Luxury Vinyl Flooring

How to Buy Vinyl Flooring

Luxury vinyl is a type of flooring material that has been growing in popularity in recent years. The material mimics wood and comes at a fraction of the cost. You can get it in plank, tile or sheet. The material is easy to maintain because the surface does not require any special care. You need to sweep and mop it like you would a normal floor.

Installation is simple, too. You can do it yourself or hire a professional luxury vinyl floor installer. The only downside of luxury vinyl is that it can be slippery when wet. But you can remedy this by adding non-slip tape or a rug. Luxury vinyl flooring is an excellent option if you are on a budget and want the look of hardwood floors without the high cost.

Why is it called "Luxury Vinyl Flooring"?

It has a close resemblance to hardwood which is a luxurious flooring material. Vinyl flooring has been around for decades, but recent advances in engineering and manufacturing technologies have developed stronger and more beautiful vinyl materials that are easier to install. Modern vinyl flooring is better, with innovative features including: glue-less installation, considerable waterproofing, and hardwood-style planks and boards!

Why should I pick LVF?

It is a versatile material that is highly water-resistant
LVF is durable and affordable
Vinyl flooring captures the aesthetic of materials ranging from natural stone to exotic wood.
It is available in different styles and combinations.

What are the types of luxury vinyl flooring?

There are three types of luxury vinyl flooring: plank, tile and sheet.

Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) Flooring

As the name suggests, luxury vinyl plank is a type of flooring that looks like wood planks. It is made from vinyl, which makes it durable and water-resistant. LVP is a popular choice for kitchens and bathrooms because it is considerably waterproof. It is also a good option for high-traffic areas because it is scratch and stain-resistant. Modern LVP has the depth and character of natural materials while still retaining the the features of vinyl. Plank flooring offers glue-less install methods through a range of locking systems built into the edges of each plank to make the installation process simpler.

Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) Flooring

LVT is a type of flooring that looks like ceramic or stone tiles. The material is a darling among homeowners because it is affordable, durable and easy to install. It also mimics high-end materials like marble and granite. Vinyl tiles are generally sold in pre-cut 12” x 12” sizes that are perfect for emulating the look and feel of natural tile flooring.

Luxury Vinyl Sheet (LVS) Flooring

Vinyl sheet flooring comes in large rolls that you should cut to size before installation. The simplicity of sheet flooring is a plus because it has fewer seams or edges where damage can occur. It is a popular choice for large hallways, living rooms and dining rooms. Luxury vinyl sheet is also water-resistant and can be installed in kitchens and bathrooms

What are the pros and cons luxury vinyl flooring?

Vinyl Sheet Flooring:

Comfort: Sheet flooring is surprisingly warm and soft underfoot. Premium products can even feel downright cushiony!
Low Maintenance: Because sheet flooring has less seams and edges, it’s arguably the easiest of the three types of vinyl to maintain. Spills, dirt, and debris are simply wiped off the surface, rather than getting caught between adjoining edges.

Vinyl Tile Flooring:

Aesthetics: Just like tile flooring, it is ideal for creating geometric patterns. The affordability and variety of LVT allows homeowners to get the exotic look that they want at a reasonable price.

Vinyl Plank Flooring:

Installation: Select LVP products have the strength and rigidity of installation over sub-floors that would be unsuitable for other flooring materials.
Durability: Vinyl is a tough material, but it lacks solid backing that other flooring materials like tile or hardwood offer. However, when coupled with plywood and turned into a composite plank, it combines the best of both worlds.

Is luxury vinyl flooring waterproof?

Rather than waterproof, it is more appropriate to call it water-resistant. Vinyl is unique as a flooring material because it generally doesn’t warp, crack, or take in water. However, even if the layer of vinyl isn’t damaged by water, the vinyl flooring could still separate from the subfloor, or the backing material (which is commonly plywood) of a vinyl plank may be compromised.

To claim that vinyl flooring is absolutely waterproof gives homeowners the expectation that their floor could survive any amount of standing water or flood damage – and that is simply not the case. Vinyl may be the most water-resistant flooring material available, but that doesn’t mean that laying down vinyl flooring will create a waterproof floor.

Water-Resistant Vinyl

Water resistant flooring options are available.

Customization

Custom staining and finish options available for solid wood

Wear Resistant Flooring

Custom staining and finish options available for solid wood

Design: Luxury Vinyl Flooring

What styles are available for luxury vinyl flooring?

LVF has come a long way from the simple checkerboard patterns in the past. Modern vinyl flooring is manufactured with the latest technologies, allowing for amazing colors, textures, and glosses. Because it is entirely artificial, you can get in practically any aesthetic you’re looking for! Natural stone, exotic wood, or minimalist geometries – anything is possible with vinyl flooring.

Does LVF look as good as the real thing?

Absolutely! But keep in mind that not all vinyl flooring products are created equally. As with any purchasing decision, make sure that you do the proper research. At our showrooms, we point out the differences between products so that you can make an informed decision. Across the board, vinyl flooring has never looked better than it does today, but nothing can beat the “eyeball test”. Seeing is believing, and the best way to understand the realism that modern LVF offers is to see it.

Luxury Vinyl Flooring Installation & Maintenance

Is luxury vinyl flooring difficult to install?

Not at all! Manufacturers produce vinyl flooring for all installation techniques. There are 3 common methods:

Peel-&-Stick
Full-Spread Adhesive (Glue Down)
Locking Systems

How can I install luxury vinyl flooring?

Stick-and-Peel: Savings

If you’re looking to maximize savings, the stick-and-peel method is the most cost-effective option because it is simple to do and requires the least amount of preparation. It’s also generally easier to fix mistakes or remove & replace the floor in the future. Here is a ste-by-step guide of luxury vinyl flooring installation using the method:

Sweep and mop the floor to remove any dirt or debris. Make sure the surface is dry and clean.
Measure the area where you will be installing the LVF.
Cut the material to size using a sharp utility knife.
Remove the adhesive backing from the vinyl planks, sheets, or tiles.
Stick the vinyl flooring to the floor and press down firmly.

Full-Spread Adhesive: Permanent Hold

The adhesive is spread on the floor for a firm hold, and the vinyl flooring is then laid on top. It can be slightly more expensive to install than the stick-and-peel, but it is also longer-lasting and economical. Here is how you can install LVF using the method:

The first 3 steps are similar to the ones above.
Apply adhesive evenly to the floor using a paint roller or trowel.
Lay down the luxury vinyl flooring and press down firmly.

Locking Systems: Simple + Strong

Locking systems are simple to install, less messy, and create long-lasting floors. A properly installed, quality vinyl plank with a good locking system can last for years. However, they are generally more expensive and limited to vinyl plank flooring. Here is how to install luxury vinyl plank flooring using a locking system:

Like the previous methods, the first 3 steps are similar.
Lay down the first vinyl plank and press down firmly.
Align the second plank with the first and press down.
The planks will now lock together.
Continue installing the rest of the flooring the same way.
Once you have installed your luxury vinyl flooring, you may want to add some finishing touches. This can include adding trim around the edges or laying a rug down in high-traffic areas.

Is LVF easy to maintain?

LVF is one of the most durable flooring materials. After installation, it is difficult to cut, tear, or puncture luxury vinyl flooring. Vinyl flooring is also the most water-resistant of all floors because it is non-porous and you can glue it directly to the subfloor. All of these incredible features combine to create the most maintenance-free floors possible. Simple dusting and light mopping are all that is needed to keep luxury vinyl floors clean.

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