How Luxury Vinyl Planks Combine Style, Durability, and Affordability.
Beautiful, stylish and functional homes have become a trend in today's modern era, and when it came to flooring, earlier people only depended on marble or tiles. Today, a new trend has started - whose name is Luxury Vinyl Planks (LVP). This flooring option not only gives a classy look to the floor of your home, but is also durable, waterproof and budget-friendly. Let's understand LVP flooring in detail.
Luxury Vinyl Planks are artificial flooring that looks like wood. It is in a plank shape and is a type of Vinyl Flooring Calgary. Vinyl is a plastic-based material that looks very elegant when made with high-quality and realistic designs. LVP is becoming more popular these days in homes, offices and commercial places due to its stylish look, durability and practicality.
Structure and Layering of LVP.
A Luxury Vinyl Plank is generally made of 4 or 5 layers; the speciality of LVP is hidden in these layers.
Wear Layer:
The wear layer is on the top; it is a transparent layer whose job is to protect the surface from scratches and stains.
Printed Layer:
The printed layer is below it, and it can have a wood grain design or some other pattern. Its job is to give LVP a real wood look.
Vinyl Core Layer:
The vinyl core layer comes after this; its job is to provide flexibility and durability to the LVP.
Rigid Core or Stone Plastic Composite (SPC):
Rigid core or stone plastic composite (SPC) is also used in some high-end LVPs, which makes the LVP even stronger. The backing layer is placed at the bottom; its job is to keep the planks stable and protect them from moisture.
Benefits of Luxury Vinyl Planks:
100% Waterproof- you can install LVP in the kitchen, bathroom, basement or any damp area without any tension, as LVP is 100% waterproof. Wooden flooring gets damaged due to water, but there is no such problem with LVP. This is the perfect option for you if you don't want to take much hassle in maintenance but want the wooden look.
Easy Installation Process- The installation process of LVP is relatively easy. There are two major types of methods available in the market – glue-down and click-lock systems. In the glue-down method, the planks are stuck together using flooring adhesive, which is a long-term and more stable solution, especially for commercial spaces. On the other hand, in the click-lock system, the planks are fitted one inside the other without using any adhesive. You can also install it yourself.
Design and Variety- LVP is available to suit every taste and interior theme if you want to design and choose a variety. You will find light oak, dark walnut, grey ash and many other wood tones in it. Today, some LVP brands are also available in stone, marble or even tile look. If you want a classy look and durability like stone and wood on a low budget, then this is the best option for you.
Easy to maintain- For the maintenance of LVP, neither any polish nor varnish is required; you just have to clean it with regular sweeping and sometimes with a damp mop. Hence, its maintenance is relatively easy. If any plank gets damaged, then it can be easily replaced without breaking the entire floor, which makes it even more convenient.
If we talk about the advantages of LVP, its first advantage is its affordable price. It is much cheaper than hardwood or engineered wood. Durability is its second advantage. It is very resistant against dents, scratches and stains, especially if you have pets or children in your home. Its third advantage is that it is suitable for use in all types of environments as it is 100% waterproof. Its fourth advantage is the realistic look. The look of high-quality LVP is precisely like a real wooden floor.
However, if we talk about some disadvantages, it is essential to understand them too. The first disadvantage is that the LVP can fade in sunlight if there is direct exposure. Hence, where there is direct sunlight, it is better to use curtains or blinds. The second point is that it is not eco-friendly, as it is plastic-based. But nowadays, some companies are also using recyclable materials. And thirdly, if you choose cheap quality LVP, its wear layer is weak, and it can get damaged quickly. Hence, one should always buy products from reputed brands and with a good warranty.
If we compare LVP with traditional flooring options, it is better in many aspects