When selecting flooring for your home, durability is often one of the top considerations. You want something that not only looks great but also stands the test of time, especially in high-traffic areas. Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) has gained tremendous popularity over the years, praised for its stylish appearance, affordability, and resilience. But is luxury vinyl plank really as durable as people say? In this guide, we’ll explore the durability of luxury vinyl plank flooring and how it stands up to daily wear and tear in different environments.
What makes luxury vinyl plank durable?
High-quality construction
Luxury vinyl plank flooring is engineered for strength and longevity. One of the key components that makes it so durable is its multi-layered construction. The wear layer, which sits on top, is designed to resist scratches, scuffs, and stains, making it ideal for areas with heavy foot traffic. This protective top layer acts as a barrier, ensuring the floor maintains its appearance over time.
Beneath the wear layer, the core of luxury vinyl plank is often constructed from either wood plastic composite (WPC) or stone plastic composite (SPC). Both materials are highly durable, though SPC cores are especially tough and dent-resistant, making them suitable for commercial spaces or homes with kids and pets.
Water resistance
Another major factor contributing to LVP’s durability is its water resistance. Unlike traditional hardwood flooring, luxury vinyl plank is resistant to water and moisture, making it an excellent choice for kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and even laundry rooms. This resistance to moisture ensures that the planks won’t warp, swell, or buckle when exposed to spills or humidity, which is a significant concern with other types of flooring.
For homeowners who want a wood-like appearance but need something that can withstand moisture, LVP offers the perfect balance of style and durability.
How does luxury vinyl plank perform in high-traffic areas?
Scratch and scuff resistance
Luxury vinyl plank is specifically designed to withstand daily wear and tear, including scratches and scuffs. The wear layer, often made from urethane, protects the surface from sharp objects like pet claws, furniture legs, or shoes with hard soles. The thickness of the wear layer is crucial when determining the durability of LVP flooring. A thicker wear layer generally offers better protection, with some LVP products having layers up to 20 mils thick.
If you have a busy household or entertain guests frequently, luxury vinyl plank can handle the constant movement and activity without showing signs of wear as quickly as other types of flooring might.
Impact resistance
Thanks to its resilient core, luxury vinyl plank is highly resistant to impacts. Whether you drop heavy kitchenware, books, or toys, LVP flooring absorbs the impact without denting or cracking. This makes it a popular choice in homes with children and pets, where accidents happen frequently.
The core composition of SPC luxury vinyl planks, in particular, provides exceptional impact resistance, which is why many commercial properties opt for this type of flooring in high-traffic areas.
Longevity of luxury vinyl plank flooring
How long does it last?
With proper care and maintenance, luxury vinyl plank can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years or more, depending on the quality of the product and the environment in which it’s installed. The wear layer plays a significant role in determining how long the floor will remain in good condition. High-quality LVP with a thick wear layer can last even longer, especially in residential settings.
For commercial properties, the lifespan may vary based on the level of foot traffic, but even then, luxury vinyl plank is known for its longevity in these demanding spaces.
UV resistance
Luxury vinyl plank’s durability also extends to its resistance against fading. If you have rooms that receive a lot of direct sunlight, some types of flooring may fade over time. However, many LVP products come with UV-resistant coatings that help protect the floor from sun damage. This means that your LVP flooring can maintain its vibrant colors for years, even in well-lit spaces.
Maintenance and care for luxury vinyl plank
Easy to clean
One of the reasons luxury vinyl plank flooring is so durable is its low-maintenance nature. Regular cleaning involves simple sweeping or vacuuming to remove dirt and debris, followed by a damp mop to maintain its shine. There’s no need for waxing or refinishing, unlike with hardwood floors, making LVP a convenient choice for busy homeowners.
Its water-resistant surface also means spills can be easily wiped up without worrying about stains or water damage. For tougher stains, gentle cleaners that are safe for LVP can be used without damaging the surface.
Preventative care
While LVP is known for its durability, taking a few preventative measures can help extend its lifespan. Using felt pads under furniture legs, placing doormats at entryways to reduce the amount of dirt brought inside, and keeping pets’ nails trimmed can all help protect the surface of your luxury vinyl plank flooring from unnecessary wear.
Additionally, it’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for cleaning and care to avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive tools that could damage the wear layer.
Comparing luxury vinyl plank to other flooring options
LVP vs hardwood
In terms of durability, luxury vinyl plank outshines traditional hardwood in many aspects. Hardwood floors are prone to scratches, dents, and water damage, which makes them less ideal for homes with children, pets, or moisture-prone areas like kitchens and bathrooms. While hardwood can be refinished over time, it requires more maintenance and is more susceptible to daily wear and tear.
Luxury vinyl plank, on the other hand, provides the look of wood with superior resistance to damage, moisture, and impacts. While hardwood may have a longer lifespan if properly maintained, LVP offers a more durable, cost-effective solution for busy households.
LVP vs laminate
When comparing luxury vinyl plank to laminate, LVP generally wins in terms of durability. While laminate can be scratch-resistant, it is not as water-resistant as LVP. This makes laminate more prone to swelling and warping when exposed to moisture. If water resistance and durability are your primary concerns, LVP is a better choice for kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.
Luxury vinyl plank is a highly durable flooring option that can withstand the demands of a busy household or commercial space. With its water resistance, scratch-resistant wear layer, and impact-resistant core, LVP is an excellent choice for those seeking a stylish and resilient flooring solution. Whether you’re looking to update your kitchen, bathroom, or living room, luxury vinyl plank offers the durability you need to keep your floors looking beautiful for years to come.
If you’re ready to explore the benefits of luxury vinyl plank for your home, visit EFS Flooring America or stop by our showroom in Richardson, TX, to see our wide selection of LVP products and speak with our flooring experts!
