Understanding What Luxury Vinyl Planking Is

The richness of a hardwood floor makes a home feel warm, timeless, and opulent, but it comes at a price. It means you’ll be protecting the hardwood from scrapes, spills, pets, and high traffic until it’s time to re-sand and re-coat it again. There is a shortcut, however. Once homeowners have an

Luxury vinyl planking (LVP) is the wood version of its cousin, luxury vinyl tiling (LVT), the alternative to stone floors. LVP has exploded in popularity in the last decade, but not just because it can be up to 90 percent less expensive than hardwood. At Diamondback Flooring, more customers are finding that the artistry of LVP has evolved until it’s nearly indistinguishable from the real thing.

Appearance

With 3D printing, luxury vinyl planking has made appreciable advances, perfecting woodgrain effects that look as varied and random as those found in nature. Now LVP is embossed with textures to mimic the feel of wood, too. You can even achieve a scuffed, stressed floor with just the right level of “worn” authenticity without ever having to watch it deteriorate. There are as many types of LVP as there are types of trees, from rustic, reclaimed planks to sun-washed, beachy floors and dark, sleek versions. LVP looks just as elegant as hardwood when installed in patterns such as herringbone, chevron, and parquet.

Composition

LVP is made with synthetic materials that are combined with heat and pressure, typically into four main layers.

• Wear layer: A transparent top coating that helps prevent scratches, stains, and fading.
• Decorative image: A digital image is 3D-printed for appearance and texture.
• Vinyl core: The PVC material here is flexible and waterproof.
• Backing layer: This prevents mold and mildew.

Advantages

Affordable

Hardwood costs two to three times more than LVP, and depending on the rarity of the tree, it can cost even more. Luxury vinyl is one of the most affordable options when compared to any other type of flooring.

Waterproof

Vinyl flooring is 100 percent waterproof and is ideal for rooms that are prone to moisture, such as kitchens, bathrooms, foyers, laundry rooms, basements, and mudrooms.

Comfortable

LVP is softer and has more give than other waterproof flooring options, especially ceramic and porcelain tiles. The texture mimics real hardwood, but luxury vinyl stays at room temperature and won’t give you a chill.

Easy to Install

There are a variety of methods for installation, some of which are simple enough for DIYers. It can be installed below, above, or on grade, and can be uninstalled just as easily and without damage.

Low Maintenance

Regular sweeping and deep cleaning will keep LVP in peak condition. Maintenance requirements for this type of flooring are far less extensive than with other flooring options.

Homeowners are also finding that LVP is anti-static, slip-resistant, and noise-absorbent. You’ll gain a fuller understanding of what luxury vinyl planking is with an in-home sampling, which allows you to see and feel the difference it can make in your space. If you’re considering luxury vinyl plank flooring in Phoenix or the surrounding areas, contact Diamondback Flooring to get the best price without playing games.