What Is The Best Type Of Vinyl Plank Flooring?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Choose a thickness of

5 mm (0.20 in) or more

for the highest quality. The thickest vinyl planks can be anywhere from 5 mm (0.20 in) to over 8 mm (0.31 in) thick. These planks cost the most, but they are also the most durable and usually look the most like real wood.

What is the best thickness for vinyl plank flooring?

Choose a thickness of

5 mm (0.20 in) or more

for the highest quality. The thickest vinyl planks can be anywhere from 5 mm (0.20 in) to over 8 mm (0.31 in) thick. These planks cost the most, but they are also the most durable and usually look the most like real wood.

Are there different grades of vinyl plank flooring?

Types of Vinyl Plank Flooring. There are three main categories of vinyl plank flooring:

luxury vinyl planks (LVP), wood-plastic composite vinyl planks (WPC), and stone-plastic composite vinyl planks (SPC)

. They might all look the same at first glance, but there are some important differences that you should know about.

What should I look for when buying luxury vinyl plank flooring?

When shopping for the best LVP flooring, you’ll want to make sure it has

scuff, stain, and scratch resistance

. Customer reviews have told us that most people love Armstrong vinyl plank flooring because it’s thicker and more resilient than low grade vinyl that you’ll typically find at a big box store.

What are the disadvantages of vinyl plank flooring?

  • Cannot be repaired.
  • Can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
  • Shorter lifespan than wood floors.
  • No impact, or negative impact, on home resale value.
  • Difficult to remove, especially if adhesive is used during installation.
  • Not eco-friendly; difficult to recycle.

How long will vinyl plank flooring last?

Vinyl floors can last anywhere from

5 to 25 years

, depending on their quality and how they’re installed and maintained.

Do you have to use underlayment for vinyl plank flooring?

If you’re laying the LVP over an existing cushion-backed vinyl floor or a below-grade tile floor, then you won’t need to use an underlayment. … You also

do not need an underlayment

if your vinyl plank flooring has underlayment installed, however, you may need a vapor barrier.

How can you tell the quality of vinyl plank flooring?

You should look for vinyl planks with a

wear layer of at least 12 mil

. If you have an active family or an assemblage of pets, consider buying 20 mil or higher. Even with a thicker wear layer, your floors may not last as long as you’d think.

Does luxury vinyl plank increase home value?

When it comes down to finding the best flooring to increase home value, it all boils down to your market. Hardwood will likely give you the highest return, but laminate and luxury vinyl plank flooring also offer

plenty

of perks to buyers.

Is 4mm vinyl plank flooring good?

In this case, the thicker the plank/tile, or sheet, the sturdier it is. The rule of thumb is to use

4mm to 6mm thickness in heavily used areas of the house

and 4mm and below for areas like the bedroom.

What’s the difference between LVT and LVP?

LVP vs. LVT. LVP comes in a

plank shape

and often offers the look of real hardwood with realistic scraping or embossing. LVT comes in the traditional tile squares, features more stone and concrete looks, includes surface texture for a lifelike look, and can even be installed with grout.

Are thicker vinyl planks better?

As a general rule,

a thicker vinyl will provide more stability and comfort underfoot

. So if you are looking for flooring to refresh your low traffic bedroom, a thinner vinyl plank flooring will work great for you.

What should you not use on vinyl plank flooring?

  • Use highly-abrasive scrubbers. Abrasive sponges, steel wool, and other rough materials can easily scratch — and even eat through — the protective coating atop your vinyl plank flooring. …
  • Use ammonia. …
  • Use paste wax or solvent-based polishes.

Does vinyl plank flooring scratch easily?

Spills will not damage it and they are very easy to clean. If you have pets and kids causing a ruckus in the house,

vinyl does not scratch easily

, chip or suffer any kind of major damage that is going to make it look bad. Cleaning and maintenance of vinyl plank flooring is easy.

What are the pros and cons of luxury vinyl plank flooring?

  • Pro: Very Affordable. …
  • Pro: Easy Installation. …
  • Pro: Beautiful Design. …
  • Pro: Very Durable. …
  • Pro: Easy Maintenance and Repair. …
  • Con: Inconsistent Quality. …
  • Con: Hard to Remove. …
  • Con: Might Not Do Well in the Sunlight.

Can you put a refrigerator on vinyl plank flooring?

Since most furniture will not go under just one plank,

it is perfectly safe for bulky furniture and refrigerators to go on vinyl plank flooring

. Vinyl plank flooring will not be damaged or cracked by home appliances’ weight due to its strong durability.

Emily Lee
Author
Emily Lee
Emily Lee is a freelance writer and artist based in New York City. She’s an accomplished writer with a deep passion for the arts, and brings a unique perspective to the world of entertainment. Emily has written about art, entertainment, and pop culture.