When building or remodeling a home, your flooring options have grown exponentially over previous years. One of the newer products to hit the market is luxury vinyl planks. They combine the look of wood floors with the value and durability of laminate.

What are luxury vinyl planks?

A few short decades ago, vinyl was only available in 12-foot rolls that were glued down to the subfloor at the edges. This created a floor that could stand up to wet shoes and heavy foot traffic in areas like the bathroom and garage entrance of a home. Seeking to improve the product, manufacturers began adhering sheet vinyl to rigid boards that could be snapped together for easy installation.

Vinyl planks, sometimes referred to as LVP (luxury vinyl planks) or LVF (luxury vinyl flooring), are an economical way to add the look of wood without the expense. They feature not only photographic representations of wood, but also the look and feel of distressed wood. 

How are luxury vinyl planks installed?

Luxury vinyl plank installation is a relatively easy process. In fact, you do not even need a saw to cut the planks like you would with laminate flooring. The LVP can easily be cut to size with a razor knife making it a great do-it-yourself project for handy homeowners. 

Luxury vinyl plank installation by a professional team lends itself to more challenging patterns. The product looks sophisticated when installed in a herringbone, brick lay, chevron, or even parquet pattern.

How long will luxury vinyl planks last?

Like laminate, LVP is very durable. The planks resist dents and scratches while holding up to daily wear and tear. Luxury vinyl planks are expected to last ten years. Unfortunately, they cannot be refinished like solid wood flooring. 

Are luxury vinyl planks waterproof?

Unlike laminate flooring, luxury vinyl plank flooring is fully waterproof. This does not mean that it will survive a flood, but rather it can sustain moisture from snowy boots, bathroom condensation, and kitchen spills. LVP can be installed in wet areas of your home, including the mudroom, laundry room, kitchen, and bathroom. There is no longer a fear of the product getting wet and warping. 

How do you clean vinyl planks?

While luxury vinyl planks are waterproof, you cannot clean them with a steam mop. The steam could infiltrate the adhesive over time and cause damage. Instead, most manufacturers recommend sweeping your floors on a regular basis and wet mopping once a week. While you can use soap and water, stay away from harsh chemicals. 

Luxury vinyl planks are an excellent choice for the homeowner that is looking for the beauty of wood without the expense.