A popular trend in the flooring industry is the 17-billion-dollar industry that is Luxury Vinyl Planks (LVP). Are Luxury Vinyl Planks a luxurious flooring product, or is it a substandard finish flooring product?
There is a broad range when referring to acronym luxury vinyl planks in conversation, because the low-quality brands are mixed in with higher quality brands, and all LVP are called LVP. Therefore, it is upon the buyer to find a product that meets their budget and goals for this product.
What are some of the manufacturing specifications that you should aim for when searching for luxury LVP planks to attain a 20-year warranty?
- Thickness of the plank, which includes this finished floor and pattern. A better-rated plank would be 5mm to 8 mm.
- A good top layer for an LVP would be 12 Mil.
- A good LVP will have UV protection layers that are mixed into the “wear layer.”
- A vapor barrier would likely be recommended.
- A flat floor that doesn’t have rolls.
- Proper GAPAGE between walls, floors, and interior trim and thresholds.
- Read all the instructions associated with the flooring and follow all the instructions for the installation.
To be upfront, I have a low opinion of luxury vinyl plank products and would strongly discourage any customer from using such a product. I don’t see the product as a long-lasting material. LVP does not hold up to scratches, sand, and dirt as alternative flooring does. Luxury vinyl planks do move a lot, and careful consideration needs to be made around door thresholds. I do see LVP working in limited areas to decrease costs with material and labor.
One issue that luxury vinyl plank flooring has not been raised by the public is that the material, in most cases, cannot be recycled; the product goes to the landfill and takes up valuable space needed in a landfill.
Please consider American Building & Design for your next remodeling project.
