LVP flooring has become a popular choice for replacing carpet and other old or worn vinyl flooring in Palm Coast and other Florida locations.
LVP flooring offers low price alternatives to tile and real wood. First, lets address what LVP flooring is. We reached out to our local flooring installer RVJ Remodeling and Palm Coast Local business member for insight on choosing the right materials. Let's address what LVP floors are first.
LVP, or Luxury Vinyl Plank, flooring is a type of synthetic flooring material that replicates the appearance of hardwood planks. It's made from multiple layers of vinyl and often features a textured surface to mimic the look and feel of real wood. LVP has gained popularity due to its durability, water resistance, ease of installation, and a wide range of design options, making it a practical and visually appealing choice for flooring in various settings.
If you're contemplating the replacement of a floor in your home, rental or even apartment living here are some pointers for choosing the ideal material to achieve your desired aesthetics and quality for a long lasting floor.
Only 100% Waterproof: Opting for 100% waterproof material is a crucial step in ensuring the prolonged longevity of your new flooring compared to standard LVP options. In Florida, where high humidity is a common factor, the impact on durability is particularly significant. The presence of humidity can lead to the expansion (swelling) of LVP flooring when moisture breaches the upper protective layer. Consequently, this expansion could potentially result in warping and dislodging of the surrounding floorboards.
Wear Layer: If you have pets or animals in your home choosing the right thickness is important. LVP comes with varying wear layer thicknesses, typically measured in mils (thousandths of an inch). The wear layer can be made from various materials, such as urethane or aluminum oxide, to enhance durability and protect against damage. Thicker wear layers offer better resistance to scratches and wear over time for heavy foot traffic. Common options for thickness is 3, 5 and 7 mils. 3 mil in being the thinnest, while 7 being thicker. You'll want to choose 5mil or 7mil, according to RVJ Remodeling.
Design and Appearance:
Photographic Layer: The layer that provides the visual design of the LVP, often using high-resolution photographs to mimic the look of wood, stone, or other materials.
Embossing: Some LVPs feature embossed textures that replicate the natural textures found in hardwood or stone surfaces.
Enlisting the expertise of a professional installer opens up a wider array of choices for your flooring selection. While picking out your new LVP floor from our local home improvement store might lead to encountering the same flooring in the homes of your acquaintances, friends or neighbor, opting for a professional installer provides access to a broader range of resources. These resources can grant your home's flooring a distinctive and exclusive appearance.
Additional Features:
Underlayment or Sub Flooring: Certain LVP products come with an attached underlayment, which can help with sound absorption and provide additional comfort underfoot. An important tip: If you do not like the hollow sound, opting for high quality underlayment can offer a much quieter sound and stability.
Antimicrobial Properties: Some LVPs are designed with antimicrobial treatments to resist the growth of mold and mildew.
When choosing LVP flooring, consider factors such as the level of foot traffic in the area, moisture exposure, budget, and aesthetic preferences. It's important to choose an LVP material that suits your specific needs and complements the overall design of your living space.
Do you have an LVP floor? What is your experience or other helpfiul tips? Comment and let others know.
