Choosing flooring materials based on their beauty and durability does not have to be a compromise - there are a variety of materials available that provide both stylish appeal and enduring durability. Among the most in-demand flooring solutions for various types of popular home improvement projects is luxury vinyl flooring, which is one of those modern, game-changing materials.
Luxury vinyl flooring offers attractive, durable, and affordable solutions for laundry rooms, mudrooms, enclosed porches, and multipurpose rooms. A newly finished basement would also benefit from this material. The luxury vinyl flooring available today is designed to withstand heavy wear and tear and looks great at the same time.
What Is Luxury Vinyl Flooring?
Photo: Floor & Decor
The luxury vinyl flooring is made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which is a durable and easy-to-maintain material. A luxury vinyl floor differs primarily in two ways from a regular vinyl floor: superior engineering and a design that mimics the appearance of stone, ceramic, wood, marble, and other natural materials very closely.
It achieves its hyper-realistic appearance and feels by combining a photographic image layer and a texture layer that closely mimics the feel of the material it is intended to imitate. A luxury vinyl floor consists of the following layers, from surface to subfloor:
- Vinyl core layer (PVC)
- Coating made of clear polyurethane (durable wear layer)
- Layers of print film designed (wood, stone, ceramic, etc.)
- An additional layer of quiet and comfort is provided by the backing
The Two Main Types Of Luxury Vinyl Flooring
Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT)
An LVT tile is similar to a traditional square tile in appearance. In addition, it is available in a wide variety of design options that can be used to imitate the appearance of natural stone, ceramic flooring, or wood flooring. Its shape makes LVT an ideal choice for replicating natural stone or ceramic tile floors (it can even be grouted to create a more lifelike appearance); it can also be used to create elaborate patterns.
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)
The LVP flooring is shaped similarly to hardwood flooring planks, as its name suggests. A variety of colors, patterns (wood grains), and textures are available in LVP, just like in real wood.
Engineered Vinyl Plank (EVP)
An engineered wood floor or laminate floor is remarkably similar to LVP, but is thicker and more cushioned. As opposed to these more expensive flooring options, LVP and EVP are water-resistant.
What Are The Benefits of Luxury Vinyl Floors?
Photo: Oak Hill Home Solutions
The luxury vinyl flooring available today is designed to withstand heavy wear and tear and looks great at the same time. The following are some of the reasons why it is a top choice for many homeowners.
Luxury Vinyl Floors Are Beautiful and Durable
You can choose from a variety of luxury vinyl flooring options, including colours, patterns, textures, and even shapes. Depending on the look that you desire, you can select luxury vinyl floors that appear to be hardwood flooring. There are several other options available as well, allowing luxury vinyl flooring to be a good fit for various rooms in the house, such as bathrooms, basements, laundry rooms, etc. Luxury vinyl floors can also last longer than other types of flooring and are designed to withstand heavy foot traffic. Moreover, luxury vinyl flooring is water-resistant, stain-resistant, scratch-resistant, and doesn't fade over time, so it can look good for a much more extended period than other types of flooring.
Luxury Vinyl Floors Are Affordable
Most importantly, luxury vinyl flooring provides the opportunity to achieve beautiful hardwood, ceramic, or stone floors at a fraction of the cost, without sacrificing any of the realistic and aesthetic looks. Additionally, luxury vinyl flooring is usually much easier to install than other types of flooring, which also leads to lower costs. Luxury vinyl flooring also reduces the overall cost of the project since the floor will not require replacement as frequently, particularly when it is professionally installed.
Luxury Vinyl Floors Are Durable
The luxury vinyl flooring is a long-lasting, durable flooring material that is protected by a scratch- and scruff-resistant “wear layer.” The hardwearing nature of this surface layer will prevent the underlying design layer from fading or wearing away underfoot.
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Luxury Vinyl Floors Are Water-Resistant
Luxury vinyl flooring has the advantage of being completely water-resistant, which is one of its most significant advantages. It is therefore a suitable flooring option for areas susceptible to moisture, such as mudrooms, entryways, kitchens, laundry rooms, finished basements, and bathrooms. In areas where water is present, this quality is especially important if you desire the look of natural wood. Typically, homeowners choose water-resistant luxury vinyl flooring (LVT, LVP, or EVP) when finishing a basement rather than susceptible materials such as engineered hardwood or laminate.
Luxury Vinyl Floors Are Easy Upkeep
A luxury vinyl floor is considered to be one of the most low-maintenance flooring options available: they only require regular mopping and daily sweeping to maintain their appearance. Luxury vinyl flooring is unlike natural wood floors, ceramic floors, and stone floors because most luxury vinyl floors do not require polishing, waxing, or sealing at any time.
Luxury Vinyl Floors Are Versatile
The wide range of luxury vinyl flooring options available today will satisfy every taste and design scheme regardless of your style. In fact, the finest luxury vinyl looks so similar to the natural material that it is difficult for most people to distinguish it from the natural material. In comparison to old-school vinyl flooring, luxury vinyl flooring offers more insulation, cushioning, and installation options. Therefore, luxury vinyl flooring is more comfortable, convenient, and easy to install than comparable vinyl flooring.
Other flooring blog articles you may want to read:
BEST BUY VINYL FLOORING | COMPTON SPC VINYL
FACTORS TO CONSIDER BEFORE INSTALLING VINYL FLOOR
NORTH VANCOUVER HUGE FLOORING SHOWROOM FREE FLOORING SAMPLES