Homeowners have a mountain of choices when it comes to selecting the perfect flooring for their homes. From wood floors to LVP and tile, one of the most popular options is always vinyl plank flooring. Vinyl plank flooring provides an easy way to update the look of your home or office. It’s notoriously versatile and durable. Available in various colors, styles, and finishes, luxury vinyl plank flooring is perfect for your home.
What is Vinyl Plank Flooring?
Vinyl plank flooring is a popular, durable, and versatile flooring option. Made up of layers, the most crucial component of luxury vinyl flooring is its core – the layer responsible for waterproofing and stability.
The core can be made from different materials, including wood plastic composite (WPC) or stone plastic composite (SPC), which gives the planks durability and resilience. On top of the rigid core vinyl plank flooring lies a printed design layer that imitates the appearance of natural solid hardwood, genuine stone, or ceramic tile. A transparent wear layer is applied to protect and increase the overall longevity of the design.
Types of Vinyl Plank Flooring
When it comes to choosing the right vinyl plank, homeowners need to consider the various types available in the market. These types primarily differ based on their core material and installation methods.
- WPC Vinyl Flooring – Wood Plastic Composite (WPC) is a type of waterproof core made of recycled wood and plastic. This high-density material is known for its excellent stability, providing a cushioned feel underfoot.
- SPC Vinyl Flooring – Stone Plastic Composite (SPC) is another type of waterproof core consisting of a mix of natural limestone, stabilizers, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). This combination results in a denser and more rigid product than WPC vinyl plank floors.
- Click-Lock Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring – Also known as floating vinyl flooring, this type of installation method requires snapping the planks together along their edges, creating a floating floor that is not directly attached to the subfloor.
- Adhesive Vinyl Plank Flooring – This type of vinyl plank flooring involves applying an adhesive layer to the subfloor and attaching the vinyl planks on top. Adhesive vinyl plank flooring is suitable for uneven surfaces or areas with high moisture, such as basements and bathrooms.
- Loose-Lay Vinyl Plank Flooring – Requiring no adhesives, nails, or locking systems, loose-lay vinyl planks are laid directly onto the subfloor. They are held in place due to their weight and friction between the flooring and the subfloor.
The Benefits of Vinyl Plank Flooring
Vinyl plank flooring has gained immense popularity in recent years due to its numerous benefits. Here are some of the significant benefits that make this flooring option popular among homeowners and businesses.
- Easy to Install – Vinyl plank is incredibly easy to install. Unlike traditional flooring options, you don’t need nails or glue to fix it to the floor. Vinyl plank flooring comes with a click-lock system that makes it simpler than other flooring types. You can easily lay the planks on the floor, interlocking them to form a solid surface.
- Durable – Vinyl plank flooring is highly durable and can withstand heavy foot traffic, scratches, and spills. It’s made of multi-layer material, making it more wear and tear-resistant. The top layer of vinyl plank is coated with a highly protective layer that prevents scratches and scuffs. This makes it an excellent flooring option for high-traffic areas such as entryways or living rooms.
- Easy to Clean – One of the biggest advantages of vinyl plank flooring is that it’s easy to clean. You can easily wipe off any spills or stains with a damp cloth. You also don’t need any expensive cleaning solutions to maintain the flooring. Simply sweeping or vacuuming once a week would be enough to keep the flooring clean.
- Water-Resistant – One of the most significant advantages of vinyl plank flooring is that it’s water-resistant. That means that the flooring won’t warp, swell or peel when exposed to moisture. This makes it an excellent option for kitchens, bathrooms, and basements where water spills are common.
- Affordable – Vinyl plank flooring is a highly affordable flooring option. Compared to other flooring options such as hardwood, tile, or concrete, it’s much less expensive. This means that you don’t have to break the bank to get beautiful, high-quality flooring.
- Versatile – Vinyl plank flooring comes in a wide range of colors, patterns, and styles. This means that you can create any style you want, from classic to modern. The flooring can mimic the look of hardwood, stone, or tile, which means you have many design options.
- Low Maintenance – Vinyl plank flooring is incredibly low maintenance. You don’t have to worry about refinishing or sanding the flooring. Unlike hardwood flooring, vinyl plank flooring doesn’t require any special care or maintenance. It can withstand daily use without showing signs of wear and tear.
- Comfortable Underfoot – Vinyl plank flooring is comfortable underfoot. It has a cushioned surface that absorbs shock, reducing the impact on your joints when you walk on it. This makes it an excellent option for homes with children and pets.
The list of benefits doesn’t end there. Millions of people choose to put vinyl plank in their homes because it is the perfect option for them.
How to Install Vinyl Plank Flooring
One of the primary advantages of vinyl plank flooring is the simplicity of its installation process. Vinyl plank flooring offers a relatively forgiving installation for those less experienced in home improvement projects.
- Preparing the surface – The first step in installing vinyl plank is preparing the surface. The subfloor must be clean, flat, dry, and stable to ensure proper adhesion and a smooth finish.
- Preparing the planks – It’s essential to let the vinyl planks acclimate to the room’s temperature and humidity for at least 48 hours before installation.
- Cutting the vinyl planks – In most cases, some planks must be cut to fit the room’s dimensions or around obstacles. To cut a plank, measure the required length or width, and mark it with a straight edge and a pencil. Next, use a utility knife to score along the marked line. To make a clean break, firmly grasp the plank on either side of the score line, and bend it until it snaps.
- Laying the vinyl planks – Begin in a corner of the room with the tongue side of the plank facing the wall. Place spacers between the plank and the wall to maintain the recommended expansion gap, usually ¼ inch. Connect the next plank by inserting the tongue into the groove of the first plank at a slight angle, and press down until the two planks lock together.
While installing vinyl plank on your own isn’t impossible, it is always better to go with a professional. This will deliver better results than if you try to do it on your own.
How to Clean Vinyl Plank Flooring
Vinyl plank flooring is a popular flooring option due to its versatility and ease of maintenance. Despite being low maintenance, it is still important to clean vinyl plank flooring regularly to maintain its appearance and extend its longevity. Here are some tips to help you clean your vinyl plank flooring:
- Sweep or vacuum the floor – Start by sweeping or vacuuming your vinyl plank to remove any loose dirt or debris. Use a soft-bristled brush attachment to avoid scratching the surface of the flooring.
- Mop with warm water and mild detergent – After sweeping or vacuuming, mop the floor with warm water and mild detergent. Avoid using harsh chemical cleaners or abrasive cleaning tools that can cause permanent damage to the flooring. A simple solution of warm water and a few drops of dish soap does the job well.
- Wipe spills immediately – Accidents happen, and spills on the vinyl plank should be wiped immediately with a soft, damp cloth. This prevents the spill from seeping into the vinyl and causing damage.
- Use a microfiber mop – A microfiber mop is the best tool for cleaning vinyl plank. It is gentle on the surface, removes dirt and grime effectively, and leaves no residue. The microfiber mop can be dry or dampened with warm water.
- Do not use excessive water – Excessive water can cause the vinyl plank flooring to warp or buckle. Always wring out the mop or cloth well before cleaning the flooring. Avoid using a steam cleaner as it can damage the flooring’s surface.
- Use baking soda for stains – Baking soda is a natural cleaner and effectively removes stains from vinyl plank flooring without causing any damage. Mix baking soda with warm water to form a paste, apply the mixture onto the stain and gently scrub with a sponge or brush.
- Avoid wax and polish – Vinyl plank flooring has a protective layer that prevents it from scratches and scuffs. Applying wax, polish, or any other shiny products can strip this layer off, making the surface prone to scratches and dulling its shine. Avoid using any wax or polish products on vinyl plank flooring.
In conclusion, vinyl plank flooring has become popular for homeowners and commercial spaces due to its durability, versatility, and affordability. With its ability to mimic the look of hardwood or stone, it offers various styles and colors to fit any design preference. It is also easy to install, maintain, and replace, making it a practical option for high-traffic areas. Because it’s waterproof, it is the ideal choice for kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and any other moisture-prone space. Overall, vinyl plank flooring is an excellent choice for anyone looking for stylish and functional flooring that withstands the wear and tear of everyday life.
FAQS:
What are the disadvantages of vinyl plank flooring?
While vinyl plank floors are a popular choice with many benefits, they have some downsides. Vinyl plank flooring doesn’t last as long as solid hardwood flooring. It also can be challenging to remove if an adhesive is used during installation. But the cost and durability make up for these drawbacks.
Is vinyl plank flooring a good choice?
Waterproof luxury vinyl plank flooring offers many benefits that cater to various needs and preferences. With its straightforward installation, waterproof characteristics, impressive durability, and undeniable affordability, this flooring option is an excellent choice for diverse settings and lifestyles.
Is vinyl plank better than laminate?
The advantages of vinyl plank flooring include being affordable, durable, easy to clean and maintain, water-resistant or waterproof, and available in various styles, colors, and textures. Vinyl plank flooring can also imitate the look and feel of natural materials such as wood, stone, or tile without drawbacks such as scratches, chips, or stains. Additionally, vinyl plank flooring is easy to install and comfortable underfoot, providing a sound-absorbing and insulating effect.
