The addition of luxury vinyl flooring in construction has steadily risen in popularity amongst homeowners looking for an attractive, durable, and cost-effective flooring solution. The flooring option is versatile, mimicking the look and feel of natural materials like stone and hardwood, while offering easy maintenance and great water resistance.
Different Types of Luxury Vinyl Flooring
There are two main styles of luxury vinyl flooring: tiles and planks. Both options will provide realistic texture and look, but the installation methods vary.
Luxury Vinyl Planks (LVP)
Luxury Vinyl Plank, also known as LVP in the world of construction, is made to look like and replicate the appearance of hardwood flooring. The planks come in different lengths and widths, featuring realistic wood grain texture and patterns. This choice of flooring is great for those who want the look of hardwood without all the maintenance costs and concerns.
Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT)
Luxury vinyl tile, also known as LVT in the world of construction, is made to look like and replicate natural ceramic or stone tile. The tiles come in different shapes and sizes, allowing for creative installation patterns. LVT products allow for grouting, enhancing the realistic look of ceramic tile or stone.
Pros of LVP
Luxury vinyl plank flooring offers great advantages to enhance the appeal for homeowners, including the following:
- Designed for Flexibility: Wood-like planks can be found up to 12 inches wide and 96 inches long, sizes that natural wood flooring is out of reach for price alone. Design options often include herringbone, parquet, and basket weave. Other patterns, like diamond and hexagonal shapes, give the appearance of patterned tile floors.
- DIY-Friendly Installation: The click-and-lock flooring installation is easy and can be done easily if you take the additional steps of surface preparation, like feathering the grout joints of preexisting tile flooring, to install luxury vinyl without having to tear up the existing substrate.
- More Affordable: Luxury vinyl flooring is more affordable than traditional refinished hardwood flooring and tile. You can save big when installing yourself instead of hiring professionals.
- Low-Maintenance: Luxury vinyl flooring is waterproof, meaning it is easy to clean and you don’t have to worry about water damage. The polyurethane wear layer is tough, resistant to pets’ nails.
- Looks Realistic: Natural wood flooring’s appearance has been improved with high-definition imagery and edges used to mimic the appearance of prefinished hardwood. You can finish stonelike tiles with grout.
Cons of LVP
Luxury vinyl offers plenty of benefits, but it comes with its own set of drawbacks, including the following:
- Has the Potential to Fade: Vinyl flooring is susceptible to discoloration if exposed to direct sunlight, even with flooring that comes equipped with a UV inhibitor. Warranties don’t often cover this fading.
- Can be Cut and Scratched: Luxury vinyl flooring is durable, but a dropped knife or hot pot can cut and burn the flooring. Dragging furniture across it can scuff its finish, despite improved scratch resistance.
- Can’t be Repaired or Refinished: Unlike natural wood flooring, vinyl can’t be refinished, though you can bring back its luster. Replacing the damaged click-and-lock planks is easy, but doing the same with glued-down tile is a headache you want to avoid.
Luxury vinyl can replicate everything from high-end stone and ceramic tile to patterned oak floors. Consider the following designs when you are deciding how to use luxury vinyl flooring in your home, whether you are redecorating or you are building a new home. Trust your local real estate agent to properly guide you in making the best decisions when it comes to home design so you maximize top profit. Contact us today to start your real estate journey!