When you want to add realism, natural beauty, and character to your home, LVP flooring stone look can be a great option to choose. LVP flooring is a newer and improved version of traditional laminate and luxury vinyl plank flooring, and it is more environmentally-friendly to boot. Stone look LVP flooring adds a unique, natural look to any room while retaining durability, affordability, and ease of maintenance. This article provides an overview of stone look LVP flooring, including why it is a better choice than real stone and popular brands to consider when shopping.
Stone Look LVP Flooring
Stone look Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring has become increasingly popular due to its visual appeal, durability, and affordability.
With advancements in technology and manufacturing processes, LVP now closely mimics the appearance of natural stone, offering homeowners a beautiful and practical flooring option.
Why Stone LVP is Better Than Real Stone
While natural stone floors can be undeniably beautiful, they come with their own set of disadvantages, such as high installation and maintenance costs, susceptibility to cracking, and an overall less comfortable surface to walk on.
Stone look LVP flooring, on the other hand, offers several benefits over real stone:
Durable
One of the major advantages of stone-look LVP flooring is its durability. It’s incredibly hard-wearing and resistant to scratches, dents, and stains, making it an excellent choice for high-traffic areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and hallways.
Additionally, with a wear layer that protects the design layer, LVP flooring maintains its appearance and lasts for many years without diminishing in quality or style.
Waterproof
Another noteworthy feature of LVP flooring is its waterproof nature. Unlike laminate or hardwood flooring, LVP is immune to water damage and can be installed in areas prone to moisture, such as bathrooms, basements, and laundry rooms. This makes it an ideal option for families with young children and pets who are more likely to spill liquids on the floor.
Lower cost:
LVP flooring is considerably cheaper than natural stone, making it a more accessible option for many homeowners. But don’t be concerned, lower cost doesn’t equate to lower quality in this instance. It’s durable and long-lasting so you can depend on it for years on end.
Easier installation:
Installing LVP is a quicker and easier than laying heavy stone tiles, which may require the help of a professional. With faster installation, you can have the floors you want even faster!
Warmer and softer
The vinyl material of LVP has a softer, more comfortable feel underfoot compared to hard stone flooring. This reduces strain on your feet and provides better insulation for a warmer space. You won’t have to worry about it getting ice cold in the winter months like real stone might.
Easier maintenance:
LVP flooring requires next to no maintenance, is easy to clean, and does not need regular sealing like natural stone. You can find tips on how to best clean and maintain your LVP floors, below.
Popular Stone Look LVP Flooring Brands
With the rising popularity of stone look LVP flooring, many reputable brands offer high-quality options. Some of the most popular LVP flooring manufacturers include:
- Armstrong: Known for its durability and extensive design options, Armstrong offers a wide variety of stone look LVP flooring designs.
- Mannington Adura: Mannington’s Adura line of LVP flooring features a waterproof core and a wear layer resistant to scratches, ensuring long-lasting beauty.
- Shaw Floors: Shaw Floors boasts a wide selection of stone look LVP flooring styles and colors, including realistic travertine, slate, and marble designs.
- Mohawk: Mohawk’s LVP products offer the perfect balance between authentic stone visuals and the practical features of vinyl flooring, making them an ideal choice for any home.
When selecting a stone look LVP flooring brand, it’s crucial to consider factors such as price, warranty, and design options. Always research and compare multiple brands to ensure you find the perfect fit for your needs and personal design preferences.
Types and Styles of Stone-Look LVP Flooring
Numerous styles and types of LVP flooring are designed to imitate natural stone, offering a wealth of options for homeowners. Some popular stone look styles include:
- Marble: Known for its elegance, marble-look LVP provides a stunning and timeless appearance.
- Slate: Slate-look LVP offers unique textures and a natural appearance for a rustic yet refined aesthetic.
- Travertine: Characterized by pores and subtle patterns, travertine-look LVP is a versatile option that works well in various settings.
- Limestone: For those seeking a minimalist look, limestone-look LVP creates an unassuming yet elegant atmosphere.
- Granite: Granite-look LVP offers exceptional durability and vibrant, timeless patterns that command attention.
When choosing your stone-look LVP flooring, consider your home’s decor, your personal style, and the ambiance you wish to create. During the selection process, examine product samples and reuest larger pictures to visualize how the flooring will appear in your living space.
Maintenance and Cleaning LVP Flooring
Proper cleaning and care methods are crucial for maintaining your LVP flooring’w appearance and durability. To clean your LVP floor, follow these tips:
- Regularly sweep and vacuum to remove dust, dirt, and debris. Use a soft-bristle broom and a vacuum cleaner designed for hard surfaces with a non-beater bar attachment.
- Clean spills promptly with a damp cloth to prevent stains or damage.
- Use a damp mop with a gentle, pH-balanced cleaning solution specifically designed for LVP floors for routine cleaning.
- Do not use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning tools, as they can damage the protective wear layer on your LVP flooring.
- Place non-slip rugs and mats near entryways and high-traffic areas to protect your floor from dirt and scuff marks.
- Add felt pads to the feet of your furniture to prevent scratches.
- Rearrange your furniture periodically to distribute wear evenly.
In conclusion, LVP flooring offers numerous benefits, including durability, low maintenance, cost-effectiveness, and stunning visuals that mimic natural stone. By considering the types and styles of LVP flooring, proper installation methods, and following recommended cleaning and maintenance tips, you can enjoy appealing and long-lasting LVP flooring in your home for years.
FAQs
Is stone LVP better than real stone?
Stone luxury vinyl plank (LVP) is cost-effective, durable, water-resistant, and low-maintenance. It can mimic the look of real stone while being more affordable and easier to install. Real stone can be more expensive, challenging to install, and susceptible to damage from water, stains, and scratches. So it depends on your budget, preferences, and practical needs.
Is stone LVP groutable/
No, stone LVP (luxury vinyl planks) is not groutable. Grouting is typically done with ceramic or porcelain tiles, which have joints between them where grout can be added for a seamless look. LVP, on the other hand, is made of vinyl material and designed to mimic the look of stone or wood, but without the need for grouting.