The first thing to know about floating vinyl plank flooring is it is beautiful. This post has everything else you need to know about durable vinyl plank flooring, from choosing the right floor to floor care.
How do I choose the right glued down vinyl plank flooring?
Glued down vs floating vinyl plank flooring
There are many similarities between glued down and floating vinyl plank flooring, and some notable differences. The biggest difference is the installation. Glued down LVP is installed with adhesive whereas floating floor is installed without. Floating vinyl plank flooring comes in click-and-lock options, making it an excellent choice for do-it-yourselfers. (Not all floating vinyl plank floors are click-and-lock, so ask a flooring professional to see DIY friendly vinyl plank flooring products.)
Beyond that, glued down vinyl plank flooring is a good option for rooms with rolling furniture, such as office chairs or a rolling island. In every other way, glued down and floating floors are comparable. (Read more about glued down vs floating vinyl plank flooring.)
Styles and color
Floating vinyl plank flooring comes in a large variety of styles and colors. Some vinyl plank floors closely resemble wood flooring and look like wide or narrow plank flooring. The water-resistance of these floors makes vinyl plank flooring an excellent option for homeowners who want the look of wood without worrying about water damage. Other floating vinyl plank flooring resembles stone and looks just like tile flooring.
In addition to deciding between wood and stone, homeowners should also consider the color of the floor. The floor color should coordinate with trim, wall color, and other décor in the room. Floating luxury vinyl plank flooring is available in almost any color, including grey and rich wood tones.
Wear layer & thickness
Vinyl plank flooring is incredibly durable, but does come with different features that make some products a better fit for high-traffic areas and spaces with pets or strenuous activity. To understand these features, it’s best to understand how vinyl plank floors are made.
Plank flooring is constructed in layers. The top layer, called the wear layer, takes the brunt of foot and paw traffic. This layer comes in several different thicknesses, ranging from 6 to 28 millimeters. Floors with thicker wear layers may be more durable than thinner layers. Vinyl plank floors with a thicker wear layer are a good fit for high-traffic spaces, such as living rooms, basements, gyms, and mudrooms.
In the same way, thicker floors are a good choice for high-traffic or busy spaces. Thicker floors also may cover up imperfections in the subfloor. The thickest vinyl plank floors are even a good fit for commercial spaces. While the thickest floors may not be a good fit for a home, it’s best to ask a flooring pro about the floor thickness when buying vinyl plank flooring.
For homeowners who have additional durability concerns, vinyl plank floors are also available in waterproof and rigid core options. Rigid core vinyl plank floors are thick and inflexible, making them a good fit for high-traffic spaces.
What do I need to know about installing vinyl plank floors?
- Bring in vinyl plank flooring to the room at least 36 hours before installation.
- Always clean the slab or subfloor before installing floating vinyl plank floors.
- Check to make sure the slab or subfloor is level.
- Leave an expansion gap around LVP flooring if recommended by the manufacturer.
- Purchase a small amount of extra vinyl plank flooring.
How do I keep floating vinyl plank looking new?
- Place mats by exterior doors and in high-traffic areas, like hallways or foyers, to catch debris and prevent wear and tear.
- Regularly sweep or vacuum vinyl plank floors.
- Purchase a vacuum that won’t damage hard flooring.
- When mopping, use an approved cleaner recommended by the manufacturer.
Vinyl plank floor pictures
