Luxury Vinyl Information

One of the main reasons why people choose luxury vinyl is for its superior water resistance. Most brands offer 100% waterproof options, making luxury vinyl an enticing option to homeowners. Able to be installed in all areas of the home, luxury vinyl is a versatile flooring option that is durable and able to hold up to life's' everyday wear and tear.

Advances in technology have revolutionized the vinyl flooring market. Luxury vinyl is getting tougher and tougher every year. Enhancements to the manufacturing of the plank and wear layer are making these floors a better option for all aspects of life.  

There are some standards to be aware of when it comes to luxury vinyl flooring. the main standard is the wear layer that the floor has. It is best to choose a wear layer that fits the environments the flooring is going in to ensure longevity of the floor. With the right wear layer, your floor should last for years.

• 6 mil : Rated for residential use in light traffic areas of the home.
• 12 mil : Rated for residential and light commercial 
• 20+ mil : Rated for high traffic areas and commercial.

As a general rule of thumb, 6 mil is ok, 12 mil is good and 20 mil is the best when it comes to residential luxury vinyl. 

Luxury vinyl has alot to offer, below are some pros of this type of flooring.

• Water Resistance : Most luxury vinyl floors are 100% water proof making them an ideal choice to use in wet areas of the home. 
• Low Maintenance : A low maintenance option, this type of floor only needs to be swept and mopped as needed. no need for any special waxes or sealers.
• OK for Radiant Heat : Most luxury vinyl floors are rated for use with a radiant heat system, making comfort easy to obtain.
• Warm : Luxury vinyl is significantly warmer then tile or wood laminates, even without a radiant heat system. Having a low heat transfer resistance means this floor is able to stay warm with the house.
• Dimensionally Stable : Luxury vinyl has a much lower expansion and contraction rate. this means the floor does not swell or shrink as much as standard wood floors, making it a better choice for homes that get winterized.

As with every type of flooring, there are some concerns to be thought of before purchasing.

• Scratch Resistance : While the wear layer does protect the color, it can still get small scratches within the wear layer. These will often appear white in color.
• Low Resale Value : While vinyl is a great flooring option, its just not hardwood or tile. It wont have the same resale value as hardwood or tile. You may love your new floor, but if you sell, who is to say the new owner will?
• Wide Price Range :  Luxury vinyl is a relatively low cost flooring option, but its price can vary big time. Depending on quality and other aspects of the floor, some vinyl floors can get pretty pricey.