Vinyl Plank Flooring

About Vinyl Plank Flooring

Luxury vinyl planks merge the beauty of natural materials like hardwood and stone with the structural integrity that today's technology can provide. Now you can have the light, airy look of white oak or hickory in a resilient, waterproof floor. Whatever your design aesthetic, there are vinyl plank floors that complement your space and lifestyle. 

What Is Vinyl Plank Flooring?

With vinyl plank floors, you're getting multi-layered support. These floors start with a thick backing layer of rigid vinyl made of either:

• Wood-plastic composite (WPC) - a dense, thick core made of wood and plastic
• Stone plastic composite (SPC) - a denser, sturdier composition made of stone and plastic

This sturdy, durable core is covered with a design layer featuring an impressively realistic photo of wood, stone, or whatever design you choose. A clear film layer protects that, and a topmost layer covers it all, warding off potential scuffs and scratches, so you can rest-assured during puppy playtime. 

Appearance

Whether you're shopping for the look of real hardwood or a fun pattern to liven up your space, vinyl plank flooring has you covered. Many homeowners leverage wood vinyl flooring's unique ability to mimic hardwoods, like warm weathered pine, light-hued hickory, or a grey-finished oak. Thanks to vinyl plank flooring's water resistance and durability, you can enjoy one continuous look throughout every room of your home. 

Durability and Maintenance

Plank vinyl flooring is constructed with durability in mind and it’s designed to do all the hard work so you don’t have to worry about your kids constantly running into the house with their shoes on. Vinyl planks feature a thick backing layer, which offers rigid support while the film layer protects against tears and the top wear layer prevents scratches and scuffs. It's still susceptible to wear over time, though, but it can last longer if properly installed by a professional and maintained. 

Vinyl planks are easy to clean and only require regular sweeping and an occasional damp mop. We recommend that you avoid steam cleaning. Though vinyl flooring planks are waterproof, steam can permeate the seams and potentially damage the subflooring. 

Lifespan

With your new vinyl plank floors, you won’t have to worry about replacing them for years to come! The actual lifespan of the flooring selection you install will depend on a few factors, including:

• The quality of the installation and materials used
• How well you care for the luxury vinyl flooring
• The amount and type of wear the vinyl plank flooring receives
• Whether you adhere to the manufacturer care instructions

No matter what product you choose, you'll want to ask about the warranty that's provided. At Carpet One Floor & Home, we ensure you have warranty protection that gives you peace of mind with your beautiful new floors.

Installation

Installing vinyl plank flooring is pretty straightforward, and we know what you’re thinking —does this make it a good DIY option? The lifetime of vinyl plank flooring and its overall appearance hinges on a quality installation, so we always recommend using a professional installer with the skills and experience to do the job well.

Pros and Cons of Vinyl Plank Flooring

The popularity of vinyl plank flooring speaks to the number of advantages this flooring option provides. They include: 

• Easy to maintain
• Incredibly durable
• Work well throughout your entire home, including your kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, and basement
• Dent and scratch resistant, making it perfect for pet-friendly, high-traffic homes 

On the flip side, vinyl plank flooring can have a shorter lifespan than natural materials like hardwood, tile, or stone. 

Vinyl Plank vs. Laminate Flooring

Vinyl plank and laminate flooring often look similar, especially since they can both mimic natural materials like hardwood. While their installation methods can both involve click-lock planks that float over the underlayment, vinyl flooring is much easier to cut, requiring a utility knife to laminate's power saw. 

Vinyl Plank Flooring vs. Hardwood

Today's technology helps wood vinyl flooring truly compete with genuine hardwood floors. Both are incredibly durable, but with vinyl, you’ll spend less time worrying about if your dog did in fact scratch your floors. Vinyl's resilient core and protective wear layer keeps many scratches and scuffs at bay. But, whereas hardwoods can be sanded and refinished when signs of wear do leave their mark on vinyl, these planks require replacement. 

It's a different story when we look at how these two handle moisture. If you’re a family that would benefit from moisture resistance, luxury vinyl plank flooring stands up to high humidity, temperature changes, and spills. On the other hand, solid hardwood in kids' bathrooms or messy mudrooms can quickly lead to water damage, rotting, or both. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is luxury vinyl flooring good for kitchens?

Yes! Vinyl plank flooring in kitchens works well thanks to its durability, scratch-resistant top layer, and waterproof construction. 

Is luxury vinyl flooring good for bathrooms?

Yes! Installing luxury vinyl plank flooring in bathrooms is a smart idea because you won’t have to worry about leaky faucets or wet towels damaging your floors. Vinyl planks consist of a waterproof composite core and layers of protection from daily wear and tear. 

Is vinyl plank flooring waterproof?

Yes! Vinyl plank flooring is waterproof, which partially explains its popularity. This resilient floor excels in kitchens, bathrooms, mudrooms, and other humid spaces without worry, allowing you to extend a hardwood look throughout your home with wood vinyl flooring.

How long will vinyl plank flooring last?

Plank vinyl flooring can last a decade or more, but several factors determine its longevity. Proper installation is key, as is regular cleaning and maintenance. When there's a spill or issue, clean it up or repair it right away. 

What are the most popular color choices for vinyl plank flooring?

Neutral hues are the most popular color choices for homeowners installing vinyl flooring planks. Shades of beige, brown, and grey complement most design styles. Pro tip: if you’re looking for flooring that will open up your small sitting room or brighten your dark home office, opt for vinyl plank in lighter tones.

Are vinyl plank floors scratch resistant?

If you have a pet or you’re often rearranging your furniture, this is an important answer to have. Vinyl plank floors can resist scratches thanks to their strong vinyl composite core. In fact, vinyl plank flooring is one of the best options for pet-filled homes.