One of the key parts of any remodeling plan is flooring. The flooring you choose will determine a large part of your budget, as well as the look, feel, and overall durability of your project. From carpet, to hardwood floors, to tile, there are a variety of different types of flooring. One of the most popular types of flooring is Luxury Vinyl Plank or Luxury Vinyl Tile (often referred to as LVP or LVT).
Before we dive into the benefits of LVP/T, let’s quickly breakdown what it’s actually made of. In their most basic forms, LVP/T are products that are held together by vinyl, which is a type of plastic. It’s not your typical “grandmother’s kitchen” look, however. There are other ingredients included in the manufacturing process that give it strength and durability. Some contain limestone, for example, which makes them heavier and more durable. LVP/T are engineered products, meaning there is a lot of science going into their creation.
LVT/P flooring has soared in popularity for four main reasons: variety, durability, ease of installation, and cost.
Variety:
LVP/T products have a very wide range of colors and styles. There are many popular wood-like looks ranging from rustic barnwood to classic cherry, with many colors and tones to choose from.
A few luxury vinyl plank (LVP) wood options
If you are looking for tile, there are choices that look like ceramic, stone, natural slate, and more; available in grouted, un-grouted options, and a range of textures. There are many different types to fit almost any design and style.
Example of grouted luxury vinyl tile (LVT)
Durability:
Because they are made with vinyl, they are softer, more flexible, and less likely to crack. The finish includes a wear layer that provides durability, meaning that LVP/T can last up to 20 years. Like most things, you get what you pay for, so the higher priced LVP/T products will have a thicker, more durable wear layer. Once installed, LVP/T is easier to clean and maintain, especially given the fact that they won’t stain. And, if you have damage to a small portion of the floor, the tile versions are much easier than ceramic to repair/replace. You won’t need to replace the entire floor!
Ease of install:
LVP/T products are one of the easiest types to install. LVP/T comes in different installation methods depending on the manufacturer and style. They can be installed as a click together version or glue down, and in either tile or plank formats, grouted and un-grouted. Both LVP/T are simple enough to install yourself if you are a DIYer, but if you decide to hire a contractor to install your new flooring, they will bring the expertise to handle items that you might find challenging. Knowing how to tackle unexpected problems, such as uneven flooring, cutting around vents, transitioning from one floor to another, and picking out the correct threshold and/or transition are just a few ways a contractor may save you the time and headache of self installation.
Cost:
While the cost to purchase the flooring is relatively similar to other types of flooring, you save a lot during installation. Many LVP/LVT products can be installed directly over your old floor saving demolition and preparation costs, and the cost of installation is often half the cost of traditional tile or hardwood installation costs. In a typical kitchen this may save $1,000.00 - $2,000.00.
More examples of LVT/P design options
While there are benefits to every type of flooring, LVP/T are a crowd favorite due to their low cost and ease of installation, durability, and variety. This option is an important one to consider as you think through what your next kitchen or bathroom remodel will look like.
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