What Is LVP?

Dreaming of a gorgeous hardwood but flinching at the price tag? You're not alone, and many homeowners have already discovered the solution: Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring! LVP has exploded in popularity in recent years, captivating homeowners with its ability to seamlessly mimic the look and texture of natural materials like wood and stone. If you are considering a new floor for your home or office space, take a few minutes with us to learn about LVP!

How Is LVP Made?

Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) is a composite flooring material offering the luxurious look of hardwood floors at a lower cost. Unlike traditional vinyl flooring, which also attempts to replicate hardwood, LVP boasts a multi-layered construction that elevates its appearance and performance. Each layer plays a vital role, culminating in the beautiful, durable, and versatile LVP flooring we know and love. 

WPC (wood plastic composite) incorporates a wood composite core made of wood flour or other wood-like materials, PVC, and foaming agents. This core offers a balance of rigidity and flexibility, providing added cushioning and sound absorption. WPC flooring is often chosen for residential applications where comfort is a main concern, such as living rooms and bedrooms. This is the material typically used to make luxury vinyl planks, but SPC (stone plastic composite) can also be used to create the hardwood aesthetic, even though it is better suited to the construction of LVT flooring. 

• First comes the backing layer, typically crafted from PVC, cork, or a wood-plastic composite. This layer provides crucial stability and protects against moisture.  
• Next, the core, the heart of the plank, is formed. This can be made from PVC for flexibility or a rigid composite material like stone plastic composite for enhanced strength and unique aesthetics. 
• Following this comes the magic: the print layer. High-definition printing techniques meticulously recreate the natural variations and textures of wood grain or stone, offering an incredibly realistic aesthetic.  
• Finally, the topmost layer, the wear layer, safeguards the plank. Made from urethane or aluminum oxide, this transparent shield defends against scratches, stains, and the inevitable wear and tear of daily life. 

Benefits Of LVP Flooring

LVP offers a compelling blend of aesthetics, practicality, and affordability. The most appreciated benefit is the realistic wood or stone look thanks to high-definition printing that captures the intricate details of natural materials. While hardwood floors do come in a variety of wood types, LVP can be made to have virtually any aesthetic, including the unique appearance of stone planks. This translates to a stunning floor that elevates any space, mimicking the timeless appeal of hardwood or the sophisticated charm of stone at a significantly lower cost.  

Beyond aesthetics, LVP shines in terms of durability. The multi-layered construction, with its tough wear layer, provides excellent resistance to scratches, scuffs, and stains, making it ideal for high-traffic areas and busy households with pets or children; LVP is highly water-resistant and easy to clean, which is especially important with little ones and furry friends. Unlike hardwood, which requires regular refinishing and special cleaning products, LVP is a breeze to maintain. Regular sweeping, occasional mopping with a gentle cleanser, and prompt spill cleanup are all it takes to keep your LVP floors looking their best for years to come.

LVP VS. Hardwood Floors

When it comes to flooring choices, both LVP and hardwood flooring offer distinct advantages and disadvantages. Selecting the perfect option depends on your priorities, lifestyle, and budget. While both LVP and hardwood floors offer undeniable beauty, they cater to different needs and preferences. Hardwood is typically the choice for those who prioritize the classic aesthetics of the wood planks and have the money to spend. LVP floors are popular because they mimic the appearance of hardwood at a fraction of the cost, but some people still prefer the real thing. Below is a breakdown of the pros and cons of each to help you decide which is right for your floors. 

LVP Pros

• Affordability: LVP offers a stunning wood or stone look at a fraction of the cost of real hardwood.
• Water Resistance: LVP is either waterproof or water-resistant, making it ideal for areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.
• Easy Maintenance: Regular sweeping and mopping are all that's required. No sanding, refinishing, or special cleaning products needed.
• Easy Installation: Most LVP features a click-lock system for a fast and DIY-friendly installation process.

LVP Cons

• Not Real Wood: LVP lacks the natural warmth and timeless appeal of genuine hardwood.
• Potential For Fading: Direct sunlight exposure can cause some LVP to fade over time.
• Lower Resale Value: While beautiful, LVP may not add significant resale value to your home compared to hardwood.
• Limited Lifespan: While durable, LVP typically has a shorter lifespan (10-25 years) than well-maintained hardwood floors.

Hardwood Pros

• Natural Beauty: Hardwood offers unmatched natural beauty, warmth, and timeless elegance that elevates any space.
• Durability: High-quality hardwood flooring can last for many decades with proper care and refinishing.
• Increased Resale Value: Real hardwood floors can significantly increase the resale value of your home.
• Variety: Hardwood comes in a wide variety of species, each with unique colors, grains, and textures that LVP aims to imitate. 

Hardwood Cons

• Cost: Hardwood flooring is significantly more expensive than LVP.
• Maintenance: Requires regular cleaning, occasional refinishing, and special cleaning products.
• Damage: Wood floors are more susceptible to water damage, scratches, and dents.
• Installation: Professional installation is often required, adding to the cost and complexity of installing hardwood floors.

Installing LVP Floors

Proper installation and care are essential to ensure your LVP floors continue to look their best for years to come. Luckily, LVP installation is relatively simple when compared to installing hardwood floors. As one would expect, it all starts with a solid foundation. Ensure your subfloor is clean, level, and free of cracks, bumps, or loose materials. Obstructions can be felt or even seen through the LVP, creating an uneven walking surface and potentially damaging the planks over time. Before installation, allow the LVP planks to acclimate to the room temperature and humidity for 24-48 hours. This prevents warping or buckling after installation, which will ruin all your hard work. 

Most LVP features a convenient click-lock system, which involves interlocking ends of the planks to ensure a seamless appearance. Remember to use appropriate transition strips where LVP meets different flooring types (carpet, tile, etc.) to create a smooth and finished look while protecting the edges of the planks. We recommend that all homeowners and installers choose an LVP with an attached underlayment for added comfort and sound absorption, especially on uneven subfloors. If your chosen LVP doesn't have one, consider using a separate underlayment pad for additional benefits.

LVP Floor Maintenance

Once installed, maintaining LVP floors requires very simple tasks to keep them looking great. While LVP is known for its easy cleanup and resistance to damage, practicing regular maintenance will help ensure that your new floors stay in tip-top shape for longer. We will leave you with some advice on regular maintenance, and we strongly encourage all of our readers to contact us here at Infinity Flooring for more information on what LVP can offer you and your home! 

LVP Maintenance Tips

• Daily Cleaning: Regular sweeping or dry mopping with a microfiber mop removes loose dirt and debris that can scratch the surface.
• Weekly Mopping: For a deeper clean, use a damp mop with a manufacturer-approved LVP floor cleaner. Avoid harsh chemicals, soaps, or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the wear layer.
• Clean Spills Promptly: Clean up spills immediately to prevent stains. Blot up liquids with a clean, absorbent cloth and avoid using excessive water.
• Use Mats: Place doormats outside and inside entryways to trap dirt, sand, and grit before they get tracked onto your LVP floors. Choose mats with a smooth backing to prevent scratching.
• Furniture Care: Use furniture protectors like felt pads under furniture legs to prevent scratches and indentations. Lift furniture when moving it to avoid dragging across the floor.
• Minimize Sun Exposure: Direct sunlight can cause fading over time. Consider window treatments like blinds or curtains to protect your LVP floors from harsh UV rays.
• Vacuum Wisely: If you vacuum your LVP floors, use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment specifically designed for hard floors. Avoid beater bars that can scratch the surface.
• Pet Care: Regularly trim your pets' nails to minimize potential scratches. Clean up pet accidents promptly to prevent stains and odors.