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Apr 5, 2024 · Our pick for the best vinyl plank flooring is the LifeProof Waterproof Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring for its waterproofing, real-wood look, and large color selection.
Nov 23, 2023 · Our round-up of the best vinyl flooring brands includes the best vinyl plank flooring for pets as well as basements, bathrooms and every room of the house.
Nov 30, 2023 · Best for Kitchens + Bathrooms: Lifeproof Trail Oak Waterproof Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring. Easiest DIY Installation: Traffic Master Taupe Oak Peel-and-Stick Water Resistant Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring. Best for Scratch + Stain Resistance: Style Selections Flax Oak Waterproof Interlocking Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring.
- Maria Conti
- The Bottom Line
- What to Know About Vinyl Plank Floors Before Shopping
- Your Questions, Answered
- Who We Are
The best vinyl plank flooring for most people is the Lifeproof’s luxury vinyl flooring. It’s 100% waterproof and is scratch-, skid-, and mark-resistant, making it ideal for long-term use in high-traffic areas. Plus, it’s available at a nice mid-range price and boasts easy click lock installation for the DIYer.
Type
There are three main types of vinyl plank floors: luxury vinyl plank, rigid plank flooring, and waterproof flooring. While all three types have similar characteristics—most will tout some degree of water resistance—you’ll want to make sure that you’re getting the type that’s appropriate for a particular area in your home. For the kitchen, bath, basement, and other areas prone to moisture and spills, you’ll want to go with vinyl plank flooring with excellent waterproofing capability.
Plank Length and Width
The length and width of the planks will vary by brand and your personal choice, but there are some considerations for homeowners. “Generally speaking, smaller planks are going to be more labor-intensive to install,” says Saunders, though he notes that they’re “easier to get a clean look with, especially in rooms with lots of awkward corners to work around.” He also says they’ll likely be slightly more expensive per square foot, so keep this in mind for your budget.
Plank Thickness vs. Wear Layer Thickness
Keep in mind that the thickness of the plank is in millimeters (mm) while the wear layer thickness is in mil—these are two different measurements, and they’re not measuring the same thing at all. Plank thickness measures the thickness of the actual plank, while wear layer thickness measures the clear layer of vinyl that’s applied to top of the plank to protect it. When it comes to durability, you’ll want to pay attention especially to the wear layer thickness—the thicker the better when it co...
What’s the difference between laminate and vinyl flooring?
Laminate and vinyl flooring are both more affordable and durable alternativesto hardwood floors. Vinyl flooring is made up of multiple layers to create a durable, waterproof finish. A vinyl core is topped by a wear layer and a printed vinyl layer that features the wood grain look. Laminate flooringis made up of layers of synthetic material; an inner core board has a photo image layer—this provides the wood grain look—and is topped with another layer for protection. However, not all laminate f...
What thickness of vinyl plank flooring is best?
The thicker the plank, the more protection you’ll have against damage. “For the average house, 12 mil is a perfect choice,” says Gold. He mentions, though, that if you’ve got pets or heavier foot traffic, look for VPF that has 20 mil.
Can you put heavy furniture on vinyl plank flooring?
If you plan to place heavy furniture and appliances on top of vinyl planking, it’s better to use adhesive rather than a floating installation to ensure better stability. “LVP may be wipeable, but it is thin, hard, and buckles at pinch points,” says Shapiro. She notes that a floating floor installation will likely be damaged if you try to put a heavy appliance like a refrigerator or a kitchen island on top of it.
This article was written by Barbara Bellesi Zito, who writes about home and garden topics for various lifestyle publications. To write this article, she researched dozens of vinyl plank flooring types, considering factors like type, length and width, wear layer thickness, durability, and range of finishes. Barbara also consulted Stacy Lewis, owner ...
Feb 8, 2024 · Sounds like a tall order, right? Well, 2024’s lineup of luxury vinyl flooring is here to show you it’s totally doable. With a jungle of brands out there, we’ve trekked through the wilderness for you and spotted the top 10 that really stand out.
Apr 11, 2023 · BEST OVERALL: Smartcore Lanier Hickory Vinyl Plank Flooring. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: TrafficMaster Edwards Oak Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring. BEST KITCHEN AND BATHROOM: NuCore White Pewter...
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Apr 3, 2024 · Pros. Fair number of color choices. Good availability. Extra affordable. Cons. May scratch easily. Primavera Bayou Click-Lock Waterproof Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring. Check Price at Home Depot....
