If you’re planning to remodel or update your home, vinyl plank flooring can be an affordable and beautiful choice. When it comes to this flooring material, how do you know if it’s right for you? This guide explores the different options to help you decide what brand of vinyl plank flooring is the best, as well as the pros and cons of choosing these floors. Read on to learn more about the facts on vinyl plank flooring and valuable FAQs so you can update your floors in confidence.
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What is Vinyl Plank Flooring?
If you love the look of hardwood but don’t have the budget, vinyl plank and luxury vinyl plank flooring can be a great alternative. So, what is LVP flooring, and what makes it different? This type of flooring is manufactured using images of real wood, so it offers you the beauty of hardwood without the extra maintenance required to keep it looking new. The material used to make vinyl wood planks is high quality and comes in planks that snap together for easy installation. The durable wear layer keeps it protected, and it can be installed in any room including kitchens and bathrooms. Vinyl plank is often referred to as “resilient flooring” and it’s durable enough for use in commercial applications. Homeowners may prefer luxury vinyl plank due to its high-end looks and a large range of color options.
See also: What is laminate flooring?
Vinyl Plank Flooring Pros and Cons
As with any material you install in your home, there are a few luxury vinyl plank pros and cons to consider.
Pros
- LVP flooring is water-resistant, which means it won’t get damaged if you spill liquids on the surface. It can be installed in basements, kitchens, and bathrooms due to its ability to stay durable even when exposed to water and moisture.
- Both regular and luxury vinyl plank features a commercial-grade wear layer that’s able to handle heavy foot traffic. That makes this flooring ideal for commercial spaces as well as busy households.
- Vinyl plank flooring is easy to maintain. A simple sweep or regular mopping can keep your floors looking beautiful and clean.
Cons
- If you use glue to install your vinyl plank floors, it will be extremely difficult to remove them whenever you want to add new flooring to your home.
- Vinyl is much softer than a material like wood or tile, so if you drop something heavy or accidentally puncture your floors, it can cause permanent damage.
- The top coating of vinyl flooring is not UV-resistant. That means your floors may fade over time after exposure to direct sunlight.
- You cannot recycle vinyl floors, and they aren’t biodegradable which may be a concern of you’re an eco-conscious consumer.
The Best Luxury Vinyl Plank Brands
When choosing between different vinyl plank flooring brands, each offers its own set of features, warranty, and other pros and cons. The best LVP flooring should be durable, beautiful to look at, and resilient enough to withstand years of use. We’ve compiled a few brief vinyl plank flooring reviews to help you find the perfect fit for your home. When you ask what is the best vinyl plank flooring, consider these luxury vinyl plank reviews when making your decision and choosing a brand.
Karndean Korlok
Karndean has been manufacturing beautiful luxury vinyl plank floors for the past 40 years. This flooring is exceptionally high in quality, and they offer a wide range of design styles to choose from. While the Karndean Korlok brand costs more than some competitors, it’s a perfect choice if you’re aim is to install gorgeous floors that look extremely close to real hardwood. They offer a myriad of colors and textures, and the durability factor means you’ll enjoy these floors for years into the future. Visit manufacturer website.
Armstrong PRYZM
Floors from the Armstrong PRYZM line are 100% waterproof, which makes them an outstanding choice for basements, bathrooms, and kitchens. This flooring is durable enough to handle the wear and tear from kids, heavy appliances, and furniture. The sturdy wear layer stays intact, and you’ll get realistic timber textures and colorways to enhance every room of the home. When you’re asking what brand of vinyl plank flooring is the best, Armstrong PRYZM is certainly a strong competitor. Visit manufacturer website.
COREtec Plus
COREtec Plus flooring comes in a variety of styles including tile look to add a modern element to your home. This popular vinyl plank flooring features beveled edges, and the natural graining gives the wood-look vinyl an authentic aesthetic. The flooring is made in the USA and features several layers for added durability and protection. All four layers are waterproof, and the cork underlayment ensures that they’re soft and quiet underfoot. Visit manufacturer website.
Mohawk SolidTech
Mohawk is one of America’s favorite flooring brands. The Mohawk SolidTech line is perfect for installation in any room and features a look and feel that’s extremely close to real, natural hardwood. These floors are 50% denser than other composite core floorings, and they can be installed at any angle so you can create a custom pattern. The durable construction resists scratches and scuffs, and they won’t dent if you drop something on them. An advanced locking system allows for easy installation and a seamless look. Visit manufacturer website.
Flooret Modin
The engineered vinyl plank from Flooret Modin is a high end vinyl plank flooring choice for the luxury homeowner. This unique vinyl product features extra-large planks with enhanced bevels, while the top wear layer provides years of enjoyment throughout your home. Their Base line provides you with a more affordable option, and both lines feature a unique embossed-in-register texture for a realistic look. The low sheen finish makes them extremely similar to wood in terms of authentic aesthetics, and the pre-attached underlayment ensures your floors are soft, comfortable, and quiet to walk on. Flooret Modin floors are 100% waterproof for reliable use in any room. Visit manufacturer website.
SHAW RESILIENT VINYL FLOORING
Shaw is one of the leaders in flooring, and their resilient vinyl flooring brings durability to your home with a range of colors and designs to choose from. These floors feature a WPC or wood plastic core made of wood cellulose and a polymer/plastic blend. The result is a more resilient floor that can bend and flex when you walk on them, making this flooring a great option for a second-floor upgrade. Shaw Resilient Vinyl Flooring is affordable, and they also offer a commercial line that features a stone plastic core for rigid wear in busy business and industrial environments. Visit manufacturer website.
Home Depot LifeProof Vinyl Plank Flooring
For the DIY installer, consider Home Depot LifeProof Vinyl Plank Flooring for your home. These floors come in a beautiful assortment of colors and finishes to match any style. A special ScratchProtect coating protects the floors from stains and visible scuffs, and the pre-attached underlayment helps with quick installation and a soft feel. You can install these floors directly over existing concrete, vinyl, wood, or tile which makes them a great choice for those who want to install their vinyl plank flooring themselves. Visit manufacturer website.
FAQ:
To install vinyl plank flooring, bring the material inside and let it acclimate for at least 48 hours. Remove the baseboards and mark your floors for measuring. Cut each vinyl plank to fit the length of each vertical run. Score the tongue off the first row of your vinyl plank flooring with a sharp razor knife. Start at the far end of the room and work your way outward as you snap each piece in place. Allow for a six-inch stagger between joints and continue adding each plank individually for each row until you’ve reached the opposite end of the room. When you’re done, reinstall the baseboards.
Clean your vinyl plank flooring with a pH-neutral floor cleaner. Use a wet mop and gently wipe the floors to remove dirt and grime. You can also vacuum your floors daily or weekly to get rid of crumbs and dirt. Never use the beater bar on your vacuum or else it could damage your vinyl floors.
You can lay your vinyl plank flooring horizontally or vertically depending on the size and layout of the room. Lay the planks along the wall end-to-end and press each piece down firmly using a roller if you’re installing peel-and-stick vinyl.
Score your vinyl plank with a utility knife, then snap the end off. You can also use a vinyl cutter, jigsaw, or miter saw to cut the flooring.
To stagger your vinyl plank flooring, use a difference of between six and 12 inches per board. The length of your stagger will depend on the size of the room. You’ll want to stagger the floor planks at a shorter length for small rooms, and a longer length for larger rooms.