How to Choose and Install Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring

Luxury vinyl plank flooring is a great choice for homeowners who want a beautiful, high-quality floor without the worry of maintenance. It is available in many different styles, colors and wood species to suit any design preferences. It is waterproof, low in maintenance and highly durable.

Choosing the right type of luxury vinyl is easy when you have a few basic guidelines in mind. These include your budget, style preference and room layout.

The main benefits of luxury vinyl are its affordable price, durability and ease of installation. It is also eco-friendly, with a wide range of options that meet EPA and GreenGuard standards for indoor air quality.

Look for a brand that has a good reputation, such as Armstrong, Shaw Floors, Mohawk, Bella Flooring Group, Durato, COREtec and Happy Feet. You should also consider how the flooring will be installed - it is usually recommended to leave a small gap between the new floor and any existing flooring in the space (unless you have tile or another hard surface) to allow for a natural expansion as the new floors settle with temperature changes.

Choose a brand that offers an excellent warranty and is well-known for its durability and customer service. This is an important consideration, as it will ensure that your investment in your new flooring holds up over time.

When buying luxury vinyl plank, be sure to ask about the thickness of the wear layer. The higher the thickness, the better the protection against scratches and dents. This will help you avoid having to replace the floor prematurely.

For best results, look for a brand that has a minimum of 12 mils for residential flooring and 28 mils for commercial projects. This will help ensure that your new flooring can withstand the heavy traffic that is typically expected in a home or business.

Using mats at entryways is another way to protect your floors from dirt and other debris that can wreak havoc on your flooring. They can also help prevent slipping and falls.

Aside from protecting your flooring, mats will help reduce odors in your home. They will also help prevent mold and mildew from developing in areas where water is often present.

In some cases, you can even install this type of flooring in areas where radiant heat is used. However, it is best to check the flooring information for a maximum temperature before you begin your project.

You should be aware that this type of flooring can fade over time, particularly if there is a lot of direct sunlight in the space. It is possible to keep the floors looking their best by moving furniture around frequently and installing UV-blocking tint or film on windows to block harmful rays.

Luxury vinyl plank is one of the most popular types of flooring available, and for good reason. It is a cost-effective, durable alternative to traditional flooring options such as hardwood or laminates, which can be costly and time-consuming to replace.