Giving homes and businesses a stunning look at a fraction of the cost of hardwood flooring, both lvt flooring and vinyl plank flooring are fantastically affordable and low-maintenance choices when it comes to updating or upgrading floors.
While there are a number of considerations to make when choosing the right flooring for your home or business, vinyl plank flooring is a popular choice thanks to its lower cost, ease of maintenance and damage resistant qualities.
Comprised of layers of polyvinyl chloride (or PVC, a robust plastic material), vinyl planks resemble hardwood flooring, but without the price tag, and are easier to keep in good condition. Simple to install should you wish to do so yourself, why not have the neighbours think you’ve upgraded to expensive hardwood flooring, when only you (and your bank balance!) will know the difference!
If you’ve made the decision, like so many other home and business owners, to have vinyl plank flooring installed, you’ll need to think carefully about the following 5 factors:
1. Its scratch and stain resistant qualities
While all vinyl plank flooring is scratch and stain resistant to a degree, if you want your flooring to last for many years to come, you’ll need to opt for a type of VPF that has an outer layer tough enough to withstand whatever type of foot and paw traffic it will be subjected to.
2. Its level of thickness
In the same way as a thicker, luxury carpet provides you with a more comfortable and pleasing feel beneath your feet, as do thicker vinyl flooring planks. Measured in mils (not be mistaken for millimetres), this particular measurement is related to the thickness of vinyl planks, and the more mils a plank has, the more it will be able to hold up well against heavier weights and scratches.
If you’re purchasing vinyl plank flooring for your home, you may wish to choose a type with a thickness of 12 mil, although if your home is likely to be subjected to more intense or frequent foot traffic, or you have pets, 20 mil may be the more durable choice. If you’re purchasing flooring for a business premises, a plank thickness of 28 mil will provide a higher level of support, comfort and durability.
3. Its plank measurements
Available in a variety of widths ranging from 4 inches, to 12 inches, the average vinyl plank flooring measures between 6 inches and 9 inches. For bigger rooms, wider planks may give a more aesthetically pleasing look, and you’ll obviously need less of them to cover the whole space. For smaller rooms, on the other hand, narrower luxury vinyl planks will help create the illusion of space and make the room appear bigger.
4. The type of room
Suitable for almost every room in the average home, vinyl plank flooring is low maintenance, and cost-effective, and if you like it in one space, why not have it everywhere?
5. Its warranty
Typically covering several different elements of the product, such as structural integrity, installation, wear layer and water resistance, vinyl plank flooring warranties can cover as much, or as little, as you want them to, so be sure to check your products warranty before making a purchase.
Looking every bit as effective and luxurious as its costlier hardwood counterpart, vinyl plank flooring is a more affordable and easier to maintain alternative to other expensive flooring types. But with so many options available on the market today, be sure to do your research well before investing.