Many flooring options are available for homeowners, but not every option is durable or affordable. Traditional flooring options such as hardwood floors and tiling can be quite expensive for some people, or they may not meet the requirements of some people. Luxury vinyl flooring can be the best alternative for homeowners looking for an affordable option that gives a luxurious look to the house, like hardwood floors. But are luxury vinyl floors waterproof and durable enough to be considered the best alternative for expensive options? Let’s find out.
Luxury vinyl plank flooring is increasingly becoming a popular flooring option in residential and commercial areas due to its affordability compared to the other traditional options. Luxury vinyl plank flooring is manufactured perfectly with advanced technologies such that it replicates the appearance of traditional wooden flooring. Due to its affordability and the features that make it durable and waterproof, luxury vinyl flooring has been making rounds in the industry. So, let’s see if the luxury vinyl flooring is waterproof and durable enough to be considered an alternative to traditional flooring options.
What is luxury vinyl plank flooring?
Vinyl plank flooring comes in long and thicker planks that snap together via a click-and-lock system, making its installation extremely convenient. Vinyl plank flooring is made of synthetic material with four layers that make it a durable flooring option for commercial areas or residential areas with high foot traffic. The four layers of the vinyl plank flooring that enhance their durability include:
- Bottom layer: also called backing layer, is made of cork or foam that provides stability and improves cushioning.
- Core layer: the core or central layer is made of stone plastic composite or high-density fiberboard. This is the layer of luxury vinyl plank flooring that makes it waterproof and prevents swelling from moisture.
- Design layer: the print layer or design layer is what gives the luxury vinyl flooring an appearance of natural wood. It makes the flooring aesthetically pleasing, elevating the overall look of the space.
- Top layer: the top layer or wear layer of the luxury vinyl plank flooring, as the name indicates, protects it from wear. It protects the flooring from scratches, dents, or stains, maintaining its original look for decades.
Is luxury vinyl plank flooring waterproof?
There are various benefits of Luxury vinyl flooring, one of which is that it is claimed to be waterproof. But before we ensure luxury vinyl plank flooring is waterproof, it is important to note the difference between waterproof and water-resistant flooring.
Water-resistant luxury vinyl plank flooring means it can withstand water spills, pet accidents, or small puddles for a short period as the water can permeate the surface. The water-resistant luxury vinyl plank floor cannot withstand floods of water or moisture and may ultimately cause damage to the flooring. The small spills, if not wiped off immediately, may also penetrate and cause damage to the surface of the flooring.
Waterproof hardwood flooring, on the other hand, can withstand the small daily pills and puddles, and the water will not permeate the surface and cause damage even if it remains on the flooring for an extended time. But waterproof luxury vinyl plank flooring can only withstand topical spills, as the subfloor is not waterproof, the water can seep through it. Almost every vinyl plank flooring is water-resistant but not waterproof. So It is important to determine whether the flooring is waterproof or water-resistant before purchasing it, depending upon the area where the flooring will be installed.
Luxury vinyl plank flooring can be waterproof as it has a core layer made of waterproof materials such as solid plastic composite and wood plastic composite. This vinyl construction makes it resistant to water and moisture, preventing any damage to the flooring. Its waterproof nature makes the luxury vinyl flooring a great choice for moisture-prone spaces in the house, such as the kitchen, bathroom, or laundry area.
Is luxury vinyl flooring durable?
Luxury vinyl flooring is also known for its durability. They are known to be durable and sturdier than traditional flooring options, thanks to their four-layer construction. With proper maintenance, luxury vinyl flooring can last for decades. The luxury vinyl plank flooring does require maintenance but much less than the hardwood floors, giving the same appearance as natural wood and more durability.
The top layer, also called the wear layer, protects the luxury vinyl flooring from scratches, dents, and stains, making it a suitable choice for places with high traffic or homes with pets or kids. The core layer made with SPC, i.e., stone plastic composite, makes the luxury vinyl plank flooring thicker and contributes to the sturdiness of the planks. Due to the stability and rigidity of SPC cores, significant loads can be kept without causing the flooring to warp. It makes luxury vinyl plank flooring a popular choice for commercial and residential areas that require durable flooring.
Why choose luxury vinyl plank flooring?
With various traditional and popular flooring options available, you might wonder why you should choose luxury vinyl plank flooring over traditional flooring options. So here are some of the qualities and benefits of luxury vinyl plank flooring that may help you decide if you should consider it for your space.
- Affordable
- Durable
- Waterproof
- Easy installation
Luxury vinyl plank flooring is cheaper than traditional hardwood planks but gives a similar appearance and durability as natural wood.
Luxury vinyl plank flooring is resistant to scratches, dents, and stains, and its four-layer construction makes it durable enough to withstand high traffic in residential or commercial areas.
It is rare to find waterproof flooring that is cheaper and easily available, but luxury vinyl flooring has solved the issue with its high water-resistant capability, which makes it a suitable option for moisture-prone areas.
With its click-lock mechanism, luxury vinyl plank flooring is easy and faster to install, which makes the installation process quite cheap.
Conclusion
With a variety of flooring options available, finding the one with all the features is quite difficult. But luxury vinyl plank flooring offers an elegant appearance and effective performance wherever installed. It is a waterproof and durable flooring option that can be a perfect choice for homeowners to install in any space, making it a versatile flooring option.
