There was a time not too long ago when we never would have considered recommending vinyl flooring to any of our clients. When compared to hardwood flooring, there simply was no comparison, and our commitment to quality simply wouldn’t have allowed it. However, thanks to recent advances in modern technology and manufacturing methods, vinyl flooring has taken some huge leaps forward. Today, Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring (LVP) can be made to resemble almost any type of wood grain and finish. Many homeowners and builders are now choosing it as an affordable alternative to hardwood flooring. Let’s talk about 5 reasons why.
What is Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring?
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring is a durable and stylish option that mimics the appearance of hardwood flooring. It is manufactured in planks and uses 3D imaging technology to replicate the look and texture of various types of wood. The construction of LVP consists of four layers: a vinyl backing, a vinyl core, a design layer that depicts the realistic wood-look, and a protective layer known as the wear layer on top. This complex structure makes LVP a versatile and resilient flooring option.
Advantage 1: Remarkable Durability
Luxury vinyl plank flooring is incredibly durable and can withstand heavy foot traffic. This makes it an excellent choice for high-traffic areas such as entryways or kitchens. Its topmost layer (the wear layer) is constructed with a protective coating that serves as a barrier against scratches, chips, and other forms of wear and tear.
Advantage 2: Low Maintenance
Many households choose LVP flooring because it’s incredibly easy to maintain. Not only is it a breeze to clean, but unlike natural wood, it’s highly resistant to scratches and water damage. This makes it ideal for households with children or pets, households with lots of foot traffic, or people who just don’t want to think much about protecting their floors.
Advantage 3: Variety of Design Options
LVP offers a wide variety of design options. It can mimic the look of various types of wood, including oak, maple, and cherry. It also comes in a wide range of styles, colors, and designs. With so many options, you can select a flooring that perfectly matches your personal style and home aesthetic.
Advantage 4: Comfort
Unlike other types of flooring, luxury vinyl plank flooring is incredibly comfortable underfoot. It has a soft, cushiony feel that provides a comfortable walking surface, which is especially important for people who spend a lot of time standing or walking. In addition, it’s naturally resistant to cold, so it’s more comfortable to walk on in the winter months.
Advantage 5: Environmentally Friendly
It might seem counter-intuitive to think of a synthetic material like vinyl as eco-friendly—but in the long run, LVP flooring is considered environmentally friendly because it saves trees and doesn’t need replacing for a long time. (Some types of LVP flooring are even LEED certified and are crafted with little or no VOC compounds.) So you can install vinyl flooring with confidence knowing you’re helping the environment in the process.
Of course, at Renaissance, we’re committed to utilizing only the highest-quality materials for every floor we install across Green Country, whether it’s vinyl, engineered wood, or traditional hardwood flooring. That’s why we’re now proud to be featuring Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring from Portercraft, a known leader in quality flooring. For a complementary estimate on LVP flooring and a comparison with other flooring types, contact us here.
(Image courtesy of Portercraft Floors)