There’s nothing like the look of hardwood floors, but maintaining them can be quite the chore. They don’t take kindly to spills, and they are easily scratched by day-to-day foot—and paw!—traffic. Plus, hardwood floors are often pricey to install. It’s no wonder, then, that vinyl plank flooring is such a hit with homeowners. Vinyl plank flooring, or VPF for short, is a much more durable and affordable option to create beautiful interior spaces for the home. Depending on your needs, you’ll need to choose between regular vinyl flooring or luxury vinyl, says Stacy Lewis, owner and interior designer at Eternity Modern. Luxury vinyl is the heftier choice, and you usually have many options for color and style. Then, there’s the floor’s finish. “For heavy foot traffic areas such as living rooms and kitchens, I recommend getting vinyl plank flooring with an enhanced urethane finish,” Lewis says. “They have a high-gloss look and are damage-resistant.” However, for lower traffic areas, no-wax finishes are best, she says. We researched dozens of vinyl plank flooring types, considering factors like type, length and width, wear layer thickness, durability, and range of finishes. In addition to Lewis, we also talked to Todd Saunders, CEO of FlooringStores; Shoshanna Shapiro, owner and principal designer at Sho and Co.; and Ben Gold, founder of Recommended Home Buyers. Amazon Finally Announced Prime Day 2023—Here’s Everything You Need to Know Our Top Picks Jump to Review Best Budget: Home Decorators Collection Rigid Core Click Lock Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring at Home Depot Jump to Review Jump to Review Jump to Review Best for Bathrooms and Kitchens: Jump to Review Best for Pets and Kids: Lifeproof Click Lock Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring at Home Depot Jump to Review Jump to Review Jump to Review Best Peel and Stick: Jump to Review Best Narrow Plank: Shaw Biscayne Click Lock Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring at Home Depot Jump to Review Why You Should Get It It’s appropriate to install in any room in the house. Keep in Mind Order samples, as colors online might differ in person. Just because you see the word “luxury,” doesn’t mean you have to treat this vinyl plank flooring by Shaw with kid gloves. The Primavera Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring has the look of real hardwood, but with a sturdy 20-mil wear layer, it can prevent scratches, scuffs, and even skids, making it our overall pick for the best vinyl plank flooring.(Mil means "one-thousandth of an inch" and is the measurement of the vinyl plank’s thickness.) Shaw Primavera can easily be laid down over wooden or concrete subfloors. It features an Armourbead finish that offers up to six times scuff resistance, so you can install it in just about any high-traffic area in your home. Choose matching or coordinating trim and molding to create seamless spaces. Even better? This luxury vinyl plank flooring has a Soft Silence acoustical pad attached, which cuts down on noise while upping the comfort level you’ll feel with every step. It’s also FloorScore certified, meaning that any emissions released by the installed floor planks will not affect the air quality in your interior spaces. Price at time of publish: $5 per square foot Product Details: Type: Luxury vinyl | Plank Dimensions: 7 x 48 inches; 5/16 inch thick | Wear Layer Thickness: 20 mil | Number of Colors/Wood Species: 10 Why You Should Get It It offers superior resistance to mold and mildew. Keep in Mind It’s not as scratch-resistant as other options. This rigid core click lock luxury plank flooring from Home Decorators Collection will really make the look of your space click (pun intended). It has an authentic wood look, but it’s 100% waterproof, so you can install it in high-traffic areas, like the kitchen. It’s not quite as effective as other choices when it comes to preventing scratches, stains, and slips, but for a lower-cost pick it does a good enough job, making it our choice for the best vinyl plank flooring on a budget. It offers mold and mildew resistance, making it a good option for your basement. But with a sound-reducing layer that comes attached, you might also consider this for the upper floors in your home to manage noise levels. With a wear layer thickness of 12 mil, it feels as good underfoot as it looks. The click-and-lock installation method—which means it can be added to any subfloor—makes this a good project for DIYers to tackle.The brand also makes coordinating trim pieces, including end caps, stair noses, T-moldings, and reducers that make it even easier to create a beautiful space. The brand offers a lifetime warranty for residential installations, protecting homeowners from product defects as well as wear and tear over time. The 7-inch wide planks come in a variety of neutral wood-grain colors, ranging from light to dark, so it’ll fit in with any wall and cabinet colors. Price at time of publish: $3 per square foot Product Details: Type: Luxury vinyl | Plank Dimensions: 7 x 48 inches; 5 millimeters thick | Wear Layer Thickness: 12 mil | Number of Colors/Wood Species: 10 Why You Should Get It It’s sturdy enough for commercial applications. Keep in Mind You might have to wait for availability. Armstrong has a long-standing reputation in the flooring industry, and it continues on with more modern applications like vinyl plank flooring. Armstrong Rigid Core Essentials Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring stands out because its rigid core technology is a solid choice for busy households. It can ward off scratches, stains, and scuffs—so well, in fact, that it can also be used for commercial applications. This rigid-core vinyl plank flooring from Armstrong is also waterproof, so you can install it in just about any room in the home, including high-moisture areas like the kitchen, bathroom, and even the laundry room. Another advantage of the rigid core technology is that it allows for an easy, click-in installation over any type of subfloor. These planks are thick, tough, and built to last—you’ll feel the support with every step. They come in a variety of colors, so it’s easy to find the right look for your home’s floors. And being that they are able to hold up to moisture and heavy foot traffic, you can feel confident to install it anywhere in your home. Price at time of publish: $3 per square foot Product Details: Type: Rigid core luxury vinyl | Plank Dimensions: 6 x 48 inches; 5 millimeters thick | Wear Layer Thickness: 12 mil | Number of Colors/Wood Species: Nine Why You Should Get It It offers a different aesthetic from others on the market. Keep in Mind It’s better for larger spaces. Many of the best vinyl plank flooring options on our list feature planks that are around 6 or 7 inches wide. If you want a bit of a different look for your flooring, you could choose a wider plank, like the 9-inch Cali Longboards flooring. This option features a variety of wood grain pattern options for an authentic look but with added strength for high-traffic households. The hefty 20-mil wear layer wards off human and pet traffic, plus it’s 100% waterproof. If you thought you were limited to tile in the kitchen and bathroom, you’ll be happy to know that this vinyl plank flooring from Cali is a beautiful option. This one is among the wider VPFs on the market, and at 9 inches, it’ll offer a bold look for your floor. It’s a great option for flooring in expansive, open-concept spaces like the basement—if you’re looking to put a floor in a smaller space, you may want to instead opt for a plank that’s regular width or perhaps even narrower to make the space look bigger. Installation is made quick and easy thanks to interlocking pieces that can stay as a floating floor or be glued down to the subfloor. Price at time of publish: $5 per square foot Product Details: Type: Luxury vinyl | Plank Dimensions: 70 x 9 inches; 8 millimeters thick | Wear Layer Thickness: 20 mil | Number of Colors/Wood Species: Eight Why You Should Get It Microban technology keeps mold and mildew at bay. Keep in Mind It’s pricier than other options. One of the reasons homeowners are in love with wood flooring is because of the rich, glorious grain. The Adura Max flooring from Mannington is vinyl, but it looks like the real deal with saw marks and knotholes. The best part of this beautiful luxury vinyl plank flooring is that it is waterproof thanks to the hydroloc core, which means you can install it in the kitchen or bathroom where moisture and spills happen on a daily basis. It also has Microban technology to keep mold, mildew, and odors caused by moisture away, making it our choice for the best vinyl plank flooring for bathrooms and kitchens. The Adura Max is also a great choice for moisture-prone rooms because it offers slip resistance. It has a pre-attached under-layer that absorbs sound (up to 30%) and can be easily installed over concrete, wood, or vinyl subfloors. The wear layer is made of ScratchResist urethane with aluminum oxide, so you won’t have to worry about dropping that hairbrush when you’re getting ready in the morning or that kitchen utensil when cleaning up after a meal. With a wear layer of 20 mil, this vinyl plank flooring from Mannington can withstand heavy foot traffic from humans and pets. Price at time of publish: $6 per square foot Product Details: Type: Luxury vinyl| Plank Dimensions: 6 x 48 inches; 8 millimeters thick | Wear Layer Thickness: 20 mil | Number of Colors/Wood Species: 15 Why You Should Get It It lives up to its name and is truly “life-proof.” Keep in Mind It’s a bit difficult to install compared to other click-lock flooring. Lifeproof’s Sterling Vinyl Plank Flooring is ready to take on the wear and tear of everyday life in your home, which is why we named it our choice for the best vinyl plank flooring for homes with pets and kids. This vinyl flooring checks off all the boxes that you’d want for high-traffic areas: It’s waterproof, has anti-microbial protection, and stands up to scratches, stains, and even dents. It’s an especially good vinyl plank flooring choice for households that see foot traffic of all kinds, from high heels to little sneakers to multiple paws and claws. Lifeproof features a rigid core with a 6-mil wear layer. The under-layer is already attached to the planks, which interlock for installation on any subfloor, be it concrete, vinyl, tile, or plywood. Though it offers the look of real wood—and other products in the Lifeproof brand resemble marble and other stones—this vinyl plank flooring is skid-proof, making it safe for kids and their furry friends to run and play on safely and without damage to the floor. Lifelock comes in a variety of colors and styles, so it’s easy to find the right match for your home’s aesthetic. This brand of vinyl plank flooring is exclusive to Home Depot, and the brand stands by its product—there’s a lifetime warranty for residential installations. Price at time of publish: $3 per square foot Product Details: Type: Luxury vinyl| Plank Dimensions: 8 x 48 inches, 7 millimeters thick | Wear Layer Thickness: 6 mil | Number of Colors/Wood Species: 21 Why You Should Get It It has an easy peel and stick application and is very budget-friendly. Keep in Mind The 4 mil layer is a bit thinner than other VPF on the market. Add another vinyl plank flooring option to the category “lives up to its name.” With this luxury plank flooring from TrafficMaster, you can have the best of both worlds in your home—the look of real wood floors with the strength of vinyl. The surface has a coating of ceramic beads that forms a barrier against scratches and stains, so sharp heels and scratchy claws are welcome. It’s water-resistant, so it’s a good option for kitchens and baths, and it’s easy to install over any subfloor—no underlayer is needed. The GripStrip installation makes this floor’s installation a no-brainer for DIY warriors—just peel and stick. The TrafficMaster vinyl plank flooring is easy to clean and maintain with just a dust mop or vacuum. It comes in more than a dozen colors, all of which offer the authentic wood grain look you’re aiming for in your home. It’s backed by a 30-year warranty, so you're guaranteed to enjoy the look of your new floors for a very long time. Price at time of publish: $2 per square foot Product Details: Type: Luxury vinyl | Plank Dimensions: 6 x 36 inches; 3.8 millimeters thick | Wear Layer Thickness: 4 mil | Number of Colors/Wood Species: 13 Why You Should Get It It’s waterproof and scratch-resistant, so it’ll stay in good condition over time. Keep in Mind It’s only offered in two colors. To add an extra design element to your home, the best vinyl plank flooring is this pick by Lifeproof. The floor has an embossed herringbone design that’s a departure from typical styles, and will make a great addition to any space. The floor is only offered in two colors, but they’re neutral and should be able to pair well with any furniture, rugs, and decor you already have. If you’re not sure it’ll work, however, you can order a sample to try it out first. The flooring is both waterproof and scratch-resistant, so it should stay in good condition over time. Plus, maintenance is fairly easy as you can use a dust mop, vacuum, or pH neutral cleaner on it. Whether you have tile, wood, concrete, or vinyl floors you’ll be able to use this floor. The case includes 24 pieces that click lock together and the underlayment is pre-attached, making installation easy. Price at time of publish: $4 per square foot Product Details: Type: Luxury vinyl | Plank Dimensions: 4 x 28 inches; 7 mm thick | Wear Layer Thickness: 6 mil | Number of Colors/Wood Species: 2 Why You Should Get It It’s easy to install and doesn’t require any glue. Keep in Mind It’s not suitable for any wet rooms and should be applied over concrete or plywood floors. This DuraDecor option is the best vinyl plank flooring if you’re in the market for an easy-to-use design. The peel-and-stick style is offered in three colors and is a simple way to upgrade a space in your home. This pick is not suitable for any wet rooms, like a bathroom, and should be applied over concrete or plywood floors, so keep that in mind when considering where to place it in your home. Installation is fairly simple as it’s a glue-free option and will require some basic tools, like a laser level and tape measure. The floor is offered in three neutral colors: grey beige distressed, light golden brown, and weathered brown/grey. Although it’s a great way to change up the look of any old, distressed flooring, you can also use this option as wallpaper as well. Price at time of publish: $2 per square foot Product Details: Type: Waterproof | Plank Dimensions: 4 x 36 inches; 1.5 mm thick | Wear Layer Thickness: 3 mil | Number of Colors/Wood Species: 3 Why You Should Get It It’s wear layer thickness is higher than other options, meaning it’s a durable option. Keep in Mind It’s more expensive per square foot than some other options. This Shaw design is the best vinyl plank floor to consider if you’re in the market for a narrow, durable option. The floor is offered in four colors and while it’s more expensive than other options, it’s worth the investment. The floor has a 5-inch width, which is more narrow than other similar options. Plus, the wear layer thickness is 20 mil, which is higher than usual, and means the floor can withstand frequent use with ease. Price at time of publish: $5 per square foot Product Details: Type: Luxury vinyl | Plank Dimensions: 5 x 48 inches; 5.5 mm thick | Wear Layer Thickness: 20 mil | Number of Colors/Wood Species:4 The best vinyl plank flooring for most people is the Shaw Primavera Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring. It’s 100% waterproof and is scratch-, skid-, and mark-resistant, making it ideal for long-term use in high-traffic areas. Plus, it’s available at a nice mid-range price and boasts easy click lock installation for the DIYer. There are three main types of vinyl plank floors: luxury vinyl plank, rigid plank flooring, and waterproof flooring. While all three types have similar characteristics—most will tout some degree of water resistance—you’ll want to make sure that you’re getting the type that’s appropriate for a particular area in your home. For the kitchen, bath, basement, and other areas prone to moisture and spills, you’ll want to go with vinyl plank flooring with excellent waterproofing capability. The length and width of the planks will vary by brand and your personal choice, but there are some considerations for homeowners. “Generally speaking, smaller planks are going to be more labor-intensive to install,” says Todd Saunders, CEO of FlooringStores, though he notes that they’re “easier to get a clean look with, especially in rooms with lots of awkward corners to work around.” He also says they’ll likely be slightly more expensive per square foot, so keep this in mind for your budget. Keep in mind that the thickness of the plank is in millimeters (mm) while the wear layer thickness is in mil—these are two different measurements, and they’re not measuring the same thing at all. Plank thickness measures the thickness of the actual plank, while wear layer thickness measures the clear layer of vinyl that’s applied to top of the plank to protect it. When it comes to durability, you’ll want to pay attention especially to the wear layer thickness—the thicker the better when it comes to high-traffic areas in your home. “It's best to go with a blended pattern that incorporates multiple colors from the rest of the room in a way that will effectively hide scratches, scuffs, and dirt,” Saunders says. While there is a wide selection of colors and finishes on the market, he notes that there are some manufacturers who will even print custom planks with your choice of wood grain pattern. As for choosing between light or dark colors, here’s advice from Ben Gold, founder of Recommended Home Buyers: “Lighter coloring always makes the area feel bigger, but it's harder to maintain cleanness because the dust is more visible.” His suggestion is to put darker areas in high-traffic areas like the kitchen and save the lighter colors for less-frequented rooms in your home. Laminate and vinyl flooring are both more affordable and durable alternatives to hardwood floors. Vinyl flooring is made up of multiple layers to create a durable, waterproof finish. A vinyl core is topped by a wear layer and a printed vinyl layer that features the wood grain look. Laminate flooring is made up of layers of synthetic material; an inner core board has a photo image layer—this provides the wood grain look—and is topped with another layer for protection. However, not all laminate floors are waterproof. When deciding which of the two is best for your space, you’ll have to consider the level of moisture for those particular rooms, especially when deciding on flooring for the kitchen and bath. Mil (one-thousandth of an inch) is the measurement of the vinyl plank’s thickness. The thicker the plank, the more protection you’ll have against damage. “For the average house, 12 mil is a perfect choice,” says Gold. He mentions, though, that if you’ve got pets or heavier foot traffic, look for VPF that has 20 mil. If you plan to place heavy furniture and appliances on top of vinyl planking, it’s better to use adhesive rather than a floating installation to ensure better stability. “LVP may be wipeable, but it is thin, hard, and buckles at pinch points,” says Shoshanna Shapiro, owner and principal designer at Sho and Co. She notes that a floating floor installation will likely be damaged if you try to put a heavy appliance like a refrigerator or a kitchen island on top of it. This article was written by Barbara Bellesi Zito, who writes about home and garden topics for various lifestyle publications. To write this article, she researched dozens of vinyl plank flooring types, considering factors like type, length and width, wear layer thickness, durability, and range of finishes. Barbara also consulted Stacy Lewis, owner and interior designer at Eternity Modern; Todd Saunders, CEO of FlooringStores; Shoshanna Shapiro, owner and principal designer at Sho and Co.; and Ben Gold, founder of Recommended Home Buyers.Best Budget
Home Decorators Collection Rigid Core Click Lock Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring
Best Rigid Core
Armstrong Rigid Core Essentials Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring
Best for Bathrooms and Kitchens
Mannington Adura Max With Microban Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring
There are six pieces included in each case, and the floor can be installed over concrete or plywood floors. The vinyl planks are suitable for bathrooms as well as entryways and kitchens, so you can use it however you see fit. The Bottom Line
What to Know About Vinyl Plank Floors Before Shopping
Type
Plank Length and Width
Plank Thickness vs. Wear Layer Thickness
Style
Your Questions, Answered
What’s the difference between laminate and vinyl flooring?
What thickness of vinyl plank flooring is best?
Can you put heavy furniture on vinyl plank flooring?
Who We Are
FAQs
The 10 Best Vinyl Plank Flooring of 2023? ›
The most common thickness of LVP used in common households is 12 mil, but if your household is fairly active, or has a number of pets, a higher thickness is recommended – such as 20 mil. Most thicker planks, such as 28 mil, are used for commercial rather than household installations.
What thickness of vinyl plank flooring is best? ›The most common thickness of LVP used in common households is 12 mil, but if your household is fairly active, or has a number of pets, a higher thickness is recommended – such as 20 mil. Most thicker planks, such as 28 mil, are used for commercial rather than household installations.
What is the best vinyl flooring you can get? ›The best vinyl plank flooring for most people is the Shaw Primavera Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring. It's 100% waterproof and is scratch-, skid-, and mark-resistant, making it ideal for long-term use in high-traffic areas. Plus, it's available at a nice mid-range price and boasts easy click lock installation for the DIYer.
What is the difference between vinyl plank flooring and luxury vinyl plank flooring? ›Standard Vinyl is a very thin material that can be quite hard and cold underfoot, especially when installed over concrete sub floors. Luxury Vinyl feels softer underfoot and has better sound-blocking properties than standard vinyl flooring.
How long will a 6 mil wear layer last? ›Measured in mils, generally speaking, the lifetime of a wear layer is one year per mil.
What is the toughest vinyl flooring? ›In recent years, LVT (luxury vinyl tile) has established itself as one of the toughest surfaces in the flooring world. Major manufacturers, including Armstrong (with their Diamond 10 Technology), Shaw, Mannington and Congoleum have embraced its durability, stability and wide range of design options.
Which vinyl floor looks most like wood? ›The type of vinyl flooring that mimics wood most effectively is luxury vinyl plank, or LVP. Luxury vinyl is generally high-quality and has good visual effects.
What are the different grades of vinyl flooring? ›There are three main types of vinyl flooring: LVT (luxury vinyl tile), LVP (luxury vinyl plank), and sheet vinyl. The best option for you and your home will depend on several factors including your style preferences, installation considerations, and budget factors.
Do high end homes use luxury vinyl plank? ›At first glance, you might think of vinyl flooring as low-end, but manufacturers now produce high-end vinyl flooring tiles or planks that adapt to many uses in a luxury home. They produce the flooring in a huge array of colors and patterns, some of which mimic stone or wood finishes.
What is better than LVP? ›Engineered Vinyl flooring, or Engineered Vinyl Plank (EVP), is a subset of LVPs. EVPs are simply even more durable than many LVP options, as they're built with the strongest high-density fiberboard core, and have a rigid stone-based core.
What is the disadvantage of vinyl flooring? ›
Firstly, it can be difficult to install and may require professional help. Secondly, vinyl plank flooring is not as durable as other types of flooring such as hardwood or tile. It is also prone to scratching and denting from heavy furniture or objects being dragged across the surface.
What color vinyl planks makes a room look bigger? ›Light color flooring tends to brighten up a space and make it feel larger. Bright and creamy floor tones can help modernize a small room, adding an element of airiness.
Which is better dark or light vinyl plank flooring? ›Dark flooring can make a room feel smaller, while lighter vinyl tiles or planks can make it seem bigger. For this reason, you may want to choose a lighter color to add the illusion of space to small spaces.
What color vinyl flooring makes a room look bigger? ›1) Light and dark flooring
Choosing lighter coloured flooring to compliment your furniture can expand the perceived size of any room and can open the space right up.
Residential projects with foot traffic in an entryway or households with pets should stay in the 12-mil to 20-mil range, while lesser-used areas could handle a lower wear layer. For commercial projects, stick with a 20-mil to 40-mil wear layer for the best protection possible.
What is the thickest luxury vinyl plank flooring? ›Vinyl flooring comes in thicknesses ranging from 2mm to 8mm+. The biggest factor to keep in mind is that the thickness does not determine durability – the wear layer does. With that said, the thickness is an important factor to consider.
What is the difference between 12 mil and 20 mil vinyl plank flooring? ›A 20 mil wear layer is thicker than a 12 mil wear layer and therefore will provide more durability and resistance to scratches, scuffs, and stains. This means that a flooring with 20 mil wear layer will last longer than vinyl flooring with a 12 mil wear layer.
What destroys vinyl plank flooring? ›The fastest way to damage vinyl plank flooring is through daily negligence. That's why we recommend vacuuming or dry mopping your flooring every day or two. This will scoop up all kinds of debris, dust, and dirt that can cause tiny scratches that dull the appearance of the floor.
How do I choose vinyl plank flooring? ›The thicker the wear layer, the better the overall quality and the longer the flooring will last. Pay attention to the manufacturer's recommendations for the wear layer. As a rule of thumb, 8 mil is a good choice for a residential area with moderate traffic.
What is the easiest vinyl plank flooring to install? ›Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and luxury vinyl tile (LVT) are also one of the best types of flooring to install quickly and without a mess. The simple installation process involves a click-and lock-system that easily fits over your floor's sublayer. The new luxury vinyl floor is what's known as a floating floor.
Does luxury vinyl look cheap? ›
LVT will never look “cheap” — it will make your life easier and enhance the look and comfort of your home.
What is the most common vinyl flooring? ›Rigid Core Vinyl Plank Flooring
The planks are available in a variety of core materials, but the most common are SPC (stone plastic composite), WPC (wood plastic composite) or a hybrid variation. Rigid core floors are ideal for busy hallways and anywhere with heavy foot traffic.
Manufacturing vinyl flooring requires the use of toxic chemicals, and after installation, vinyl floors have been known to emit VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Off-gassed VOCs can adversely affect health and an indoor environment, particularly without windows or ventilation, will lead to higher concentrations.
How many years does luxury vinyl plank last? ›If you purchase high quality, thick luxury vinyl flooring--whether plank or tile and have it installed correctly and maintain it well, you can expect a lifespan of 25 or 30 years.
What makes a good luxury vinyl plank? ›Scratch and Stain Resistance
To maintain the look of your vinyl plank flooring for many years, make sure you choose a material that can withstand foot traffic from both humans and pets. Many different types of VPF promise a tough outer layer, but be sure to choose planks that can withstand scratches and other damage.
Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT)
LVT is a type of vinyl flooring that is designed to imitate natural flooring options such as hardwood and ceramic tile. Thanks to technological advances and enhanced design capability, vinyl floors can now look and feel nearly identical to the products they're mimicking.
When it comes to cleaning vinyl flooring, you can't go wrong with plain water and a sponge mop! Always wipe up spills as soon as possible, and mop frequently with plain water.
What are the three types of vinyl flooring? ›Vinyl Flooring Types
Popular types of vinyl flooring include plank, sheet and peel and stick. With everything from realistic wood-look embossed planks to ceramic-look tiles, you can buy vinyl flooring in a wide range of colors and designs. It is resistant to moisture and endures daily wear and tear.
Vinyl flooring will work just about anywhere in your new home. It's 100 percent waterproof, so it can withstand the moisture levels in bathrooms, kitchens, damp basements, and mudrooms.
Does LVP decrease home value? ›While luxury vinyl flooring has come a long way from its creation and has increased in durability and visual appeal, unfortunately vinyl may decrease your resale value in the long run. It's important to recognize that while you may spend less on vinyl vs. hardwood, the ROI may be less.
Does vinyl plank increase home value? ›
Its durability and water resistance makes it a great material to increase value in rental properties, kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms. However, we don't always choose luxury vinyl for our properties. While the material is durable and stands up to water well, it's softer than hardwood and tile.
Is vinyl plank better than Pergo? ›Underfloor heating. Both flooring types are compatible with underfloor heating, although vinyl is slightly more efficient. Vinyl floors have the lowest thermal resistance of all Pergo flooring solutions and act as excellent thermal conductors.
Does LVP need underlayment? ›Most LVP flooring is durable and does a good job defending against scratches, dents, and stains. To get the most out of your LVP you will want to consider what is underneath the flooring. An underlayment provides the proper support to make sure your LVP makes it the long haul.
How soon can you put furniture on vinyl plank flooring? ›How you install your luxury vinyl plank determines how quickly you can move your furniture back into place. If it's glued down, most manufacturers will suggest waiting 48 hours to allow the glue to dry thoroughly. If it's click and lock technology, you can move back in the same day.
What are the disadvantages of click lock flooring? ›Cons. Click lock floors are more limited in installation options. Specifically designed for floating, this style of floor requires more transition moldings and the investment of a higher sound deadening underlayment.
Are there health concerns with vinyl plank flooring? ›Due to the materials used in the production process of vinyl, it will sometimes emit various levels of VOCs into the air for a short amount of time after installation. These toxic chemicals can be harmful to air quality of the immediate environment it's installed in and may cause respiratory problems over time.
Is 20 mil good for vinyl plank flooring? ›Experts in the flooring industry agree that 20 mil vinyl plank flooring is a reliable choice, especially for high-traffic areas. In commercial spaces or busy households, this flooring option can last for decades, ensuring an excellent return on investment.
Is 12 mil wear layer enough for dogs? ›How thick of a wear layer you choose should be based on how high or rough your foot traffic may be from household members and guests to pets. Residential projects with foot traffic in an entryway or households with pets should stay in the 12-mil to 20-mil range, while lesser-used areas could handle a lower wear layer.
What is the difference between 6 mil and 12 mil vinyl plank flooring? ›So, 6 MIL's has 6 coats of the wear layer applied. 12 MIL has 12 coats, 20 MIL has 20 coats, etc. The more MIL's a product has the stronger the wear layer is. So, a 6 or 12 MIL product will work for your home, but not for a commercial setting.
How long will a 20 mil wear layer last? ›Wear-layer (mm) | Wear-layer (mil) | Typical Commercial Warranty |
---|---|---|
0.3mm | 12 mil | 5 year or "light" use |
0.5mm | 20 mil | 10 year |
0.7mm | 28 mil | 15 year |
1.0mm | 40 mil | 20+ year |
How long will 20 mil vinyl flooring last? ›
In general, you can rely on vinyl flooring to last anywhere between 10 and 25 years.
Does it matter how thick your vinyl flooring is? ›Thicker vinyl doesn't make it more durable
The wear layer is what protects your vinyl flooring from surface scratches, dents, stains and water damage. Generally speaking, you'd want a thicker wear layer in high-foot traffic areas, such as the kitchen, living room, waiting rooms, hallways and around the office.
Quick tip: Multiply the total square footage by 1.1 to get the total amount needed. Round up to the next-highest square foot. Next, look at the packaging for the LVT you've chosen to determine the square footage covered by one pack. Most boxes of LVT cover from 18 to 25 square feet, but this may vary.
Is 6 mil wear layer good for vinyl plank flooring? ›Residential flooring with moderate traffic may benefit from a wear layer of 6, 8 or 12 mil, while commercial flooring prone to high traffic may need a wear layer of 20 mil or thicker. The thicker the layer, the more expensive the floor will be.
Will dog nails scratch luxury vinyl? ›The outer layer of vinyl flooring is typically scratch-resistant, which means their claws can't scratch it up and their nails won't leave scratches when they get the zoomies. And, scratch-resistant flooring or not, it's always a good idea to trim your pet's nails so they stay comfortable.
Can dogs scratch luxury vinyl plank? ›Vinyl. Vinyl flooring is a popular flooring option for families with pets. Luxury vinyl tile and vinyl sheet are highly durable, long-lasting, and resistant to moisture, scratches and dents. They are also easy to maintain.
What is the best flooring for dogs that pee? ›The Best Floors for Dogs that Pee Often
Tile or LifeProof laminate are two of the top contenders. Vinyl plank flooring has come a long way and can look just like hardwood. Plus it's waterproof and simple to wipe down if there are any accidents.
Durability: A thicker wear layer means a more robust and long-lasting floor that is resistant to scratches, dents, and scuffs. With a 12 mil wear layer, your floor will remain in great condition for several years, even in high-traffic areas.
How important is the thickness of vinyl plank flooring? ›The overall thickness of your vinyl floor is generally a less important specification since it has little to do with durability (the wear-layer thickness is what determines how long the floor will last).
What is the minimum mil for vinyl plank flooring? ›At a minimum, you should choose a wear layer that is at least 12 mil, but if you have an active family or pets, it should be at least 20 mil.