What is LVP? Guide to Luxury Vinyl Plank

If you're searching for a wood-look, stone-look, or pattern design at a price that fits your budget, look no further than luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring. Whether you're finishing your basement or aiming to give your primary bathroom a new look, this versatile flooring is well-suited for every room in your home. Before you choose new flooring, learn more about LVP, including its features, benefits, and finishes, to find the best luxury vinyl plank for your home.

 

LVP Basics

Luxury vinyl plank flooring is a budget-friendly alternative to natural flooring options, such as solid wood or stone. This flooring features a multi-layer construction that enhances its strength and determines its overall look. LVP flooring is available in a variety of décors, including both wood-inspired and stone-inspired looks, making it easy to find a design that suits your style.

 

 

Characteristics

While some brands use the term LVP to describe all vinyl flooring, at LL Flooring, RVP refers to our premium vinyl flooring options. To understand more about LVP flooring, check out its key characteristics.

 

Wear Layer

When you're shopping for LVP flooring, one characteristic that you'll see mentioned is the wear layer. This term describes the protective coating on the top of each plank, expressed in mils and mm. For a longer-lasting flooring option, opt for a thicker wear layer. Lucky for you, you can find plenty of options with varying wear layers at LL Flooring.

 

Texture

The texture of your LVP flooring plays a role in its overall aesthetic and how it impacts your room. LVP flooring comes in a variety of textures, so consider what look you prefer as you shop. You can find LVP flooring featuring smooth finishes featuring a sleek, uniform look for your floors. Or, try a distressed or hand-scraped finish if you prefer a weathered appearance, which is perfect for homes featuring rustic decor. Other texture techniques you can find on LVP flooring include wire brushing that adds a subtle texture or graining that gives an authentic look to your planks.

 

 

Benefits

Got kids? How about pets? No problem. Luxury vinyl flooring stands tough against messy eaters or muddy pets. It's a great option for busy, high-traffic spaces and areas prone to moisture. Plus, you can find a variety of options at LL Flooring, making it easy to select flooring that suits your space. Consider these benefits as you explore your LVP options:

 

Waterproof

Spills, splashes, and everyday accidents seem like an inevitable part of life—but they don't have to be a problem for your floors. Luxury vinyl plank flooring is waterproof, delivering protection against occasional spills and tracked-in dirt and mud. As a result, this flooring is well suited for use in rooms like the kitchen, bathroom, and mudroom that might see occasional water and dirt. But, LVP is also versatile enough to use in every room of the home on every floor. Say goodbye to water damage—after a spill, you'll just be a quick cleanup away from restoring your floor's beauty. LVP is your affordable choice for waterproof flooring.

 

Wear-Resistant

LVP is also wear-resistant, which means it holds up well to foot traffic. So, you can incorporate it into any room of the home. The construction of LVP plank layers is what makes them so resilient. These layers consist of the wear layer, décor layer, core layer, and pad layer. The core layer is what determines the strength of your flooring. The décor layer provides a beautiful look similar to real wood or tile. and the wear layer determines how long the flooring will last. And, the pad layer provides substantial comfort underfoot.

 

The good news? This core layer is incredibly strong, making LVP a great option for your floors. It can help to resist dents—so that your floors can stay in good shape for a long time. Ready to add a lasting flooring option to your home? Explore LVP flooring.

 

Easy Maintenance

When it comes to caring for your luxury vinyl plank flooring, maintenance is a breeze. You don't need to invest in special products and cleaners to keep your flooring from looking its best. Regular sweeping and mopping is an effective way to keep your LVP flooring looking its best. If you prefer to use a steam mop, keep it on a low-power setting with a soft pad to help protect the floors.

 

Be sure to avoid any cleaning agents containing wax, polish, or oil, as these ingredients can leave a dull film on your floors. Likewise, steel wool or scouring pads have the potential to scratch your floors, so avoid them. We recommend the Bellawood Floor Care Maintenance Kit for LVP flooring. This kit includes everything you'll need to keep your floors in top condition. It comes with an aluminum mop head and handle, wet and dry mop pads, felt pads to help protect your floors, and Bellawood Floor Cleaner.

 

Budget-Friendly

LVP is an affordable flooring option. If you like the look of hardwood or stone floors but not the price point, LVP is a great alternative. If you're shopping on a budget, be sure to consider plank thickness. Thinner planks usually cost less, which can help keep your flooring project within your target spending. With an array of options available, LVP flooring has styles to fit a variety of budgets.

 

Installation

LVP is ideal for a DIY flooring project. LL Flooring has user-friendly options for installing luxury vinyl plank flooring, which is a DIYer's dream come true.

 

Installation Options

Click-lock flooring allows you to install a floating floor in your home. Once installed, your floors will be ready to walk on right away—there will be no wait time required to enjoy your new floor.

 

Glue-down flooring uses adhesive to affix the LVP flooring directly to the subfloor. The key to a successful installation is following the adhesive manufactures installation instructions for application and limits of the adhesive. This installation method is the most secure option of the three. It can even be used in conjunction with click/lock flooring for added security and stability. So, if you're a confident DIYer who has tackled flooring installation before, a glue-down installation might be your preference.

 

Peel-and-stick vinyl flooring is an ideal installation option if you're new to DIY. Each plank has a pre-applied adhesive, allowing you to easily install your new floors. To ensure your flooring is secure, make sure your subfloor is clear of dust, dirt, and debris. This flooring option takes the guesswork out of your LVP flooring installation.

 

Installation Tips

• Once your flooring arrives, give it about 48 hours to acclimate to the room in which it will be installed. For LVP flooring, keep the room temperature between 65 and 85 degrees to avoid any buckling after installation.
• Before you dive into this DIY project, be sure to check the Warranty, Installation, and Care (WIC) guidelines for specifics about your luxury vinyl plank flooring installation.

 

Styles and Finishes

Even the most selective homeowners will be able to find an LVP flooring option for their homes. At LL Flooring, shop for a wide range of colors, styles, and finishes to suit your space. Whether you prefer traditional flooring or embrace modern finishes, LVP flooring can work in your space.

Discover wood-look vinyl flooring featuring traditional medium- and dark-wood finishes that carry a timeless touch throughout the space. Or, embrace more modern finishes, including cool gray tones that showcase visible wood grain for added texture and intrigue.

If stone-look vinyl flooring is your preference, you can find neutral looks that blend seamlessly into any space. Try travertine or slate vinyl flooring in your laundry room instead of tile. Or, update your bathroom with a marble-inspired flooring option at a fraction of the cost of marble.

 

LVP Flooring for Every Room of the Home

Luxury vinyl plank flooring is an incredibly versatile choice. You can make every room feel like home with this resilient flooring that works on every floor and every type of subfloor. Plus, it comes in a variety of styles and finishes to give your house the look of wood or stone floors at a price that fits into your budget. Ready to get started? The best luxury vinyl plank flooring for your home is just a purchase away. Discover wood-look vinyl and stone-look vinyl for your home at LL Flooring now.