Luxury vinyl plank, which is also known as LVP flooring, is made from four compressed layers of vinyl:
- The top layer
- The decorative layer
- The core layer
- The base film
The result is an aesthetically pleasing flooring that mimics the look of hardwood flooring but is a more cost-effective option. LVP flooring is also pliable and often waterproof, making it a durable option for local homeowners.
Engineered Vinyl Plank
Engineered vinyl plank (EVP) flooring, is a combination of laminated and vinyl planks, resulting in a flooring that is more rigid compared to traditional vinyl. Like LVP, it also contains four layers:
- The wear layer
- The design coating
- The core film
- The base film
While luxury vinyl plank flooring is installed using glue, engineered vinyl planks interlock together, making for a very easy installation. EVP also looks like hardwood floors and it is available in a variety of colors, patterns, and lengths.
Engineered Vinyl Tile
Another option to consider is engineered vinyl tile, also known as luxury vinyl tile (LVT). While it’s made like engineered vinyl planks, this flooring option is designed to look like stone or tile flooring instead of hardwood.
LVT is also waterproof and available in a wide variety of styles, textures, and designs so you can get the look of tile or stone for the budget-friendly price of vinyl flooring.
As you decide which
luxury vinyl flooring type is right for you, there are a few important things to consider in the process. Let’s take a closer look at the factors you should think about before making your decision.
Color, design, and textureFirst things first, you’ll need to think about what you want your new floors to look like. Do you want it to have the distinctive wood grain look of hardwood? Do you dream of rich dark flooring or should you pick a color that’s lighter?
Take some time to look at flooring inspiration pictures and think about the overall vibe you want to create in your home before deciding which option makes the most sense for your needs.
BudgetAnother important thing to consider is how much you’re comfortable spending on your new floors. The different luxury vinyl flooring options come in a range of prices, so there are options for almost every budget.
Here at Ridgeline Floors, we’ll take the time to listen to your wants, needs, and budget, making recommendations that fit the scope of what you’re looking for. We’ll also give you a free estimate so you can feel confident moving forward with your project for a price you’re comfortable spending.
Thickness and wear layerOne factor you want to keep in mind when choosing your floors is the thickness. Generally speaking, the thicker your luxury vinyl flooring, the more sound and thermal insulation your new floors will provide. Thick floors also tend to be more comfortable for walking and standing.
You should also think about the wear layer, which helps protect the printed design on your floors. As a good rule of thumb, we recommend choosing a wear layer of at least 20mil for your home for maximum durability.
Benefits of Luxury Vinyl Flooring
When we work with local homeowners to plan a flooring installation project, one of the first things we talk about is the different types of flooring we install and the benefits of each. Are you curious about why luxury vinyl flooring is so popular? Let’s explore some of the benefits of adding this type of floor to your home.
It’s comfortableCompared to some other flooring materials, luxury vinyl flooring is warmer and softer, making it a great option for families. They are gentle on your feet, whether you’re standing in the kitchen cooking for hours or sitting on the floor with your young kids.
The UV-resistant urethane film on luxury vinyl flooring helps retain heat, which is particularly nice during the winter months.
It’s durableWhen you invest in new flooring, you want to make sure it’s something that will last as long as possible. Roswell, GA homeowners love luxury vinyl flooring because it’s durable and designed to look great for decades.
Luxury vinyl flooring is resistant to stains, scratching, heat, and moisture, so it can withstand daily foot traffic from your family and pets.
It’s a low-maintenance materialAnother reason to love luxury vinyl flooring is that it’s easy to maintain. To keep your new flooring clean, you can simply vacuum, sweep, or wash it with water and a light detergent. We do recommend that you avoid the use of a steam mop on your luxury vinyl floors.
It’s easy to installWe understand that many home improvement projects have a reputation for being long and stressful. When you choose luxury vinyl flooring, you can rest easy knowing that the installation is fairly simple, so you can start enjoying your new floors as soon as possible.
How to Prepare for Your Luxury Vinyl Floor Installation
Once you’ve decided which type of luxury vinyl flooring you want to install and you have your project on the books with our installers, you can start to prepare your home for the project. Here are a few steps you can take to help make the installation go smoothly.
Move small itemsOur installers are more than happy to move large pieces of furniture as they work in your home. However, you can make the process easier by moving small items like pet beds, children’s toys, decor, etc., off the floor. As a result, we’ll be able to move your furniture more easily so we can get started on the installation.
Remove any valuablesInstalling a new floor can be a bit messy. While we do everything in our power to keep our work area tidy, it’s a good idea to remove any valuables from your walls to ensure that nothing is disturbed while we work.
Worried about the mess? We always clean up after ourselves, so it will look like we were never there by the time your project is complete.
Make arrangements for your petsPets often have a difficult time during home improvement projects. You can make it easier on them by keeping them in an area away from where the work will be done. This will help keep them safe and prevent them from accidentally getting outside as the flooring installers come in and out of your home.