If you have been shopping around for flooring for your next home improvement endeavor, chances are you have come across quite a few options. From carpet to laminate flooring, to trusty solid hardwood, there are seemingly endless options to choose from. Today, however, we are going to discuss an increasingly popular option; LVP.
What is LVP flooring?
LVP stands for luxury vinyl plank. Gone are the days of your parent’s idea of a vinyl floor. Yeah, that’s right, rolls of linoleum are on their way out, and for good reason too. LVP flooring is exactly what it sounds like. Planks of flooring resembling a myriad of wood species and colors are made of either 100% vinyl or a blend of vinyl and other composite materials. In residential applications, LVP flooring is installed as a floating floor covering. This means the planks are not nailed or glued down. In this way, LVP is similar to laminate flooring, LVP’s cousin in the flooring world. Planks not only vary in pattern or color, they also can vary in width and thickness. A thicker plank is more robust and solid providing for a stiffer floor finish.
Pros and Cons of LVP flooring:
Pros:
- 100% waterproof.
- It is strong and durable.
- Vinyl plank flooring is scratch and dent-resistant.
- It is cost-effective!
- Pet friendly!
- Easy to clean!
- An array of colors and patterns available.
Cons:
- Thinner vinyl planks have less UV resistance making them more prone to fading.
- LVP flooring will not increase the value of your home the same as natural hardwood will.
- Cannot be refinished like traditional hardwood.
While LVP flooring looks great and is easy on the bank account, it is not traditional hardwood. LVP looks great and can last for years, but you can not expect it to feel like traditional hardwood when installed. If that is not a concern for you, LVP may be a great flooring choice for your home!
How much does LVP flooring cost?
Typically, LVP flooring can range from about $1/sqft to just over $4/sqft. However, at $1/sqft, it us usually peel and stick flooring, and we do not recommend that as it tends to peel away after a year or two. For a quality selection with an interlocking installation, you can expect to invest between $3 and $4 per square foot of flooring area.
What else do I need to complete the installation of my new LVP floor?
Depending on the selection you make, an additional underlayment may be required. However, flooring with attached underlayment is becoming more popular and readily available. Check the documentation of the product you choose to be sure. Also, some people like to install color-matching shoe molding after installing the planks. This adds a nice touch over the traditional painted shoe molding. Be sure to consider if you will need any transition strips or reducers when your planks meet other finished flooring surfaces.
Can I install it myself?
Sure! Minimal tools are required to install LVP flooring. However, if you have never installed flooring before, it may be challenging when you encounter situations such as undercutting door casings to slide planks under. There is plenty of content online that can guide you through the installation process. If this doesn’t seem like something you want to tackle yourself, reach out to a qualified flooring professional to ensure your satisfaction with the end result. Whether you choose to DIY or hire an installer, we hope you love your new floors!