors Last?
Vinyl and luxury vinyl plank flooring can last up to 25 years depending on the thickness and wear layer of the product you purchased. Some thicker vinyl floors come with 25 year warranties. A thinner vinyl plank floor may only have a wear life of 5 to 10 years with normal use. So, when it comes to choosing vinyl plank flooring, choose your quality wisely in order for a longer lifespan and increased durability.
Contact Us for Your Luxury Vinyl Plank and Tile Needs!
Luxury vinyl flooring is becoming the most sought-after flooring for homes in Virginia. Taking over the hardwood flooring market with something durable, yet less maintenance and lower-costs, luxury vinyl plank and tile flooring makes a great choice for the heavily trafficked rooms in your home. With its durability, economical pricing, and simple maintenance, it’s a very popular choice for people who wish to improve the look of their home. And with the multitude of design options available, vinyl provides a number of attractive looks and finishes.
For more help with selecting your flooring, contact Hatcher’s Floors today for a FREE quote.
