From Aesthetics to Durability: Weighing the Pros and Cons of Luxury Vinyl Flooring

Are you considering a flooring upgrade? Have you heard about luxury vinyl flooring, but you’re not quite sure if it’s the right choice for your home?

Luxury vinyl flooring has been gaining popularity in recent years due to its affordability, durability, and wide range of design options. However, as with any flooring material, there are pros and cons to consider before making a decision.

In this blog, we will explore the ups and downs of luxury vinyl flooring, so you can make an informed decision for your home. We’ll take a look at the advantages, such as easy maintenance and water resistance, as well as the potential drawbacks, such as a shorter lifespan compared to other flooring options.

By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of whether luxury vinyl flooring is the right choice for your home, based on your budget, lifestyle, and design preferences.

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Table of Contents

Pros and Cons of Luxury Vinyl Flooring

Pro: It is Easy to Clean

Most people want to avoid maintenance hassle; it is one of LVP’s biggest perks. It dons a protective layer that eliminates the need to wax, polish, seal, or stain it. You only need a broom or vacuum to sweep and a damp mop to clean it.

For deep cleaning, mix a cup of white vinegar with a gallon of hot water to clean the floor. If you use a commercial cleaner, check the label for LVP compatibility; do not use harsh detergents containing bleach, ammonia, or abrasive compounds because they can damage the floor’s surface.

Clean the entire floor when mopping stains because spill-prone areas can highlight premature wear.

Con: It is Prone to Fading Under Direct Sunlight

Vinyl flooring gradually fades over time with direct sunlight exposure. But it does not fade like cheap vinyl planks. It may also be unnoticeable within a few years of installation.

While it may be a demerit, you have access to preventive measures. The best way is to place the anti-UV film on the windows to block sun rays without losing natural light. Using thick blinds or curtains in the room can prevent sunlight exposure but leave the room dark.

You may also move the furniture around from time to time to alleviate the risk of uneven fade marks. It also gives breathing room to different spots on the floor and makes your room look fresh and welcoming.

We recommend having a few extra vinyl planks at home. They come in handy in many ways, especially when replacing separate faded planks. Call in your hardwood flooring contractors to complete the task when necessary.

Pro: It is Cost-Effective

It surpasses many flooring types by imitating their look for a fraction of the price. Expect to pay $2–$5 per square foot with additional installation costs. If you check carpet flooring prices, you will see that it costs $3–$5.50 per square foot. Do you want to install hardwood flooring? You must pay $8–$25 per square foot.

As mentioned earlier, cleaning and maintaining luxury vinyl flooring is easy, unlike carpet, which attracts and accumulates dust, dirt, and debris.

If you install LVP over an existing floor, you save money by avoiding removing your old flooring. Sheet vinyl is affordable for people with a tight budget, but it is not long-lasting and requires replacing, whereas you can pop out luxury vinyl planks and replace them individually.

Con: It is Hard to Remove

It is not a con unless your LVP is glued to the floor. The adhesive is hard to remove once it hardens on the subfloor. A bit of hard work can help. Cut the vinyl into 12-inch strips, pull up the planks, scrape off the glue, and vacuum leftover debris.

Pro: It is Long-Lasting

LVP is a durable flooring material for residential and commercial installations. Premium luxury vinyl is waterproof, enabling installation anywhere, whether in the basement, laundry room, bathroom, or kitchen. You can rest easily without worrying about scratches, mold, moisture, and stains.

We recommend using mats or rugs in areas with heavy footfall to keep it in its best condition. You may also place protective felt under furniture and move them only by placing sliders under them.

Con: It is Prone to Denting

Although long-lasting, luxury vinyl flooring is not bulletproof. It remains susceptible to denting, scuffing, and scratching. So, if you have heavy materials like furniture or appliances, you must be extra careful.

Many people mistake its resistance to be the same as impervious. While a con, LVP is more resistant than hardwood.

Conclusion

Pros and cons are natural in every flooring, and luxury vinyl planks are no different. But the cons aren’t enough to surpass its popularity. It is attractive, easy to clean, durable, and affordable. Seek a reputable wood floor installation service in Los Angeles to have your new flooring installed or repaired.