luxury vinyl flooring explained

Over the last few years, luxury vinyl flooring (LVF) has rapidly developed and advanced. With innovations and technology being introduced to improve the product’s quality, durability, and sustainability, luxury vinyl flooring is the only type that is experiencing a rapid increase in market share, mainly at the expense of traditional vinyl flooring and carpet. But what is Luxury vinyl flooring? Why is it so popular? How did it come to be known as Luxury vinyl flooring? Well, we explained it all in this article!

What is LVF?

Luxury vinyl flooring, also known as LVF, imitates the appearance and texture of natural materials like hardwood, stone, or ceramic tile while being a man-made or synthetic flooring option. It has become increasingly popular as a durable and affordable alternative to traditional flooring options in recent years.

What is Luxury Vinyl Flooring made of?

Luxury vinyl flooring (LVF) is typically made of several layers of synthetic materials designed to be durable and attractive. The specific composition of LVF can vary depending on the manufacturer and product, but here are some of the common materials used:

• PVC: an abbreviation for Polyvinyl Chloride, is a plastic variety frequently utilized in the central layer of LVF or luxury vinyl flooring. It provides stability and durability to the flooring while also being resistant to water and other types of damage.
• Fiberglass: Fiberglass is often used in the core layer of LVF to add extra strength and stability.
• Limestone: Some LVF products use limestone in the core layer, which adds durability and stability while being environmentally friendly.
• Urethane: Urethane is a type of clear, high-performance coating that is often used in the wear layer of LVF. It provides protection against scratches, stains, and other types of damage.
• Inks and Dyes: High-resolution printing technology is used to create the design layer of LVF, which can mimic the look of wood, stone, or other materials. Inks and dyes are used to create realistic patterns and colors.
• Cork or Foam: Cork or foam is often used in the backing layer of LVF, which provides additional support, insulation, and soundproofing.

These materials are typically combined using heat and pressure to create a single, durable, high-performance flooring product.

Why is it called LVF?

Luxury vinyl flooring (LVF) is called “luxury” because it is a higher-end version of traditional vinyl flooring. It is designed to look like natural materials such as wood or stone and often has a more realistic appearance than traditional vinyl flooring. In addition, LVF generally includes a thicker wear layer, which enhances its durability and provides better protection against scratches, scuffs, and other forms of damage.

The term “luxury” is used to differentiate LVF from lower-end vinyl flooring options and to reflect its higher quality and more premium look and feel.

Is luxury vinyl flooring durable?

Luxury vinyl flooring is recognized for its resilience and ability to withstand moisture, stains, and scratches. It can also withstand heavy foot traffic and is a good option for areas with a lot of wear and tear.

Can luxury vinyl flooring be installed in moisture-prone areas?

Luxury vinyl flooring is an excellent choice for areas with high levels of moisture, such as bathrooms and kitchens, because of its ability to resist water damage. It is crafted to be water-resistant, which ensures that any spills, splashes, or humidity do not cause significant harm.

Is luxury vinyl flooring easy to install?

Luxury vinyl flooring is available in both traditional and floating installation methods, making it easy to install for DIYers and professionals alike.

The floating installation method is particularly popular because it doesn’t require adhesive and is a quicker and cleaner option.

How do you clean luxury vinyl flooring?

Luxury vinyl flooring demands minimal upkeep. Regular sweeping or vacuuming to eliminate dust and debris is necessary, and any spills or stains can be easily cleaned with a damp cloth.

What are the different types of luxury vinyl flooring?

A diverse assortment of luxury vinyl flooring (LVF) choices are presently accessible in the market. Below are some of the most frequently utilized types:

• Vinyl Plank (LVP): This is the most popular type of LVF, and it is designed to mimic the look of hardwood flooring. LVP comes in various colors and patterns, and it can be installed in various ways, including glue-down, click-lock, or loose lay.

• Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT): LVT or luxury vinyl tile is intended to replicate the appearance of ceramic or stone tiles. Much like LVP, this LVF variant is offered in a wide array of patterns and colors, and it can be installed using multiple installation methods.

• WPC (Wood-Plastic Composite): WPC is a type of luxury vinyl flooring made by blending wood fibers with plastic. As a result, a more stable and durable flooring option is created when compared to conventional hardwood flooring.

• Stone-Plastic Composite (SPC): SPC is a form of luxury vinyl flooring that is produced by blending plastic with limestone powder. The outcome is an exceedingly durable product that can withstand water damage, scratches, and stains.

• Rigid Core Vinyl Flooring: Rigid core vinyl flooring is a type of LVF that has a rigid core layer made of either SPC or WPC material. The combination of limestone powder and plastic in SPC flooring results in an immensely durable product that can resist high levels of foot traffic, as well as other forms of wear and tear. This is due to the fact that the limestone powder provides a sturdier core layer than that of traditional LVF, while the plastic layer offers added protection and flexibility. This construction leads to a flooring option that is exceptionally long-lasting and can endure heavy foot traffic, making it an ideal choice for commercial settings or high-traffic households.

• Enhanced Vinyl Plank (EVP): EVP is a type of LVF designed to be even more durable and waterproof than other types of vinyl flooring. The thicker wear layer present in this LVF variant allows for a more substantial amount of protection against the effects of frequent usage and high levels of foot traffic, making it an optimal choice for commercial or high-traffic settings. This feature provides added durability and resilience, allowing the flooring to maintain its appearance and integrity over an extended period. As a result, it is an ideal option for spaces that are frequented by numerous people, such as malls, schools, airports, and hospitals. Additionally, the thicker wear layer helps prevent scuff marks, scratches, and other forms of damage, ensuring that the flooring remains in top condition for longer periods.

What are the pros and cons of each type?

Here are the pros and cons for each of the six types of luxury vinyl flooring: 

Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)

Pros:

• Imitates the appearance of hardwood flooring.
• Is available in numerous colors and patterns.
• Sturdy and capable of withstanding scratches, stains, and other forms of damage.
• Installation is hassle-free, and it can be installed using various methods.
• Low maintenance

Cons:

• May not be as authentic looking as real hardwood flooring
• The cost of this LVF variant can be higher compared to other types of flooring.
• Some lower-quality products may have a shorter lifespan

Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT)

Pros:

• Replicates the appearance of wood as well as ceramic or stone tiles.
• Available in numerous colors and patterns.
• Capable of withstanding scratches, stains, and other forms of damage, offering durability.
• Installation is uncomplicated, and it offers versatility in terms of installation methods.
• Requires minimal maintenance.

Cons:

• May not be as authentic looking as real wood, ceramic or stone tiles
• May come at a higher cost compared to other LVF types.
• Some lower-quality products may have a shorter lifespan

WPC (Wood-Plastic Composite) Flooring

Pros:

• Resembles the appearance of hardwood flooring.
• More stable and durable than traditional hardwood flooring
• Capable of resisting scratches, stains, and other forms of damage.
• It is possible to install it over subfloors that are uneven
• Waterproof

Cons:

• May not be as authentic looking as real hardwood flooring
• May incur a higher cost compared to other LVF options.
• Some lower-quality products may have a shorter lifespan 

SPC (Stone-Plastic Composite) Flooring

Pros:

• Replicates the appearance of natural stone.
• Exceptionally durable and has the ability to resist scratches, stains, and other forms of damage.
• Waterproof
• Can be installed over uneven subfloors

Cons:

• May not be as authentic looking as real natural stone
• The cost of this LVF variety may be higher than that of other types of flooring.
• Some lower-quality products may have a shorter lifespan

Rigid Core Vinyl Flooring

Pros:

• The durability and resistance to scratches, stains, and other types of damage are notable features of this LVF type.
• More stable and inflexible compared to conventional LVF
• Easy to install, can be installed in a variety of ways
• Waterproof 

Cons

• May not be as authentic looking as other types of LVF
• The cost of this LVF variant can be higher than other available types
• Some lower-quality products may have a shorter lifespan.

Enhanced Vinyl Plank (EVP)

Pros:

• Resembles the appearance of hardwood flooring.
• Extremely durable and resistant to scratches, stains, and other types of damage
• Waterproof
• Can be used in commercial settings
• Low maintenance

Cons:

• This LVF option may come at a higher cost than other available types.
• May not be as authentic looking as real hardwood flooring
• Some lower-quality products may have a shorter lifespan.

It’s important to note that the pros and cons of each type of LVF can vary depending on the specific product and manufacturer.

When considering purchasing a new product, it is essential to take the time to conduct thorough research and analyze reviews.

How is it priced against the other types of flooring?

Luxury vinyl flooring (LVF) is typically priced competitively with other flooring materials, such as hardwood, ceramic tile, and natural stone. However, the exact pricing of LVF can vary depending on the quality, style, and brand of the product.

In general, LVF is often more affordable than hardwood, natural stone, and ceramic tile but can be more expensive than traditional vinyl flooring or carpet.

However, it’s important to note that the long-term cost of LVF can be lower than other flooring options due to its durability and low maintenance requirements. Additionally, LVF can often be installed more easily and quickly than other types of flooring, which can save on installation costs. The price of LVF can also vary depending on the installation method. Glue-down installation methods can be more affordable than click-lock or loose-lay options, which may require more specialized tools or equipment.

Overall, LVF is a cost-effective flooring option that can provide the look and feel of natural materials at a more affordable price point. Owing to its durability and minimal maintenance demands, it can also be a prudent investment.