When it comes to flooring, homeowners today have more options than ever before. For decades, the choice was often between carpet, hardwood, and tile. But in recent years, a new category of flooring has exploded in popularity and is quickly becoming the go-to choice for homeowners, designers, and builders alike: Luxury Vinyl Plank, or LVP. This is not the cheap, peeling sheet vinyl of your grandmother’s kitchen. Modern LVP is a highly engineered, sophisticated product that offers the stunning look of real hardwood with a level of durability and water resistance that wood can only dream of. It’s a stylish, practical, and often affordable solution for any room in your home.
What is Luxury Vinyl Plank?
LVP is a multi-layered, resilient flooring product that is designed to realistically mimic the look and texture of natural wood. It is composed of several layers:
- A Protective Wear Layer: This is a clear top coat that is incredibly resistant to scratches, scuffs, and stains. The thickness of this wear layer is a key indicator of the floor’s durability.
- A High-Resolution Design Layer: This is where the magic happens. A highly detailed, 3D-printed image of real wood grain is applied, giving the plank its stunningly realistic appearance.
- A Rigid Core: The core of the plank is made from a dense, rigid composite material. This core is what makes the floor so stable and, in many cases, 100% waterproof.
- An Attached Underlayment: Many modern LVP products come with an attached cork or foam underlayment, which provides sound dampening and added comfort underfoot.
The Major Advantages of LVP Flooring
LVP has become so popular because it offers a combination of benefits that is hard to beat.
- It’s 100% Waterproof: This is its biggest selling point. Unlike hardwood or laminate, which can swell and be permanently damaged by water, LVP is completely impervious to moisture. This makes it the perfect flooring choice for high-moisture areas like kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements. You never have to worry about spills or pet accidents.
- Incredible Durability: The tough wear layer makes LVP highly resistant to the scratches, dents, and scuffs of daily life. It’s an excellent choice for busy households with children and pets.
- Stunningly Realistic Look: The high-definition printing technology used today is so advanced that it can be very difficult to tell the difference between high-quality LVP and real hardwood flooring. It captures the authentic grain patterns, knots, and textures of wood.
- Easy Maintenance: LVP is incredibly easy to care for. Regular sweeping or vacuuming and occasional mopping with a pH-neutral cleaner is all that is needed to keep it looking new. There’s no need for special waxes or polishes.
- Comfort and Quiet: It is softer and warmer underfoot than hard tile, and the attached underlayment helps to reduce noise.
As many home design publications like Architectural Digest have noted, LVP’s combination of style, performance, and value has made it a favorite among interior designers.
Professional Installation is Key
While some LVP products are marketed as DIY-friendly, a professional installation is the best way to ensure a perfect, long-lasting result. A professional will ensure your subfloor is perfectly level (which is critical), will plan the layout for a balanced look, and will make precise cuts for a seamless finish.
Your Redlands Luxury Vinyl Flooring Experts
If you’re looking for a flooring that offers the beautiful look of hardwood with unparalleled durability and waterproof performance, LVP is an excellent choice. For homeowners in Redlands, CA, and the surrounding areas, the team at Taylor’s Carpet Care offers a wide selection and professional installation of luxury vinyl flooring. Contact us today to visit our showroom.