A Short Introduction To Luxury Vinyl Flooring

Many people don't have a high opinion of vinyl floors. Perhaps because of the affordable prices or the old memory of their old kitchen's vinyl flooring. However, those impressions can no longer be true with luxury vinyl flooring (LVF).

It isn't a poor-quality option that only homeowners with a limited budget choose. Modern LFV can comfortably compete with ceramic and hardwood tile when it comes to durability or visual appeal. On top of that, LFV products remain affordable, meaning you can save some money for other investments.

Overview

There are two main types of “luxury vinyl”: LVT (luxury vinyl tile) and LVP (luxury vinyl plank) flooring. But you can also consider vinyl sheet products. Their quality has seen massive improvements over the years and has come close to LVT and LVP.

Vinyl flooring is a prime example of resilient material, besides rubber and linoleum, thanks to its incredible flexibility. Tiles and sheets were the first forms of vinyl coverings. And to give them durability, manufacturers add materials like asbestos.

This changed during the late 20th century. The idea of making vinyl planks and gluing them to a subfloor to resemble wood picked up great momentum. While these vinyl planks are similar to LVP and LVT in many aspects, you can't ignore key differences between them and modern vinyl flooring.

The patterns and colors of contemporary LVP and LVT products are more attractive and realistic. Their thicker wear layers are also more durable.

Many LVP and LVP products exist as floating floors, meaning you don't need to glue them down. This makes installation a breeze, whether you want to install them over a bare subfloor or existing coverings.

Unlike early variants of vinyl tiles and planks, modern LVP and LVT come with a thicker core. It provides better cushioning, making it more comfortable to walk on the floor. Another advantage is the improved water resistance.

This core is arguably the biggest difference between traditional and luxury vinyl flooring. High-end LVT and LVP products usually have a completely waterproof core, meaning you have a wider range of selection when it comes to the best mop for Vinyl floors.

You can install them anywhere in the house, including your bathroom. Its wood pattern also makes luxury vinyl flooring a great alternative to real wood in those moist locations, which can make wood warp. You are free to use a vinyl floor mop to clean it without a hitch.

It is important to note that luxury vinyl isn't as affordable as sheet variants. It can cost you two or three times more than regular sheet vinyl. However, the calculus changes when you can install luxury vinyl flooring yourself.

This removes the cost of professional installation out of the question and makes luxury vinyl flooring an economical choice. Considering sheeting flooring is much more complicated to install, luxury versions can be cheap when labor costs are taken into account.

When compared to ceramic or hardwood flooring, there is no doubt LVT and LVP products are less expensive. Those authentic options aren't easy to install either, meaning you may need help from professionals.

Conclusion

Luxury vinyl flooring is an excellent choice, especially when you love its appearance and low cost. It costs a bit more than regular vinyl products but is still one of the greatest options for those with a limited budget. Want to learn more about its maintenance? Check out the best mop for Vinyl plank floors.