If you are considering vinyl wood planks, you are on a good track. However, it can be hard to decide what the best vinyl plank flooring is. In this guide, we’ll discuss what to look for as you shop for the highest quality flooring product. Of course, our staff can assist you at any of our locations, but this should get you started.
What’s the Best Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring Options: Top Ten Questions to Ask
Instead of asking “what’s the best luxury vinyl plank flooring?”, you can get to the heart of the matter by asking these ten questions. That should lead you to the best vinyl plank flooring for your needs.
Remember that easy installation isn’t a qualification by itself. The question is: how well is it made? How long will it look good? Here’s how to find out.
Question 1: What’s the Warranty?
A longer warranty is a good clue that you are choosing the best vinyl plank flooring. If a manufacturer stands behind the product, you can feel good about its durability. High quality products may have 20-year warranties. Keep in mind that an LVP flooring product must be installed by certified professionals to maintain that warranty.
Question 2: Ask about the LVP Topcoat
A hardened clear-coat should ensure minimal wear, whether it’s the front entry way, kitchens bathrooms or laundry rooms. Sometimes it is referred to as a titanium top coating or it may be called diamond hardened. This can give you a big clue about its scratch and stain resistance. It may also help you decide between luxury vinyl tile and vinyl plank.
Question 3: Ask about Thicker Wear Layers
When shopping for the best vinyl plank flooring, you are looking at the thickness of the board or tile and the thickness of the top wear layer. When you see millimeters (mm), that refers to the board’s thickness. When you see mil, it refers to the top layer. Obviously the bigger these numbers are, the higher quality the product will be. A minimum choice is 12mil, but the best is 20mil or higher.
Question 4: Ask about Color Continuity
Is the color the same through the whole plank? This will help it show less wear and tear in high traffic areas. Speaking generally, color continuity is a major advantage of LVP and LVT flooring. Unlike engineered wood or laminate, the color doesn’t change as you scratch the surface of the flooring product..
Question 5: Ask for Water Resistant LVP
Waterproof vinyl plank flooring is made to resist water. That’s why it gets used in bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. However, you need to make sure the product is declared waterproof or water resistant. Look at its ratings, warranties, and reviews to make sure it is an excellent choice.
Question 6: Ask about Scratch Resistant LVP
Luxury Vinyl Plank LVP is meant to be scratch resistant, but some brands can claim a better level of protection against scratches. A flooring professional can help you find the best vinyl flooring that will stand up to your family’s daily use.
Question 7: Ask about Pet Friendly LVP
As with water and scratch resistance, you can assume that luxury vinyl plank is somewhat pet friendly. However, if you are concerned about possible pet damage, look closely at which vinyl tile flooring products are specifically labeled pet friendly. Then you should make sure the product is installed by a professional.
Question 8: What is Click Lock Vinyl Flooring?
Vinyl planks may be made to click and lock into place. Click lock vinyl flooring is the easiest to install and the easiest to remove. These qualities make it a favorite with some remodelers.
Question 9: How does LVP Save Money Over Rival Products?
At a proper flooring store, you should be able to see the alternatives to LVP and LVT. This includes engineered wood planks, natural stone, porcelain or ceramic tile, and more. In many cases, you can save money while still getting the best luxury vinyl flooring. Installation is generally cheaper for LVT/LVP flooring projects because the product is manufactured for ease of use.
Question 10: Are your installers certified to install LVP?
Only certified installation can ensure that the warranties for your luxury vinyl flooring will be honored by the manufacturer. Furthermore, even the best vinyl flooring must be done properly to ensure its water resistant qualities.
Where to Shop for the Best Vinyl Plank Flooring
Visit Peek’s showroom and see the many different vinyl plank choices for yourself. Bring your room measurements and get price estimates for different flooring products. We can help you determine the best buy for the money.
