Discover the Different Types of Vinyl Flooring

Intrigued by what you've heard about vinyl flooring—the long-lasting beauty, the waterproof protection, the ease and affordability—but unsure which kind is right for your home? There are different types of vinyl floors that offer distinct benefits and features. So, when considering your vinyl flooring options, be sure to keep the key factors in mind. How much daily activity will your new flooring need to withstand? Are you installing it in an area that might see splashes or spills? Will direct sunlight hit your floors? You'll also want to know what the various vinyl flooring types can offer. Now, while only you can determine how your floors will be used, we can tell you all about the different types of flooring vinyl.

Luxury Vinyl Plank Offers Beauty and Affordability

Luxury vinyl plank, or LVP, is an ideal choice for homeowners who desire beautiful stone and wood looks but want to prioritize their budgets and ease of installation. Like most vinyl planks, LVP features three layers. On top is the wear layer, a coating that helps protect the board from scuffs and scratches. Next, the décor layer gives these planks their beauty, with authentic graining and detail. Lastly, there's the core, which provides strength and resistance to dents. They're also more versatile when it comes to installation, with options including glue-down, click/float, and peel-and-stick. This makes LVP easy for both do-it-yourself novices and experts to take care of the job themselves. Thinner LVP is installed using glue-down or peel-and-stick methods and doesn't require the click mechanism. Because of this, the planks are thinner than other click-float planks—making them a more affordable choice and even more DIY-friendly.

Rigid Vinyl Plank Brings Strength and Texture

Rigid vinyl plank, or RVP, gives you much of the same allure and charm you'll find in LVP. However, RVP also provides more realistic texturing, giving your floor enhanced richness and detail. For example, distressed and hand-scraped textures can mimic saw marks and light wire brushing. This gives your floors an inviting, timeworn appeal that visitors are sure to love. Alternatively, smooth textures offer a glossy, clean look that can give a home a more formal appeal. Meanwhile, embossed in register (EIR) texturing combines graining patterns that match each plank's design for a more authentic appearance. In addition to texture, LL Flooring's RVP uses features a stone-based polymer composite (SPC) core that delivers enhanced resistance to denting and wear. The thicker core also helps make the floor feel more substantial when you walk on it. The top layer helps protect from scratches and wear. RVP can also come with an attached pad, which helps to reduce the sound of footsteps from carrying throughout the house. Enhance your RVP with a quality underlayment for improved sound quality and feel underfoot.

Direct Print Vinyl Delivers Authenticity and Toughness

Direct print vinyl is an advanced type of vinyl flooring that replaces the décor layer by imprinting the textures and colors directly onto the SPC core instead. This gives your floors a crisper and more authentic appearance. On top of this premium appearance, micro-folds in the UV-cured coating provide greater surface hardness as well, so scratches and stains are less likely, and less visible if they do occur. If you're interested in direct print vinyl planking, check out LL Flooring's Harmony Collection.

Now you know the key features of the different types of vinyl plank flooring, all that's left is for you to make your pick, so why not explore your choices today?