The Art of Renovation – The Ins and Outs of Vinyl Plank Flooring

The Ins and Outs of Vinyl Plank Flooring

In this Art of Renovation video, Paul talks about the different types of plank flooring, specifically the now very popular, vinyl plank flooring.

Vinyl plank flooring is a broad term, and there are a number of options available in terms of style, finish, and feel of the flooring. Paul also touches on stone plastic composite, and what you need to know about these products for your renovation! 

Classic Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring

Classic luxury vinyl plank (LVP) can be considered a lower tier flooring, depending on which product you choose. It can be a glue-down or click installation. LVP is available in a lot of different finishes, and is typically very thin and flexible. When LVP is installed it has to be laid down on a smooth and level surface. This gives it some limitations as to where this flooring would be best suited and often requires additional plywood underlay to be installed. LVP is generally the most affordable option, but it often requires a lot of floor prep before installation so it’s always good to explore all the options before commiting to the lowest cost flooring. 

Laminate flooring- LVP
Laminate flooring- LVP

Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) is another option that is also flexible. This flooring looks like tile, can be grouted like tile, and it costs about the same as ceramic tile but doesn’t require subfloor build up because of its flexibility. Like LVP, this flooring requires floor prep and needs to be installed on a smooth and level surface.

Laminate flooring- LVT
Laminate flooring- LVT

Stone Plastic Composite

Stone plastic composite (SPC) is a higher quality option. It has a rigid core and can be installed overtop of almost any hard surface. Some SPC flooring options have a foam backing while others have cork backing. Depending on what you choose you can get more insulation, soften the feel of the floor and even provide sound dampening. 

Laminate flooring- SPC
Laminate flooring- SPC
Laminate flooring- SPC
Laminate flooring- SPC

SPV is more costly than a classic thin vinyl, but it can end up saving you a lot of money at the end of your renovation as floor prep can be minimized.

How to choose the right vinyl plank flooring for your space

Vinyl flooring is worth looking into for your renovation because you have a lot of options. Depending on what finish and feel you want, and what your budget is, you will likely be able to find a vinyl product that you absolutely love! It is important to keep in mind that even though a thin vinyl is cheaper per square foot, it requires a lot of prep work which could end up costing you more at the end of your renovation, whereas SPC supply cost is higher, but much cheaper for the installation resulting in the ability to save you money! 

If you are deciding between solid hardwood and laminate flooring you click here to check out our blog about hardwood.

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