Known throughout the universe as LVP, Luxury Vinyl Plank is the look that changed flooring forever. Allowing homeowners to choose from a world of hyper-realistic wood looks, LVP comes in widths, shades and grain accents that bring the outside into their homes like never before, with affordable ease.
How is it made?
Using heat and pressure to forge a super-stable mix of pigment and resin materials, LVP achieves remarkable flexibility and resilience. Many brands have twenty-five- and thirty-year warranties!
Finishes
Whether your home or space calls for a matte finish, or a low gloss for a hardwood look, both are popular. Low gloss or matte finish is perfect for homes with pets, children, or high traffic areas. Whereas showcase areas, low traffic or mature spaces will look their best with a high gloss luxurious luster.
Installation
The comfort and confidence of long life with vibrant looks with LVP is traditionally achieved by a four-layer installation process:
1. Wear Layer – The wear layer is a transparent top coating that helps prevent against scratches, stains and fading.
2. Decorative Image – The decorative image give the appearance of the planks. It is a thin digital image that is adhered to the vinyl core.
3. Vinyl Core – The vinyl PVC material is the main component of an LVT or LVP floor. This core is flexible and 100% waterproof.
4. Backing Layer – This is a vinyl finishing layer that is waterproof and prevents mold and mildew.
Everyone in the flooring industry agrees - The ease and simplicity of LVP flooring installation is one of the driving forces in their popularity. For the fearless pro and the dubious beginner alike, all the major brands have made it easy for homeowners to save on, and feel secure in, these major improvement projects.
Maintenance
Another beautiful fact about LVP is the easy regimen of cleaning and prevention that make for decades of designer looks with just a little common-sense care. A micro-fiber mop pad is just the thing for regular sweeping, or you can vacuum if you prefer (always removing the “beater bar “beforehand), either way LVP comes clean quick. A weekly wash is recommended, keeping the colors clean and the surface smooth by using a pH neutral cleaner for both complete washing or any spot-cleans or clean-ups! Keep your shine on with vinyl-specific protective finish whenever you decide it is time for some restoration TLC.
Finally: Let’s Never Scrub! Using only manufacturer recommended spot cleaners and solutions guarantees no scraping, scuffing, or scratching of your finish.
Versatility
LVP is a perfect solution for new flooring when we need to install over the old floor, making it the affordable, simple solution in so many flooring scenarios that used to mean labor and cost intensive removal and repair prior to installation. Let’s look at the facts, case-by-case:
Ceramic or Porcelain Tile- Super easy to install over, after cleaning & prep.
Linoleum - A breeze. Simply clean and prep old surface.
Hardwood or Engineered wood Floors - Easy to install over, merely secure any loose or squeaky boards prior to install.
Concrete - Our most often asked question! YES!
WARNING
Do not install over laminate. Any imperfections in Laminate flooring will be mimicked and exaggerated. It is best to first remove the laminate and prep the area before installing LVP or LVT.
