If vinyl plank is on your mind as a homeowner, you are likely asking: “What are the pros and cons of vinyl flooring?”
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) is experiencing a surge in demand nowadays. Stylish, durable, affordable, low-maintenance and available in several styles, it’s easy to understand why. Despite this, it has its strengths and limitations like any other flooring material. You need to look at both sides before coming to a final decision.
Today, Floors2Day’s co-owner Joe will discuss the real-world pros and cons so you know what to expect. From performance to installation and long-term value, we have you covered.
Joe’s Take: Affordable, Beautiful & Practical
“The pros for LVP… it’s a cost-effective floor in comparison to other options.”
LVP delivers some of the best value in the flooring industry. Next to hardwood flooring, engineered wood or tile, vinyl plank flooring provides a similar high-end look at a more accessible price point.
It’s the best way to get a modern, stylish floor that stands up to daily wear without the high cost or maintenance of natural materials. It’s one of the main reasons homeowners choose LVP for projects ranging from single-room upgrades to full-home flooring projects.
Easy Installation & Versatile Performance
Another major benefit of vinyl plank flooring is its easy installation and all professional flooring installers stand on this. The boards click together cleanly and LVP is easy to install over a variety of subfloors.
When compared to laminate or hardwood, vinyl plank offers more forgiveness when it comes to minor subfloor imperfections, making for a smoother installation experience. It often leads to the following:
- Faster timelines and fewer delays
- Lower labor costs
- Less stress for homeowners
Glue-down or floating (click-and-lock) LVP installation is faster and leaves less mess behind than other flooring types.
Realistic Look, Texture & Long-Lasting Durability
Modern vinyl planks have a high-definition image layer that looks just like natural hardwood. How does it pull off this impressive realism? Many styles feature:
- Woodgrain textures
- High-definition imaging
- Matte or low-gloss finishes
- Wide and long plank options
Additionally, LVP is super durable and is a pet-friendly flooring. It can stand up to everyday life, including pets, kids, foot traffic and furniture dragging without scratching or wearing out too soon.
The combination of appearance and performance is the highlight for many homeowners.
The Biggest Advantage: Waterproof
LVP truly stands out. Vinyl plank flooring is fully waterproof, which is great for rooms where spills, moisture and humidity are common. It’s ideal for:
- Kitchens
- Bathrooms
- Basements
- Laundry rooms
- Entryways
When you choose vinyl plank, you don’t have to deal with swelling or warping. Everyday accidents won’t cause damage either.
Waterproofing provides peace of mind for families with pets, small children or homes prone to seasonal humidity changes.
The Main Downside: Thin Profile & Lock Mechanism
“The only real con… because it’s such a thin floor, that lock mechanism, if not installed properly, you can have trouble down the road.”
All flooring professionals can agree that LVP is a practical flooring option. However, the thinner profile means the locking tabs have to be handled carefully during installation.
If the installer forces the planks, angles them incorrectly or fails to prep the subfloor properly, you can experience issues such as the following:
- Gaps between planks
- Boards separating
- Edges lifting
The product is sturdy. However, the seams need professional, careful installation for a tight, long- lasting connection.
Why Professional installation Matters
“It’s very important that when we’re installing, we’re using the most care possible to steer clear of those challenges.”
It’s plain to see. LVP performs at its best when it’s installed correctly. That’s why our installers take their time with:
- Subfloor preparation
- Locking angles
- Seam pressure
- Expansion gaps
- Board alignment
We take a careful approach to each of our jobs. With proper installation, LVP offers years of dependable performance with very little maintenance.
Find Out If Vinyl Plank Flooring Makes Sense for You
Wondering if vinyl plank flooring is the best option for your space? Weigh the pros and cons with the Floors2Day team. We bring flooring samples directly to your home so you can see how each style looks under your lighting and next to your furniture.
Need help with new flooring? Visit us at Kenosha Flooring Shop, WI Or Contact us to book a shop-at-home consultation.
