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The Complete Guide to Luxury Vinyl Flooring
The Ultimate Guide to LVT & LVP Flooring
Comprehensive Exploration: Understanding the Versatility and Elegance of Luxury Vinyl Flooring
Introduction to Luxury Vinyl Flooring: A
Stylish Choice for Modern Living
When it comes to floors, deciding on the style and materials used goes a long way toward setting the overall tone for your living space. Luxury vinyl flooring is a material that’s becoming more popular for both residential and commercial spaces due to its wide range of attributes. One of the main features of this type of flooring is that it can mimic a variety of natural surfaces, from slate to concrete to marble to refined and distressed wood. With advanced layering technology, it delivers both aesthetic appeal and rigidity, making it ideal for high-traffic areas. Keep reading to discover all you need about luxury vinyl flooring installation and selection with this luxury vinyl flooring guide to help you decide when it’s time for new flooring in your home or business.
Types of Luxury Vinyl Flooring
There are two main types of flooring in this category: luxury vinyl tile flooring (LVT) and luxury vinyl plank flooring (LVP). Many people love LVT floors because they can realistically simulate natural materials like wood, marble, stone, or travertine. These floors are highly durable and easy to maintain without the higher costs of regular tile flooring. It is available in rectangular or square tile shapes in a wide range of different patterns and colors, perfect for luxury vinyl tile flooring installation.
LVP flooring is engineered to look like real hardwood planks. It offers many characteristics of hardwood, with different wood grain patterns and plank sizes. Like LVT flooring, LVP floors don’t require much maintenance and are more cost-effective than plank flooring made of real wood. LVP also features strong edge geometry and added underlayment layers that provide additional comfort, sound absorption, and stiffness. Together, these types represent the best of LVT and LVP flooring solutions.
Making the Right Selection
To ensure you get the right luxury vinyl flooring to meet your needs, you’ll want to consider various factors during the decision-making process. Here are some guidelines to help you make an informed choice using this guide to luxury vinyl flooring:
- Set a budget that works for you
- Consider whether you want LVP flooring or LVT flooring
- Choose a color that aligns with the design of your living space or business
- Assess the durability of the various options
- Check to see if it needs to be water-resistant
- Consider the thickness and underlayment for insulation and comfort
- Gather some test samples to compare them in your space
- Evaluate the different luxury vinyl plank flooring installation and tile installation options to find one that works for you
- Research different brand names and look for reviews
- Seek professional advice from a reputable flooring specialist
Luxury Vinyl Floor Installation Process
The installation of luxury vinyl flooring may vary depending on the type you’re using and the manufacturer’s guidelines. Many people like to try the DIY approach, looking for simpler installation, while others prefer to leave it to professionals. Whether you choose luxury vinyl plank flooring installation or luxury vinyl tile flooring installation, here are some general steps:
Step 1: Preparation of the subfloor
Before you get to the installation, you must prepare the subfloor. It must be clean, level, dry, and debris-free before installing the new flooring. If there is any damage to the subfloor, it may need to be repaired. You may also need to acclimate your luxury vinyl tiles or planks to the temperature and humidity in the specific rooms as part of the preparation process.
Step 2: Planning the layout
You’ll want to plan how you will lay out your LVP or LVT flooring by considering the room’s unique dimensions, regular traffic patterns, and any obstructions in the room. In most cases, it makes sense to start from the center to provide a more balanced look.
Step 3: Underlayment
Depending on the type of luxury vinyl flooring and subfloor condition, underlayment can help with sound insulation and added comfort.
Step 4: Cutting the planks or tiles
You’ll need to cut the planks or tiles to fit the room’s dimensions and to go around obstacles like vents, doorways, etc. A utility knife or vinyl cutter can effectively cut your flooring material.
Step 5: Install using your chosen method
There are a few different installation methods, depending on your product type. Some examples are glue down, click lock or floating, and loose lay. Following the manufacturer’s installation instructions is important and using the recommended tools and adhesives. The planks or tiles should carefully fit together, ensuring tight seams and proper alignment when installed.
Step 6: Trimming and finishing
The final row of planks or tiles should be trimmed to fit against the walls. You also want to install any needed transition pieces to create a smooth transition between different types of flooring.
Step 7: Allow for settling
It’s always a good idea to avoid heavy traffic on newly installed luxury vinyl floors for a specified period of time, so the floor can settle and adhere properly. If you ignore this step, you may have issues with your floor moving forward.
Maintenance and Care
Luxury vinyl flooring is usually easier to maintain than most other flooring products due to its protective finish and moisture resistance. You can keep your floors fresh and clean for years by following just a few basic maintenance and care steps. Here are some valuable tips to keep in mind:
- Sweep or vacuum your floors regularly using a soft bristle broom or suitable vacuum attachment
- To help remove any dirt and grit that might cause scratches
- Use non-abrasive floor cleaner to wash your floors
- Use a damp mop with warm water for daily maintenance
- LVP floors and LVT floors do not require wax
- Do not use bleach on your floors
- Avoid dragging heavy furniture across this type of flooring
- Be mindful when walking on your floors with high heel shoes
Different Applications
You can use luxury vinyl flooring in a wide range of different settings, as it is quite versatile and adds to the aesthetic just about anywhere you lay it down. Here are some of the most common applications:
Residential Flooring
Since it can replicate the appearance of natural hardwood, stone, or tile, it’s a good choice in a variety of different rooms of your home. Some of the best residential applications include:
- Kitchens and dining areas
- Living rooms
- Bathrooms
- Entryways and hallways
- Bedrooms
- Stairs
Multi-Family Apartments
The durability of this type of floor makes it ideal for apartment complexes and condominiums. The fact that it’s easy to clean and maintain is another benefit, as most apartment complexes experience a lot of foot traffic.
Commercial Spaces
The last thing anyone wants to worry about in a commercial space is the quality of the floor. You can use this flooring in various commercial spaces to create the look you want without sacrificing quality or durability. Some good options include:
- Office spaces
- Gyms and health clubs
- Retail stores
- Educational facilities
- Healthcare facilities
- Hotels
Discover the Possibilities: Explore Luxury
Vinyl Flooring with SCV Floorsmith
Ready to transform your home with the elegance and durability of luxury vinyl flooring? With over 30 years of experience and over 5000 successful projects, the team at SCV Floorsmith is your trusted partner for luxury vinyl flooring sales and installation. Delve into the stunning design options, versatile applications, and learn how we can customize them to elevate your living space.
Learn more about our luxury vinyl flooring at SCV Floorsmith and take the first step towards a beautiful, resilient, and stylish home.
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