How to Buy Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring the Right Way

How to Buy Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring the Right Way

For many reasons, luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring has become a favourite among Greater Toronto Area homeowners and business owners. It is extremely stylish, durable, and affordable. What’s not to love?

If you are also considering buying luxury vinyl plank flooring, this post is for you. Before you decide to buy, you must learn about the benefits of installing it and how to buy it correctly.

To that end, let’s find out how to buy luxury vinyl plank flooring for your Greater Toronto Area home or business.

Let’s get started.

What to Consider When Buying Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring in Toronto

Installing luxury vinyl plank flooring could be one of the best renovation ideas for your Toronto-area home or business. But, to buy the right product, you need to consider these factors.

1. Consider the Plank Thickness

   For most top-quality vinyl flooring, the thicker the plank, the sturdier the floor, but this is not accurate for LVP. Even so, plank thickness is an important part of your buying decision. So, pay attention to where it will be installed and choose a thickness corresponding to the foot traffic it receives.

   For instance, a 2-4 mm thickness is suitable for low-foot-traffic areas such as bedrooms and closets, while 4-6 mm makes sense for busy areas like living rooms, kitchens, and entryways.

   Thickness also determines your flooring’s price, so choose wisely. This will help you match it to your floors with minimal transitions.

2. Consider the Wear Layer

   The wear layer and thickness (mentioned above) should not be confused. The former is made of transparent PVC film and placed on top of the photographic layer, and the latter is the overall thickness of the plank. The wear layer determines the durability of LVP and lengthens the lifespan of your floor by helping it withstand daily wear and tear, such as scuffs, stains, and dents. Make sure you carefully select the wear layer for your luxury vinyl plank flooring.

   The site of the installation is also a crucial consideration. The wear layer is measured in mils. In low-traffic areas, 6 mil is suitable, and 12 mil strikes a good balance between affordability and durability for residential applications. If you have a commercial project, 20 mil and above is a good choice.

3. Consider the Type of Project

   Luxury vinyl plank flooring is a great choice for homes and businesses. It also fits in with a variety of decor schemes. But be sure to consider the room in which it is to be installed.

   Not all luxury vinyl planks are suitable for all kinds of projects. So, before buying, make sure you understand if the LVP flooring of your choice is suitable for your project.

   For instance, is it being installed in a business or home? This will have a significant impact on your warranty. It is also not a good idea to install luxury vinyl flooring meant for residential use in your Toronto business just to save money. Commercial spaces typically have higher foot traffic, which increases the likelihood of scuffs and dents.

   If you aren’t sure which type of flooring is suitable for your project, speak to our experts.

4. Consider the Texture

   One of the best parts of installing luxury vinyl plank flooring is its realistic imitation of hardwood flooring. Choosing the right texture will help you recreate “authentic” solid hardwood floors at a fraction of the price of the original.

   Top-quality luxury vinyl plank flooring will most realistically imitate wood, but please note that the price will be accordingly higher. Select a textured finish for the most natural appearance and feel. LVP flooring will provide greater slip resistance, making it perfect for high-humidity areas such as bathrooms.

5. Consider Waterproofing

   Luxury vinyl plank flooring is waterproof by nature, so you can install it in high-moisture areas like basements and bathrooms with confidence. Even though luxury vinyl planks do not need underlayment, it is always a good idea to be future-proof. So, installing underlayment for potential leaks between cracks would be wise. Installing an underlayment layer waterproofs the flooring and solves excess humidity issues.

 
We hope that reading this post will help you choose the right luxury vinyl plank flooring for your space. When buying the flooring of your choice, make sure to do your research to figure out your needs and budget. If you are confused or not sure how to proceed, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.