Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring: A Complete Homeowner's Guide

Luxury vinyl plank flooring, or LVP, is one of the floors we install most, and for good reason. It looks like real wood from standing height, stands up to kids and pets, and handles water that would ruin hardwood or laminate.

Not every plank is built the same, though, and the differences decide how long your floor looks new.

What LVP flooring is made of

Each plank bonds several materials together. From the top down:

• UV-cured top coat, which helps the surface resist stains and fading.
• Wear layer, a clear protective film measured in mil. This is the part that takes the scratches.
• Decorative layer, a high-resolution print of wood or stone.
• Core, the body of the plank. In rigid core products it is stiff and does not swell with water.
• Backing layer or attached pad, which some planks include for sound and comfort underfoot.

Its cousin, luxury vinyl tile (LVT), uses the same construction with the look of stone or ceramic tile. Together they make up luxury vinyl flooring.

Is vinyl plank really waterproof?

The planks are. A waterproof luxury vinyl plank has a rigid vinyl core that does not absorb water, so spills, pet accidents and wet boots sit on the surface instead of soaking in. That is why LVP is a popular choice when remodeling kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms and basements.

The whole room is a different question. Water that gets through the seams or around the edges can still reach the floor underneath, and a flood that leaves standing water for days is a problem for any floor. Wipe up spills, watch dishwasher and water heater lines, and you will not have to worry.

Two terms are worth knowing when you shop for waterproof flooring:

• Waterproof means the plank itself will not swell or break down when it gets wet.
• Water-resistant means it handles spills for a limited time. Most laminate and some hybrid planks fall into this group.

Rigid core: SPC and WPC

Rigid core LVP comes in two main types. SPC (stone plastic composite) has a dense core made largely of limestone, which makes it very stable and highly resistant to dents.

WPC (wood plastic composite) has a foamed core that feels a little softer and warmer underfoot, and it often costs a bit more. Both are waterproof types of LVP, not alternatives to it. We carry both: rigid core and WPC collections from United Weavers, rigid core from Permshield, and COREtec by Shaw.

What is a good wear layer for LVP?

Wear layer thickness is the number that matters most for durability. A thicker wear layer resists scratches and scuffs for longer.

What about 12 mil? It is suitable for standard residential spaces with moderate traffic, while high-traffic areas and big dogs call for 20 mil or more.

One Plus from Permshield is built differently: a 6.5 mm rigid core plank with a 1.5 mm pad already attached, for a softer, quieter floor. People notice the difference most upstairs and in bedrooms.

Thickness, plank size and style

Overall thickness affects how sturdy the floor feels and how well it hides small flaws in the floor below, but it is not a substitute for a good wear layer.

Longer and wider planks mean fewer seams, which makes an open space read as one continuous floor. Embossed textures that follow the printed grain are what make a plank look like real wood up close.

LVP comes in a wide variety of styles and colors, from warm oak to cool gray, plus stone looks, so there is a style for almost any interior.

Luxury vinyl plank flooring pros and cons

The pros

• Waterproof construction that handles moisture better than hardwood.
• Durable and dent resistant, especially with an SPC core.
• Easy maintenance, with no sanding, waxing or sealing, so it is simpler to keep clean than hardwood.
• Warmer and more comfortable underfoot than ceramic tile or porcelain.
• A stylish look of natural wood, usually for less than traditional hardwood.

The downsides

• No refinishing. Unlike hardwood floors, it cannot be sanded.
• Heavy point loads can leave dents, like a piano on small feet.
• Strong direct sun can fade it, so choose a UV-rated product and use shades.
• It needs a flat base, or the joints can separate.
• It is not the most environmentally friendly floor, since vinyl is hard to recycle.

Why installation matters

Most failed vinyl floors fail underneath. Click-lock LVP floats over the floor below, so any dip or hump flexes the joints every time someone walks across it, and joints that flex eventually separate.

A good installation starts with leveling the subfloor to the manufacturer's flatness requirement, leaves the expansion gap the planks need at the walls, and finishes with clean transitions at every doorway. You can read how we do it on our luxury vinyl plank installation page.

Rigid core planks usually float, joined by a click-lock system, while thinner ones are often installed with glue. Either way, a flooring pro follows the manufacturer instructions for acclimation and expansion gaps, because LVP expands and contracts slightly as temperatures change.

Complex layouts, like open floor plans and long hallways, are where professional installation pays off most.

How to care for vinyl plank floors

LVP is easy to maintain, and the care it needs is minimal:

• Sweep or vacuum regularly, so grit does not dull the surface.
• Damp-mop with a cleaner made for vinyl. Avoid steam mops, bleach, ammonia and abrasive pads.
• Put felt pads under furniture, and move heavy appliances on a sheet of plywood or an appliance slide.
• Use mats at exterior doors to catch sand and gravel.

How long does luxury vinyl plank flooring last?

With proper installation and normal household use, quality vinyl plank can last 10 to 20 years or more. The wear layer, the prep work underneath and how well the floor is cared for decide where in that range yours lands.

How often should LVP be replaced? Only when it wears through or planks chip. Even then, a damaged plank can often be swapped out on its own.

Luxury vinyl plank flooring questions

What affects the cost of LVP flooring?

LVP is one of the most cost-effective ways to get a wood look. Your total depends on the plank you choose (heavier-duty planks cost more, and Bryant is our value line), the size of the space, and the labor and prep involved.

We handle old floor removal, subfloor repair and leveling, moving furniture, trim and cleanup, and give you a written quote after measuring at a free in-home estimate. For a ballpark, try our instant online estimate.

Can LVP go over my existing tile?

Often, yes, if the tile is flat, firmly bonded and free of cracks, and the grout lines are filled so they do not show through. Loose or damaged areas have to be repaired first. We check at the estimate.

Is vinyl plank good for dogs?

Yes. A thick wear layer resists claw scratches, and the waterproof core handles accidents and water bowls. For big dogs, we suggest 20 mil or more.

Can a refrigerator go on vinyl plank?

Yes. Roll it in on plywood or an appliance slide so the surface is not gouged. We install floating floors around cabinets and islands, not under them, so the floor can still expand and contract.

Is LVP better than laminate?

For wet areas, yes. Laminate has a wood-fiber core that relies on its surface and tight joints to keep water out, while an LVP core does not absorb water. In dry spaces, both work well, and we install both.

Where can I see your collections?

Browse all five on our flooring page, then ask for samples at your free in-home estimate. We bring them to your home, so you can see each color in your own light and find the perfect match for your home's style.