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Types of Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)

Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) has become a highly sought-after flooring option thanks to its remarkable versatility, durability, and cost-effectiveness. It replicates the aesthetic appeal of natural materials like wood and stone without the associated high costs and extensive maintenance.

LVP is engineered to endure heavy foot traffic, making it ideal for both residential and commercial environments.

Let’s take a look at the different types of LVPs.

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Types of Luxury Vinyl Plank

Key Features of LVP Floors

When you choose LVP flooring, you’ll get to take advantage of several benefits, including:

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Attractive styles

The technology used to create LVP flooring can recreate the look of grains and colors found in hardwood floors as well as stones like travertine. There are also several decorative options available for LVP floors featuring metallic accents and geometric patterns.

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Durable

With its multilayer design, LVP flooring is a durable flooring option, especially in high-traffic areas of your home. It can even be used in bathrooms.

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Waterproof

As a waterproof flooring option, LVP works well in pretty much any room from the basement to the kitchen. Our luxury vinyl floors are waterproof with 24 to 72 hour guaranteed protection.

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Affordable

Because LVP recreates the look of hardwoods and stones, you’ll be able to enjoy that same look and feel for less.

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Based on Installation Method

There are three main types of installation methods: Click-Lock, Glue-Down, and Loose Lay.

Click-Lock LVP

Also known as floating vinyl plank flooring, click-lock LVP features planks that snap together like puzzle pieces. This interlocking mechanism does not require adhesive, nails, or staples.

Click-Lock LVP is ideal for homes, particularly in areas where you may need to replace planks in the future.

Pros:

  • Easy and quick installation
  • Can be installed over existing floors
  • No need for adhesives or nails
  • Easy to replace individual planks

Cons:

  • May not be as stable as glue-down options in high-traffic areas
  • Can be prone to slight movement or gaps if not installed correctly

Glue-Down LVP

Glue-Down LVP involves adhering the planks directly to the subfloor using a special adhesive. This method provides a more permanent and stable installation.

Glue-Down LVP is ideal for commercial settings or high-traffic residential areas.

Pros:

  • Provides a stable and secure fit
  • Ideal for high-traffic areas
  • Less movement and noise
  • Suitable for large, open spaces

Cons:

  • More time-consuming and complex installation
  • Difficult to replace individual planks
  • Requires a clean, smooth subfloor

Loose Lay LVP

Loose Lay LVP features thicker, heavier planks that stay in place due to friction and their own weight. These planks are installed with minimal or no adhesive, making the process simple and reversible.

Loose Lay LVP is ideal for temporary installations, rental properties, or areas where you may need to access the subfloor in the future.

Pros:

  • Easy and quick installation
  • Can be installed without adhesive
  • Easy to remove and replace individual planks
  • Suitable for temporary or semi-permanent installations

Cons:

  • May shift slightly under heavy traffic
  • Requires a very smooth subfloor for optimal performance
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Based on Core Material

The core material of LVP plays a crucial role in its overall performance, particularly in terms of stability, water resistance, and comfort.

There are three primary types of core materials used in LVP: WPC, SPC, and Hybrid Core.

Wood Plastic Composite LVP (WPC)

WPC LVP has a core made from a blend of wood pulp and plastic composites. This mix provides a great balance of comfort and durability, giving it a slightly softer and warmer feel underfoot compared to other types of LVP.

Pros:

  • Comfortable and warm underfoot
  • Good sound insulation
  • Water-resistant
  • More forgiving on uneven subfloors

Cons:

  •  Slightly less rigid than SPC
  •  Can be more expensive than standard LVP

Stone Plastic Composite LVP (SPC)

SPC LVP has a core made from a blend of limestone and plastic composites. This mix makes SPC LVP very rigid and stable, with excellent resistance to impacts and temperature changes.

Pros:

  • Highly durable and rigid
  • Excellent water resistance
  • Stable in varying temperatures
  •  Suitable for high-traffic areas

Cons:

  • Harder underfoot than WPC
  • Can be less comfortable in long-term use

Hybrid Core LVP

Hybrid Core LVP combines the benefits of both WPC and SPC, offering a balanced mix of comfort, durability, and stability. These planks typically feature a multi-layer construction that includes both wood and stone plastic composite materials.

Pros:

  • Combines comfort and rigidity
  • Highly water-resistant
  • Good sound insulation
  • Stable and durable

Cons:

  •  Can be more expensive than standard LVP
  •  Availability may be limited compared to other types
types of luxury vinyl plank

Based on Wear Layer

The wear layer of LVP is the top layer that protects the printed design layer beneath it. The thickness of this wear layer can vary. The wear layer also affects the durability and suitability of the flooring for different environments.

Residential Grade LVP

Residential grade LVP typically features a wear layer thickness of 8-12 mil (0.2-0.3 mm). This level of protection is ideal for areas with moderate foot traffic, such as bedrooms, living rooms, and dining areas.

Commercial Grade LVP

Commercial-grade LVP has a thicker wear layer, typically ranging from 20 to 28 mil (0.5 to 0.7 mm). This increased thickness offers durability and resistance to scratches, dents, and other forms of wear and tear.

Commercial-grade LVP is perfect for high-traffic areas in both residential and commercial environments, such as kitchens, bathrooms, offices, and retail spaces.

Based on Design and Aesthetic

Wood-Look LVP

Wood-look LVP is designed to replicate the appearance of hardwood species, including oak, maple, walnut, and cherry. These planks can feature different finishes, such as distressed, hand-scraped, or smooth, to match any decor style.

Wood-look LVP also offers the classic and timeless beauty of hardwood with the added benefits of water resistance and durability.

Stone-Look LVP

Stone-look LVP can mimic the appearance of natural stones like marble, slate, travertine, and granite. These planks often feature realistic textures and veining to create an authentic stone look.

Stone-look LVP provides the elegance and sophistication of natural stone without the high cost and maintenance. It is an excellent choice for bathrooms, kitchens, and entryways, adding a touch of luxury to any space.

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Find Your Flooring Style

Take our short quiz to find out which flooring style fits your style preference.

How to Choose the Best LVP for Your Home

  • How much are you willing to spend on your flooring project? While LVP is generally more affordable than other flooring options, prices can vary based on the type and quality of the planks.
  • Consider the amount of foot traffic the area will receive. High-traffic areas may require commercial-grade LVP with a thicker wear layer for enhanced durability.
  • For areas with high moisture levels, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and basements, choose LVP that is specifically designed to be waterproof.
  • Ensure that the subfloor is smooth and clean for the best installation results. Some types of LVP, like Loose Lay, may require a very smooth subfloor for optimal performance.
  • Choose an LVP that matches your design aesthetic. Whether you prefer the look of wood, stone, or tile, LVP offers a variety of styles and finishes to suit your taste.
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Improve Your Home with LVP from 50FLoor

50loor’s high-quality LVP offers the stunning look of natural wood and stone without the high cost and maintenance. Perfect for any room in your home, LVP is designed to withstand heavy foot traffic, resist water, and provide a comfortable surface underfoot.

We make the process easy and stress-free. Our expert team will guide you through selecting the perfect LVP to match your style and needs.

With our free in-home consultation, you can see samples in your own space, making it easier to choose the right color and design. Plus, our professional installation ensures a flawless finish that will last for years.

Don’t wait any longer to upgrade your home. Contact 50Floor today to schedule your free consultation and discover how LVP can enhance the beauty and functionality of your space.

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