Luxury Vinyl Plank – By The Numbers
LVP is making a big splash with homeowners and in commercial spaces. But is it everything it claims to be? While it is highly regarded as a functional, durable, and cost-effective option, we thought a deeper dive into LVP might help our customers understand if LVP is suitable for their home.
We did our homework here. LVP has been the talk of the flooring industry for quite some time. So, before we just jumped on the bandwagon, we shopped, we tested, and we even installed in our own homes to make sure we were offering something that would last and add value for our customers – not just offering the latest fad.
Why Luxury Vinyl Planking?
When we decided to add to our flooring options at Sloane’s, we decided to start with research. And we spent years looking at flooring to find an option that could last and be affordable. Our abundant research led us to LVP or Luxury Vinyl Planking. LVP has so many benefits and very few (if any) drawbacks. And it will work in your ‘forever’ home, office, rental, and more. We genuinely believe that LVP can offer our customers the absolute best value.
We wanted to make absolutely sure that if we were going to offer this to our customers, it would be an excellent long-term choice.
Benefits of LVP
Likely, you’ve done your homework about LVP. We did, too. We’ve also installed it and lived with it in our homes. We can honestly say that LVP lives up to its claims:
- It’s easy to clean: it doesn’t need special equipment or cleaning products to keep it clean. You can use a dry static mop (like Swiffer) to pick up dust and debris. Additionally, you can safely use any standard floor cleaner to clean up wet messes.
- It’s waterproof: LVP will not absorb liquid and accompanying smells and stains like carpet or hardwood. If you want to get technical, all LVP layers are 100% waterproof this also makes them impervious to humidity, so planks will not swell with seasonal moisture. This protects your floors from mold and mildew, too.
- It’s hypoallergenic: Since LVP doesn’t absorb moisture, it can’t bind with allergens that might hit the floor; dog hair, dust and dirt, and more can be easily wiped away. This makes LVP an excellent choice for homes with pets and kids and those with allergies or asthma.
- It’s tough: Yes, all flooring is made to withstand wear and tear, but LVP is even tougher. The top layer of LVP, called the “wear layer,” is usually built to withstand more than even hardwood. This means that it will last structurally, but it will look good for longer, too.
What is LVP made of?
LVP is a composite product, meaning it is composed of a few layers, not just one piece. Understanding these layers and their purpose is key to deciding if this is the right choice for your next project. And, as you research LVP, we encourage you to reach out with any questions. Our team is well-educated on LVP, and we’d be thrilled to tell you more. Most LVP is made up of three components:
Top layer: this is also called the ‘wear layer,’ and it’s the layer that you’ll see. A typical wear layer is either 20 MIL or 12 MIL. MIL refers to the number of coats in the wear layer. 12 MIL has 12 coats, 20 MIL has 20 coats, etc. For a high-use space, like a retail store or office, you’ll likely want something closer to 20 MIL. 12 MIL wear layer will be more than adequate for a residential space.
Middle Layer: following is the core layer or the stability layer. A rigid core maintains the integrity and shape of the floor. The core layer should be rigid as you want your flooring to last and not be damaged by years of use.
Bottom Layer: The bottom layer is a thin layer of padding. Since most LVP can be laid over existing flooring or subflooring, this layer helps smooth the undersurface and can also help with sound and more.
Buying and Installing LVP
LVP is most commonly installed over existing flooring or subflooring. This makes it a smart choice for DIYers. Since LVP is thinner, you’ll be able to navigate most transitions and doorways, too. However, talk to a professional if you have any doubts or questions or if it’s your first time with this type of flooring.
The team at Sloane’s is highly skilled with LVP and can make installation even easier for you. We’ll have an installer meet you at your location to measure and make sure everything is in order before we begin. Again, if you have questions about his or any flooring option, we’d love to tell you more.
The Drawback?
Since nothing is perfect, we should mention that LVP is pretty heavy. Yes, it is thin, but a lot is packed into those planks. Because of its heft, even the most diehard DIYers opt for professional installation.
As always, we’d be happy to tell you more. Our no-pressure flooring team is available by phone, by in-store appointment, or you can also shop online anytime.