Luxury Vinyl (LV) and Vinyl Plank (VLP) flooring have made some incredible strides in recent years, giving homeowners a luxurious hardwood or stone aesthetic at a fraction of the cost. Designed to be durable, scratch and water resistant, it stands up well to pets, kids, spills and more, and requires minimal maintenance.
LVP and VLP are available in a wide range of widths, allowing you to choose a look that is either traditional or contemporary. There are also a number of design options, including embossing that creates textures and designs that replicate the look of natural materials.
The clear wear-layer that is built into the center of your floors protects against the everyday stains, scratches and scuffs. This layer can be reinforced with a cork or foam core for added cushioning, making your floors more comfortable to walk on than hard surface flooring alternatives like solid hardwood or tile.
In the event of a liquid leak, you can simply mop and sweep your floor to get it back to looking as good as new. In addition to its protective surface, luxury vinyl is also waterproof. This feature allows it to withstand the occasional spill or moisture exposure that can be common in bathrooms and kitchens, preventing damage.
Because of this, it’s a smart choice for areas of your home where water is commonly present, such as laundry rooms and bathrooms. However, it’s important to take extra precautions to mitigate moisture damage in these spaces. For example, you may want to install a waterproof barrier beneath the sinks and use a dehumidifier in the bathroom to help keep the space dry.
Aside from protecting against water damage, a waterproof finish can help to prolong the life of your floors by keeping them looking as great as possible for longer. However, it’s a good idea to regularly clean your floors with the recommended cleaning products and keep them protected from direct sunlight. If possible, using blinds or solar shades can help to minimize the amount of direct sunlight that hits your floors, while a UV-blocking film on your windows can be a great option for those with large areas of sunny windows in your home.
While a protective layer protects against most of the day-to-day damage that can impact your floors, it’s important to note that LVP and VLP aren’t indestructible. They are not immune to denting and scratching, so it’s a good idea to place felt pads on the bottom of furniture legs to prevent scratches and dents and to move heavy items such as refrigerators and freezers around on sliders rather than lifting them up and down. Taking these extra precautions can make your floors last for 10-15 years or more, providing you with a beautiful, durable floor that looks and feels just like solid hardwood or natural stone.
When it comes to installing LVP/LVT, it’s important to hire a professional Tampa flooring company. This ensures that the job is done properly and quickly, which can save you money on labor and maintenance costs down the line. A Tampa luxury vinyl installation professional can also help you find the best quality Tampa luxury vinyl floor for your budget and design goals. There’s nothing worse than trying to install your own flooring and ending up with a botched job that takes away from the beauty of your home.