Everything You Need to Know About Wide Plank Vinyl Flooring | FlooringStores
Wood is a great outdoor flooring option
Blog Home

Everything You Need to Know About Wide Plank Vinyl Flooring

Wide plank vinyl flooring has become a popular choice for homeowners who want the look of wood flooring without the high cost and maintenance. In this article, we will explore the benefits, advantages, and available styles of wide plank vinyl flooring. We will also compare wide plank vinyl flooring to wood flooring and other types of vinyl flooring to help you make an informed decision about your flooring needs.

What Are the Benefits of Wide Plank Vinyl Flooring?

When it comes to flooring options for your home, there are a seemingly endless number of choices available. One option that has gained popularity in recent years is wide plank vinyl flooring. Here are just a few of the benefits of choosing this type of flooring:

1. Durability

Wide plank vinyl flooring is incredibly durable, making it a great choice for high-traffic areas of your home. It is resistant to scratches, dents, and stains, and can hold up even in homes with pets or young children. Additionally, it is water-resistant, which means that it can be used in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms without worrying about damage from moisture.

2. Easy Maintenance

Another benefit of wide plank vinyl flooring is that it is incredibly easy to maintain. Unlike wood flooring, which requires regular refinishing to keep it looking its best, vinyl flooring can be easily cleaned with a damp mop or cloth. Additionally, it doesn’t require any special cleaning products, which can save you money in the long run.

3. Versatility in Design

Wide plank vinyl flooring is available in a wide range of designs and patterns, which means that you can choose a look that matches your personal style and the decor of your home. Whether you prefer the look of traditional wood flooring or want something more modern and contemporary, there is a vinyl plank option that will work for you.

How Does Wide Plank Vinyl Flooring Compare to Wood Flooring?

One question that many homeowners have when considering wide plank vinyl flooring is how it compares to traditional wood flooring. Here are a few things to keep in mind when making this comparison:

1. Cost

One of the biggest advantages of wide plank vinyl flooring over wood flooring is its cost. Vinyl flooring is generally much less expensive than wood, which means that you can save a significant amount of money by choosing it over wood.

2. Maintenance

As mentioned earlier, vinyl flooring is significantly easier to maintain than wood flooring. Wood requires regular refinishing to keep it looking its best, while vinyl can be cleaned easily with a damp cloth.

3. Installation

Finally, installation is another area where vinyl flooring has an advantage over wood. Vinyl can be installed quickly and easily by a professional, while wood flooring requires much more time and effort to install properly.

Is Wide Plank Vinyl Flooring a Quality Construction Material?

The simple answer to this question is yes. Wide plank vinyl flooring is a high-quality construction material that provides many benefits over other types of flooring. The durability and easy maintenance of vinyl make it a great choice for homeowners who want a beautiful, long-lasting flooring option that requires minimal upkeep.

What Makes Wide Plank Vinyl Flooring a Great Wood Floor Alternative?

In addition to the benefits mentioned above, wide plank vinyl flooring is a great wood floor alternative for several other reasons:

1. Eco-friendliness

Vinyl flooring is often made from recycled materials, making it an eco-friendly choice for homeowners who want to reduce their environmental impact.

2. Water Resistance

As mentioned earlier, vinyl flooring is water-resistant, which makes it a great choice for areas of your home where moisture is a concern.

3. Comfort

Finally, vinyl flooring is often more comfortable to walk on than wood flooring. It provides a softer, more cushioned surface that can be easier on your joints and feet. In conclusion, wide plank vinyl flooring provides a range of benefits over other types of flooring, including wood. Its durability, easy maintenance, versatility in design, and cost-effectiveness make it a great choice for homeowners looking for a high-quality flooring option that provides long-lasting value.

When it comes to choosing the ideal flooring option for your home, homeowners have a wide range of options to choose from, including vinyl flooring. Among the different types of vinyl flooring, wide plank vinyl flooring is gaining popularity among homeowners. Here are some reasons why:

– Wide plank vinyl flooring comes in larger sizes, which provides more space for natural variations and patterns.

– It gives the room a contemporary and modern look while maintaining a warm and inviting feeling.

– The vast array of style options and colors make it easy to find the perfect style to match any interior design.

– Unlike other flooring options, the wide plank vinyl flooring is easy to install and maintain, making it perfect for busy households.

– It’s durable and hard-wearing, making it ideal for high-traffic areas, pets, and children.

Wide Plank Vinyl Floor vs. Vinyl Sheet Flooring

Wide plank vinyl flooring and vinyl sheet flooring are both popular types of vinyl flooring, but they have their differences. Let’s compare them:

– Wide plank vinyl flooring is larger, and the planks have a width of up to 9 inches, while vinyl sheet flooring comes in smaller, sheet-like sizes.

– Wide plank vinyl flooring has a more authentic wood look, while vinyl sheet flooring is less realistic and more affordable.

– Wide plank vinyl flooring is available in a click-and-lock system, making it easy to install without using adhesives, while vinyl sheet flooring requires an adhesive.

– The vinyl sheets can be cut and customized to fit the room’s specific measurements and shapes, while wide plank vinyl flooring comes in standard sizes that fit traditional room dimensions.

Wide Plank Vinyl Flooring Compared to Other Vinyl Plank Flooring Brands

Wide plank vinyl flooring offers several advantages that set it apart from other vinyl flooring brands. Here are some of the unique features of wide plank vinyl flooring:

– Its planks are wider than those of other vinyl flooring brands, which makes it possible to bring out more intricate and authentic wood-like grains and design patterns.

– Wide plank vinyl flooring is more durable thanks to its thicker wear layer, which makes it resistant to foot traffic, scratches, and stains.

– Unlike other vinyl flooring options, wide plank vinyl flooring is more eco-friendly, and manufacturers use recycled materials to create the flooring planks.

– It has higher E.A.T. (Expertise, Authority, Trustworthiness), thanks to its reputation as a popular and high-quality flooring option.

How Does the Wear Layer on Wide Plank Vinyl Flooring Affect its Durability?

The wear layer is the top layer of vinyl flooring that is responsible for its durability and resistance to scratches, stains, and everyday wear and tear. When it comes to wide plank vinyl flooring, the wear layer can range from 6-20 mils.

– A thicker wear layer results in better protection against scratches and dents, and it provides maximum protection against spills.

– A thinner wear layer makes the floor more affordable, but it is susceptible to damage from heavy furniture and high foot traffic.

– A wear layer thickness of 12-20 mils is ideal for high-traffic areas and families with children or pets while a thickness of 6-8 mils is recommended for low-traffic areas.

To ensure maximum durability for your wide plank vinyl flooring, avoid dragging heavy furniture, clean up spills immediately, and keep your pet’s nails trimmed. Overall, wide plank vinyl flooring is an attractive, affordable, and durable flooring option that is growing in popularity among homeowners. With its realistic wood-look, unique design patterns, and easy installation, it’s easy to see why people are choosing wide plank vinyl flooring over other flooring options.

What Are the Advantages of Installing Wide Plank Vinyl Flooring?

Wide plank vinyl flooring is a perfect alternative to hardwood floors, providing a similar natural look and feel while being significantly less expensive. If you’re considering installing new flooring, here are some of the advantages of choosing wide plank vinyl:

Durability: Wide plank vinyl flooring is highly durable and can withstand heavy traffic, scratches, and stains, making it perfect for busy households, high-traffic commercial spaces, and even pets. Unlike traditional hardwood floors, vinyl maintains its appearance long term and doesn’t wear down over time.

Cost-Effective: Vinyl flooring is a highly cost-effective choice when compared to hardwood, marble, or even bamboo flooring. It is also more affordable to install than most other types of flooring. And since it does not require extra care and maintenance, the cost-saving benefits of vinyl are long-lasting.

Water resistance: Vinyl flooring is highly resistant to water damage, making it perfect for bathrooms, laundry rooms, kitchens, and other high-humidity areas. Vinyl planks are also highly resistant to mold and mildew, which is a huge bonus if you live in a hot and humid environment.

Easy installation: Wide plank vinyl flooring is incredibly easy to install, whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner DIY enthusiast. Vinyl planks typically come with interlocking features, which make installation easier and faster than traditional flooring options.

Environmental-Friendly: Wide plank vinyl flooring is an eco-friendly option, making it an excellent choice for those who want to reduce their carbon footprint. With advancements in technology, vinyl floors release less volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are harmful to the environment and human health.

Wide Plank Vinyl Flooring as a Fake Wood Flooring Alternative

Wide plank vinyl flooring is a great fake wood flooring alternative, providing the look and feel of hardwood floors without the high cost and maintenance. Vinyl planks come in a wide range of textures, colors, and patterns, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your taste and decor. Some of the fake wood-like textures offered by vinyl include:

  • Distressed wood
  • Hand-scraped wood
  • Reclaimed wood

In fact, with the latest and the most advanced printing technologies, vinyl planks can mimic almost any hardwood species from oak and hickory to mahogany and birch.

Wide Plank Vinyl Flooring Compared to Luxury Vinyl Plank

Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) refers to vinyl flooring with a thicker construction than standard vinyl flooring. So, while vinyl planks are made of core layers of vinyl material that are fused with a resin or fiber, LVP has a thicker wear layer that makes it more durable but also more expensive. While both wide plank vinyl and LVP offer similar benefits, such as cost-effectiveness, water resistance, and durability, LVP has a denser construction, making them a better choice for high traffic areas. Moreover, luxury vinyl plank has a thicker wear layer, which means they can better withstand heavy traffic, pet claws, and other types of wear and tear.

Available Styles and Colors of Wide Plank Vinyl Flooring

Wide plank vinyl flooring comes in a wide variety of colors and styles. Some of the most popular styles include:

– Distressed wood: This style of wide plank vinyl flooring is designed to give your home a rustic, farmhouse feel. It’s available in a range of warm, earthy tones and has a textured finish that mimics the look of reclaimed wood.

– Modern: If you’re looking for a sleek, contemporary look, modern-style wide plank vinyl flooring may be the perfect fit for your home. This style often features cool, neutral colors, simple patterns, and a matte or glossy finish.

– Traditional: For a classic, timeless look, traditional-style wide plank vinyl flooring is a great option. It features warm, rich colors and traditional wood finishes that can add charm and sophistication to any room.

In addition to these styles, there are many other options available, including marble and stone looks, patterned styles, and bold, colorful options.

Choosing Wide Plank Vinyl Flooring

Wide plank vinyl flooring is a popular and practical flooring option with many benefits. It’s important to consider the drawbacks and installation requirements before making a decision. With proper maintenance, wide plank vinyl flooring can provide beauty and durability for many years to come. Be sure to consult with a professional installer and choose a reputable brand when purchasing wide plank vinyl flooring.

Frequently Asked Questions about Wide Plank Vinyl Flooring

Wide plank vinyl flooring is quickly becoming one of the most popular flooring options for homeowners and builders. It provides the look and feel of real hardwood flooring without the cost, maintenance, and durability issues associated with traditional hardwood floors. However, many people have questions about wide plank vinyl flooring before making the investment. Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions:

What is wide plank vinyl flooring?

Wide plank vinyl flooring is a type of luxury vinyl flooring (LVF) that is designed to look like hardwood flooring. The planks are wider than traditional vinyl flooring planks, typically 6 inches or wider, and have a more natural grain pattern and texture that mimics real hardwood. Wide plank vinyl flooring comes in a variety of styles, including distressed, wire-brushed, and hand-scraped.

What are the benefits of wide plank vinyl flooring?

Wide plank vinyl flooring offers many benefits compared to traditional hardwood flooring, including:

  • Lower cost: Wide plank vinyl flooring is significantly less expensive than real hardwood flooring.
  • Low maintenance: Vinyl flooring is very easy to clean and requires minimal maintenance compared to hardwood flooring.
  • Water-resistant: Vinyl flooring is water-resistant, making it ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and other high-moisture areas.
  • Durable: Wide plank vinyl flooring is very durable and can withstand heavy foot traffic, pets, and other wear and tear without showing signs of damage or wear.
  • Easy installation: Vinyl flooring is typically very easy to install, especially when compared to hardwood flooring, which can require professional installation.

What are the drawbacks of wide plank vinyl flooring?

While wide plank vinyl flooring offers many benefits, there are also some drawbacks to consider before making a decision. These include:

  • Not as authentic as solid hardwood: While vinyl flooring looks very similar to hardwood flooring, it doesn’t have the same depth or character as real hardwood.
  • Not as eco-friendly: Vinyl flooring is made from synthetic materials, so it’s not as environmentally friendly as real hardwood flooring.
  • Can be slippery: Vinyl flooring can be slippery when wet, so it may not be the best choice for areas where water is frequently present.

How do I install wide plank vinyl flooring?

Installing wide plank vinyl flooring is typically very easy, and many homeowners choose to install it themselves. Here are the basic steps for installing wide plank vinyl flooring:

  1. Remove the old flooring and prepare the subfloor.
  2. Measure and cut the first row of planks, starting in the corner of the room.
  3. Install the first row of planks along the wall, using the manufacturer’s recommended adhesive or click-lock system.
  4. Continue installing planks row-by-row, using spacers to maintain the proper gap between planks.
  5. Install the final row of planks, cutting them to fit as necessary.
  6. Trim and install baseboards or moldings to cover the expansion gap around the perimeter of the room.

What are some tips for maintaining wide plank vinyl flooring?

Maintaining wide plank vinyl flooring is very easy, but there are a few tips and tricks to keep it looking great for years to come:

  • Clean up spills immediately to prevent staining.
  • Use a soft-bristled broom or vacuum with a hard floor setting to remove dirt and debris.
  • Avoid using harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners, or steam cleaners on your flooring.
  • Use furniture pads to prevent scratches and dents on your flooring.
  • Place doormats at entrances to help prevent dirt and debris from being tracked onto your flooring.

What are the different variations of wide plank vinyl flooring?

There are many different variations of wide plank vinyl flooring to choose from, including:

  • Distressed: Gives the look of worn-in, rustic floors.
  • Wire-brushed: Gives the look of natural wood grain with subtle scratches and markings.
  • Hand-scraped: Gives the look of floors that have been laboriously scraped by hand, resulting in texture and character.
  • Smooth: Gives the look of clean, modern flooring with minimal texture and pattern.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when installing wide plank vinyl flooring?

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when installing wide plank vinyl flooring:

  • Not acclimating the flooring: Vinyl flooring should be acclimated to the room’s temperature and humidity for at least 48 hours before installation.
  • Not preparing the subfloor properly: The subfloor should be clean, flat, and level before vinyl flooring is installed.
  • Not leaving an expansion gap: Vinyl flooring needs room to expand and contract, so an expansion gap should be left around the perimeter of the room and any fixed objects.
  • Not using the manufacturer’s recommended adhesive or click-lock system: Using the wrong type of adhesive or installation system can result in flooring failure.

About The Author

Courtney Daily

Courtney is a freelance writer who wears many other hats: kindergarten teacher by day, Broadway diva in the shower. She is a transplant Hoosier who originated in New England. When she isn't writing in her spare time, you will find her reading history books, arguing with her latest knitting project, or being beaten by her kids at most games.

Show Comments (0)

PEOPLE ALSO LOVED

Liberty Home Flooring: Is It Worth It?

Flooring plays a critical role in how you experience your home. It is the foundation of your living space, enduring the pitter-patter of tiny feet, the hurried steps of daily life, and the paws of your beloved pets. It’s not just about aesthetics, it’s about quality, durability, and the peace of mind that comes with […]

What’s the Best Chair Mat for LVP Flooring?

If you have luxury vinyl plank flooring, you may be wondering what type of chair mat will protect your floor from scratches and damage caused by rolling office chairs. LVP flooring is a smart and durable investment, so you want to ensure it’s protected in the long term. Let’s explore the best chair mats for […]

Guide to Popular LVP Flooring Color Options

If you are searching for a durable and visually appealing flooring option, consider LVP flooring. Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its affordability, low maintenance, and variety of style options. One of the best features of LVP is the wide range of color options available. In this guide, […]

1 on 1 advice