HFLOR SUNKISSED MARIGOLD / HFLOR BRONZED SIENNA
HFLOR SUNKISSED MARIGOLD / HFLOR BRONZED SIENNA
HFLOR SUNKISSED MARIGOLD / HFLOR BRONZED SIENNA

Choosing the right type of flooring for your home can be daunting, especially with so many options and materials. Vinyl flooring is no exception, as it offers many choices, including sheet vinyl, vinyl tile, and vinyl plank flooring, each with its own characteristics and advantages. With so many formats, colors, styles, and product specifications to consider, it’s important to understand the differences. This article will explore a specific type of flooring — vinyl plank, so you can assess the pros and cons and decide if it’s the right flooring for you.

What is vinyl plank flooring?

Vinyl plank flooring is a subset of vinyl flooring available in long, narrow planks. In contrast with square vinyl tiles or sheet vinyl, vinyl plank is meant to mimic the look of a typical hardwood floor, which would come in similar-looking planks. Vinyl plank flooring comes in various formats and may be described as luxury vinyl plank, rigid core plank, SPC (stone plastic composite), and WPC (wood plastic composite). Vinyl flooring terminology can be confusing, so let’s take a closer look.         

Types of Vinyl Flooring Explained

HFLOR RELAX from SAVANA Collection  / Wood Plastic Composite (WPC)
HFLOR RELAX from SAVANA Collection  / Wood Plastic Composite (WPC)
HFLOR RELAX from SAVANA Collection  / Wood Plastic Composite (WPC)

Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)        

LVP is a step up from standard vinyl plank, hence luxury. Standard vinyl, also called regular vinyl, is much thinner and less expensive but less durable than luxury vinyl plank. Standard or regular vinyl also requires glues and adhesives to install. In contrast, LVP is made to withstand everyday wear and tear in high-traffic areas. Its multilayer design makes it pet- and kid-friendly, while its flexibility allows it to absorb the blow if something is dropped on it. LVPs are also very easy to install because they do not have to be glued down, don’t need any padding underneath, and can be installed over most pre-existing floors. 
 

Rigid Core Plank (RCP)         

Rigid Core Plank, or RCP, is a thicker form of vinyl plank with a stiff or inflexible core that enhances durability. Depending on its construction, it comes in two varieties: Stone Plastic Composite (SPC) or Wood Plastic Composite (SPC). RCP incorporates a click-type system to lock the planks together, eliminating the need for messy adhesives or glues, making installation and removal much easier. 
 

Stone Plastic Composite (SPC)

Stone plastic composite or SPC flooring has a rigid core made from powdered limestone, polyvinyl chloride, and stabilizers. SPC is prized for its durability and resistance to scratches, dents, and moisture. It is thinner and more rigid than wood plastic composite, which we will look at next.  
 

Wood Plastic Composite (WPC) 

Wood plastic composite, or WPC, WPC (Wood Plastic Composite) flooring consists of wood fibers or sawdust and plastic resins, usually PVC, polyethylene, or polypropylene. WPC flooring has a softer feel and offers more comfort underfoot and better sound insulation than SPC. However, if you have pets or want better scratch resistance, SPC may be the better option.
 
 

Vinyl Plank Flooring’s Pros and Cons

Pros and Advantages of Vinyl Plank Flooring

HFLOR SUNSET from SAVANA Collection
HFLOR SUNSET from SAVANA Collection

Pro 1. Cost

Vinyl plank flooring is an excellent choice for budget-conscious consumers who want the look of natural wood without the hefty price tag. Depending on its quality, vinyl plank flooring costs anywhere from $2 to $12 per square foot, but $4 to $6 is more common. Hardwood floorings options typically cost around $10 per square foot, while ceramic tiles cost between $10 to $15 per square foot. Not only do you need to consider the cost of the materials, but you also need to consider installation costs. It typically costs two to three times more to install ceramic tiles or hardwood floors instead of vinyl plank flooring.

Pro 2. Installation

Vinyl plank flooring is easy to install, with most interlocking systems allowing for DIY installation. By comparison, ceramic tiles and hardwood floors require professional installation skills and tools to be installed properly. Even when you hire a professional to install your vinyl flooring, it will be much quicker and require less labor than ceramic tile or hardwood installations. 

Pro 3. Design

Homeowners often select vinyl plank flooring because of its ability to convincingly mimic hardwood floors. Its capacity for customization makes it available in countless styles and designs in addition to a wide variety of colors, hues, and patterns. Within the ever-changing world of design, the wide variety of vinyl options makes it easy to have a modern, stylish home at an affordable price. 

Pro 4. Durability

Vinyl plank flooring is very durable and is perfect for families with kids and pets.  It has a water-resistant wear layer that shields the design from scratches and stains, and with proper maintenance, it can last for 10 to 25 years. In addition, vinyl plank flooring’s flexibility allows it to absorb the impact when a heavy object is dropped on it; whereas, wood and tile floors may dent or crack. While it does not last as long as a wood or natural stone tile floor, its affordability offsets this downside.

Pro 5. Maintenance and repair

Compared with other flooring options, vinyl plank flooring is easy to maintain. First, its water-resistant qualities prevent water from seeping below the surface and causing damage to the floor and the home’s structure. Unlike hardwood floors, vinyl plank flooring does not require regular maintenance, just the usual sweeping, and mopping. Vinyl flooring with interlocking planks also makes it easy to replace damaged planks with new ones, keeping your flooring looking great for years to come. 

HFLOR DISTRESSED OAK from GRAND TETON Collection
HFLOR DISTRESSED OAK from GRAND TETON Collection

Cons of Vinyl Flooring

Con 1. Inconsistent quality     

One downside of vinyl flooring is its inconsistent quality, depending on the brand you buy. It is essential to make sure you do some research and find the best quality vinyl available. Check the warranties and wear layer when searching for high-quality vinyl.

Con 2. Hard to remove        

Vinyl flooring can be tough to remove if you use an adhesive during installation. The glue normally used for this project is heavy duty to prevent the planks from pulling up easily. As mentioned above, vinyl plank flooring that uses an interlocking system is much easier to remove.

Con 3. Weakness in the sunlight

Vinyl plank flooring fades when it’s exposed to continual direct sunlight, and this can be a major drawback for homeowners. You can take steps to limit the damage, including installing blinds and curtains on your windows or placing large rugs or furniture where the sunlight hits the most. Many manufacturers are now offering a hybrid form of vinyl flooring for better UV resistance.
 
 

Top brands of vinyl plank flooring

HFLOR TUSCAN MUSHROOM From PRESTG SPC Collection
HFLOR TUSCAN MUSHROOM From PRESTG SPC Collection

When looking at vinyl flooring options, top brands include Shaw, COREtec, Mohawk, Armstrong, and LX Hausys. Each of these companies is known for its product quality and long-lasting durability.

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