FAQs

LVP, or luxury vinyl plank, is a resilient synthetic flooring option that replicates the look of natural wood. It's composed of multiple layers, including a protective wear layer, a high-resolution design layer, a sturdy core (often made of PVC, WPC, or SPC), and a backing layer that may include integrated underlayment for improved acoustics and comfort.

Most LVP products, particularly those with rigid WPC or SPC cores, are indeed 100% waterproof. The planks themselves won't swell or warp when exposed to moisture. However, it's important to note that while the individual planks are waterproof, the installation as a whole isn't. Water can still penetrate between seams and reach the subfloor. This makes LVP an excellent choice for areas prone to moisture, but it's still advisable to clean up spills promptly.

LVP flooring is known for its ease of maintenance. For daily care, use a broom, dust mop, or vacuum (with a hard floor setting) to remove dirt and debris. Weekly cleaning can be done with a damp mop and a mild, pH-neutral cleaner. Always clean up spills immediately with a soft cloth. Avoid using steam mops, harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia, and abrasive scrubbers, as these can damage the flooring's protective layer and overall integrity.

LVP flooring offers numerous advantages, including high durability, water resistance, realistic appearance, cost-effectiveness, and ease of installation. It's comfortable underfoot and suitable for high-traffic areas. However, there are some drawbacks to consider. LVP can be difficult to repair if deeply scratched or gouged, may fade with prolonged sun exposure, and can be challenging to remove, especially if glued down. Additionally, as a synthetic product, it raises some environmental concerns regarding recyclability.

LVP flooring can be installed using three primary methods. The most common is the click-lock or floating method, where planks interlock without adhesive. Glue-down installation involves adhering planks directly to the subfloor, offering stability for high-traffic areas. Loose-lay installation uses heavier planks with high-friction backing, sometimes securing only the perimeter planks with adhesive.

In many instances, LVP can be installed over existing hard, flat surfaces such as tile, concrete, or vinyl. The subfloor must be clean, dry, and level. However, LVP shouldn't be installed over soft flooring like carpet. When installing over tile, it may be necessary to use a leveling compound to fill grout lines and prevent them from showing through the new flooring.

With proper installation and maintenance, high-quality LVP flooring can last between 15 to 25 years or more. The lifespan largely depends on the thickness of the wear layer. A 6-12 mil wear layer is suitable for light residential use, 12-20 mil for normal residential traffic, and 20+ mil is considered commercial grade, offering the highest durability.

While LVP is highly scratch-resistant, it's not entirely scratch-proof. The wear layer provides excellent protection against everyday wear, pet claws, and light furniture movement. However, sharp objects or heavy, unprotected furniture can still cause scratches. To minimize the risk of scratches, it's advisable to use felt pads under furniture legs and place mats at entryways to trap grit and small rocks.

According to industry standards, floating or click-lock luxury vinyl flooring installations require a subfloor that is level within 3/16 inch over an 8-foot radius. This level of flatness ensures proper installation and optimal performance of the flooring system.

Power stretching is an essential step in carpet installation that utilizes a specialized tool to tightly stretch the carpet across tack strips. This process prevents issues such as wrinkles, lumps, and buckling. The technique involves anchoring one end of the stretcher and using its head to pull the carpet at an angle towards the next anchoring point. Proper power stretching is crucial for maintaining the carpet's appearance, longevity, and overall quality. Without this step, carpets are much more likely to develop wrinkles or bunching over time.