Vinyl plank flooring has swiftly gained popularity as a versatile and stylish flooring solution that caters to both aesthetic preferences and practical needs. In fact, recent trends indicate a significant surge in homeowners adopting vinyl plank flooring.
With its exceptional waterproof capabilities and remarkable resistance to spills and moisture, LVP is the ideal choice for families with children and pets. It not only mimics the stunning appearance of real wood flooring or tile flooring but also offers unmatched durability, making it the perfect flooring solution for households that demand both style and functionality.
In this article, we’ll review the essential aspects of vinyl plank flooring, from its benefits to key factors you should keep in mind to guide your selection process.
Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or seeking professional assistance, our comprehensive guide will help you make an informed decision to transform your space.
The Appeal of Modern Vinyl Plank Flooring
In an era where style meets durability, modern vinyl plank flooring emerges as a favored choice for flooring solutions.
In fact, the demand is such that the industry is expected to grow at a rate of 6.8% every year, giving it a predicted valuation of $51.45 billion in 2028!
With a striking resemblance to natural wood, luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring has become a sought-after alternative, especially for high-traffic areas.
Beyond its visual appeal, vinyl plank flooring offers a host of advantages that contribute to its increasing adoption. This includes the unparalleled resilience it provides, promising durability that will last several years without fading in beauty.
How To Choose Vinyl Plank FlooringÂ
Now that you’re aware of the captivating attributes of modern vinyl plank flooring, it’s time to navigate through the selection process with confidence.
With a myriad of options available, making an informed decision requires a deeper understanding of the key factors.
Here’s how to choose the perfect vinyl flooring for your specific needs, ensuring that your flooring not only complements your home decor but also withstands the tests of time and daily life.
Determine Plank Thickness
One fundamental consideration to keep in mind is the plank thickness while choosing an LVP. However, it’s also important to remember that thickness isn’t the sole indicator of good performance.
While overall thickness holds some significance, the key lies in the type of LVP you opt for as well. A prevalent misconception is that a thicker core equates to superior products.
For example, at MyNewFloor.com, we exclusively offer stone Polymer Composite (SPC) Luxury Vinyl Plank with a minimum of 70% limestone content. This core composition brings exceptional benefits compared to those with lower limestone content or Wood Plastic Core (WPC).
This means that even LVP with a core that’s thinner but made up of hard minerals can surpass the quality of the thicker ones.
It’s also crucial to match plank thickness with the best flooring installation method for the best outcome. Glue-down luxury vinyl plank flooring adheres directly to the subfloor which can expose the planks to irregularities in the flooring.
In contrast, MyNewFloor.com uses floated installations like click-lock systems that offer far more aesthetic surfaces. This method accommodates slight subfloor variations and bumps, preventing them from manifesting as visible irregularities on the surface.
Determine Wear Layer
When choosing the perfect LVP flooring for your home, you must also consider the wear layer—a critical component that determines the floor’s durability and longevity. The wear layer refers to the clear/semi-transparent topmost layer of the LVP and plays a vital role in safeguarding your investment from the rigors of daily life.
Think of it as a protective shield for your LVP flooring. Durability is at the heart of its purpose, shielding the underlying layers of your flooring from damage caused by daily wear and tear. This includes protection against scratches, scuffs, stains, and other forms of damage resulting from foot traffic, moving furniture around, or playful pets.
Thicker wear layers provide extended protection and longevity compared to thinner counterparts with the same type of finish. Most wear layers vary from six to 20 mils (where 1 mil equates to 1/1000th of an inch). The more commercial the use, the higher the thickness.
LVP wear layers come in many forms, including:
- Urethane Wear Layer: This wear layer provides standard protection for everyday use. It ensures basic resistance to wear and tear from regular footfall while maintaining the floor’s appearance.
- Ceramic Bead Wear Layer: Certain LVP products feature wear layers infused with tiny ceramic beads which bolster the wear layer’s resistance to scratches and abrasions, making it an ideal choice for high-traffic areas in your home.
- Aluminum Oxide Wear Layer: Renowned for its exceptional toughness, this wear layer is a premium option often found in high-end LVP products. It contains minuscule aluminum oxide particles that deliver unmatched scratch resistance and durability and is the preferred choice for both residential and commercial spaces subjected to heavy foot traffic.
At MyNewFloor.com, we take pride in offering LVP products exclusively with Ceramic Bead or Aluminum Oxide coating. Keep in mind specific enhancements in these two wear layer types can outperform enhanced urethane.
For example, a 6 mil wear layer of Aluminum Oxide will beat a 20 mil wear layer product equipped with a urethane finish.
Choose the Best Color
Another factor to consider is choosing the ideal color that aligns with your space’s ambiance and personal style.
The color of your LVP flooring can significantly influence the atmosphere of your space. Lighter shades can impart an open and airy feel to rooms, while darker hues can lend a sense of coziness and intimacy. Color also has the power to complement your existing interior design elements, seamlessly integrating your new flooring into the overall aesthetic.
At MyNewFloor.com, we offer an extensive range and colorful spectrum, allowing you to find the perfect hue that resonates with your design vision. Whether you’re drawn to the warmth of natural wood tones or the contemporary allure of grays and neutrals, our color options cater to diverse preferences.
Consider Embossing and Texture
When it comes to flooring, it’s not just about color and pattern. Texture also plays a vital role in enhancing the overall visual and tactile experience.
Embossing refers to a design technique of imprinting patterns onto the surface of the vinyl plank. This artful detailing provides a level of authenticity that mimics the look and feel of natural materials like wood and stone. It also adds depth and dimension, creating a dynamic visual effect that captures the essence of real hardwood or stone flooring.
Beyond aesthetics, textured vinyl plank flooring also offers some practical benefits. The added texture can provide slip resistance, making it a safe choice for homes with children and pets.
By delving into the world of textures, you’re embracing a flooring option that’s not only visually captivating but also enriches the sensory experience of your living space.
Examine Your Lifestyle
Your flooring should integrate effortlessly with your daily life. Vinyl plank flooring offers a range of options that can cater to diverse lifestyles. Whether you have a bustling household or a more relaxed and minimalist lifestyle, scratch-resistant vinyl plank flooring can be tailored to your preferences.
One of vinyl plank flooring’s key attributes is its exceptional durability. Designed to withstand heavy foot traffic in living rooms, spills in laundry rooms, and general daily wear, it’s a reliable choice for homes with active lifestyles. It also boasts stain-resistant waterproof flooring, making it ideal for spaces prone to moisture exposure like bathrooms and kitchens.
Many manufacturers also offer vinyl flooring with responsible sourcing, making it a conscientious choice for environmentally-conscious homeowners.
Don’t Forget Your Budget
Vinyl plank flooring stands out as a highly cost-effective flooring option, delivering exceptional value over time.
While the initial investment may be lower than some traditional flooring materials, the long-term durability and low maintenance needs also contribute to substantial savings down the line. This means that you won’t find yourself needing frequent replacements or repairs, which can incur significant costs.
Experts in home improvement and interior design often emphasize the importance of weighing long-term costs when choosing flooring. Many homeowners find that vinyl flooring’s blend of affordability and durability creates a solid foundation for making prudent financial choices in their interior design projects.
Find Your Ideal Vinyl Plank Flooring With MyNewFloor.com
Congratulations—you’ve navigated the world of vinyl plank flooring that can align with your preferences and lifestyle.
What’s next? It’s now time to take the step towards transforming your space with high-quality vinyl plank flooring from a dream retailer like MyNewFloor.com. We are bringing the best flooring installation Charlotte, NC has ever seen. If you’re curious about where else we serve, check out our serving areas. Are you ready to experience it?
A world of possibilities awaits in our Evo Collection. With an array of vinyl plank flooring options to explore, you’re poised to discover the perfect fit for your home.
Whether you’re seeking a wood-look finish, versatile embossing patterns, or durable solutions and a professional installation that aligns with your budget, our collection caters to your unique needs.
So what are you waiting for? Visit our flooring stores in North Carolina or connect with our experts to explore different types of vinyl flooring. We’re here to provide personalized guidance and help you find the flooring to transform your space into something extraordinary.
What’s more, we even offer a warranty on all our flooring options that span from laminate flooring, ceramic tile, and luxury vinyl tile (LVT) to hardwood floors and luxury plank.
With MyNewFloor.com, you’re just a step away from creating the living environment you’ve always envisioned.