About Luxury Vinyl Flooring

For decades, consumers looking for a stylish alternative to natural wood, tile, and stone surfaces had very few options. Because of its durability and resistance to moisture, vinyl flooring has evolved into a sophisticated flooring solution that performs well, costs less, and is better suited for busy families. And it looks like the real thing!

What Is Luxury Vinyl Flooring?

LVT or LVP, is a vinyl flooring composed of several different layers.  

• A base layer provides the foundation and underfoot feel of the vinyl.  Depending on the product, it can be rigid or flexible.
• A pattern or design layer provides the aesthetic of the vinyl plank. This layer can be used to mimic natural wood, tile, stone, or almost anything else.
• A top surface is a transparent protective coating with built-in stain guard and scratch resistance. 

There are two types of Luxury Vinyl flooring, Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) and Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP), differentiated by their shape, plank, and tile.

Types of Vinyl Flooring

Now that you’ve decided that vinyl might be the perfect flooring for you, how do you decide which product to choose? There are four types of vinyl flooring to consider, and each one has its unique set of benefits and drawbacks.

1. Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring (LVP)

Are you looking for an economical alternative to genuine hardwood floors? Vinyl plank floors are the perfect solution, as they can resemble a variety of wood species, textures, and colors. But, unlike solid wood, luxury vinyl flooring is stain resistant, water resistant, and easy to maintain. Plus, it's also thicker and more rigid than other types, like vinyl sheets. 

2. Vinyl Tile 

Are you looking for a mosaic tile flooring in the bathroom but need to stick to a strict budget? Vinyl tile floors consist of individual squares that are available in several sizes. With peel-and-stick flooring installation, vinyl tiles can be arranged in distinct patterns and in a short amount of time. It's also easy to replace individual tiles if one gets damaged after installation.

3. Vinyl Sheet

As the name implies, vinyl sheet flooring comes in rolled sheets ranging from 6 to 12 feet wide. It's perfect for your kitchen and bathrooms where it's common to have spills or dripping water. Why, you may ask? Laying vinyl in sheets minimizes the number of seams, which means less opportunity for moisture to get through. 

Like other types of vinyl, sheets come in styles that mimic stone, tile, and hardwood. If you have pets, consider inlaid vinyl for a thicker and more durable vinyl sheet option that does a good job of hiding most scratches.

4. Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT)

Luxury vinyl tile, also known as luxury vinyl plank if in plank form, provides the look of high-end stone and hardwood at an affordable price. Luxury vinyl flooring includes a thicker and more durable protective wear layer that seals the other layers together and makes it water resistant and scratch resistant. In some cases, vinyl tile floors can even be waterproof, so no more worrying about that leaky bathroom sink damaging your floors! Perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways

What are the benefits of vinyl flooring?

Durability

Vinyl plank flooring is made to be lived on. It doesn’t scratch, indent, or stain easily, which makes it kid- and pet-friendly. Because of its durability, vinyl planks, can be installed almost anywhere in your home.

Waterproof

Most types of LVT are 100% waterproof, making them ideal for areas like kitchens and bathrooms, or anywhere with excess water. 

Maintenance

LVT is extremely low maintenance. It doesn’t require much maintenance or care. Sweep the floor on a regular basis and then clean with a spray mop to remove any stubborn stains. For more tips about caring for your floor, read our care and maintenance guide.

Realistic Visuals

With today’s 3D printing and embossing techniques, it’s harder than ever to tell the difference between vinyl and the real thing. Vinyl planks' patterns, colors, and textures are extremely realistic, giving your floors the look and feel of real wood or stone.

Versatility

LVT is extremely versatile and practical. Its durability and waterproof properties means that it can be installed anywhere in your home. Luxury vinyl flooring isn’t affected by heat and humidity, making it an ideal alternative to wood floors in bathrooms. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Vinyl Flooring

Where to install vinyl flooring?

You can install vinyl in practically any room of your house, since all vinyl types work well in nearly every room, including your pesky moisture-prone areas like kitchens and bathrooms, and basements. 

What is the disadvantage of vinyl flooring?

Since vinyl is made of synthetics, it may give off volatile organic compounds, called VOCs, so it’s not considered an environmentally friendly flooring option. Vinyl can also be difficult to remove, especially if glued down during installation.

What are the pros and cons of vinyl flooring?

Affordability, durability, and the vast range of design options are among the top reasons why vinyl is a popular flooring option. Other pros include water resistance and the padded comfort it adds underfoot, making those early mornings a little easier on your feet.

The downside of vinyl plank floors is that they might not add much home value compared to other flooring options like hardwood or carpet.

Is vinyl flooring better than laminate?

When comparing vinyl and laminate, they're virtually tied. If you’re looking for durable, attractive, DIY-friendly flooring options for your home, both categories offer wonderful options. Today’s modern technology allows both categories to provide protection from everyday spills and messes. It also helps that vinyl and laminate are also easy to clean and care for in the home.

If you’re asking if vinyl is better than laminate, the answer is no. Feel free to pick your category by design, style, and application needed for your project.

What do you put under vinyl flooring?

What you put under your vinyl flooring depends on a few factors, including the type of vinyl you choose, the method of flooring installation, and your subfloor material. There are several common underlayments, such as foam, plywood, cork, felt, and particleboard. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions for the vinyl flooring you choose to determine the recommended underlayment.

If you're looking for a durable, affordable, and easy-to-maintain flooring solution, Luxury Vinyl Flooring is a great option to consider.

Specific Vinyl Floor Types

• Durable
• Bathroom
• Plank (LVP)
• Kitchen
• Tile (LVT)
• Waterproof Vinyl Plank
• Waterproof
• White
• Wood Look

Contact Your Local Carpet One Store

Ready to experience the texture & quality of vinyl in person? Explore diverse flooring options and engage with our experts for personalized assistance. Get in touch with a Carpet One store near you today!

The Luxury Vinyl brands that Dalton Carpet One proudly carries: