Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring has quickly emerged as a popular choice for homeowners looking to upgrade their flooring without paying large costs. LVP is becoming increasingly popular because of its spectacular designs, durability, and ease of maintenance. However, the issue arises: is vinyl plank flooring suitable for all rooms of your home? In this blog, we will look at the diversity of LVP, what to consider when selecting it for different rooms, and the benefits and drawbacks of putting it in each space.
Benefits of Vinyl Plank Flooring
Before considering whether LVP is suitable for all rooms, there are a few of its key benefits that merit consideration:
Durability
Vinyl plank flooring is resistant to scratches, dents, and stains, making it an excellent choice for homes with frequent foot traffic, pets, and children.
Water Resistance
One of the reasons vinyl plank flooring is so popular is that it is water-resistant. Unlike real hardwood, it does not buckle and swell when exposed to moisture. It’s wonderful for kitchens, baths, and basements.
Easy Installation and Maintenance
LVP is quite simple to install, generally using a click-lock or glue-down installation that may be completed without the assistance of specialists. It is also low maintenance, requiring only regular sweeping and occasional mopping to keep it looking good.
Variety in Styles and Designs
LVP offers various styles from the classic wood look to contemporary stone or tile designs to meet your preference in terms of aesthetics.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Flooring for Each Room
In the selection of appropriate flooring for a particular room, numerous factors must be considered:
- Climate and Humidity: Some rooms, such as basements or bathrooms, have higher levels of climate and humidity, so waterproof flooring is needed.
- Functionality and purpose: Consider what the room is to be used for. Bedrooms may require comfort, but kitchens need to be durable and clean easily.
- Foot Traffic: High-traffic areas, like hallways and living rooms, require flooring that can withstand daily wear.
Best Rooms for Vinyl Plank Flooring
Now, let’s break down some of the best rooms to install vinyl plank flooring in your home.
Living Rooms
Because of its attractive appearance and durability against moderate foot traffic, vinyl plank flooring has become one of the most popular options for living rooms. Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) is almost as elegant as hardwood but requires less maintenance, making it an excellent choice for both aesthetics and utility.
Kitchens
Kitchens are considered high-traffic areas that tend to deal with spills, moisture, and a lot of usage. In this aspect, LVP’s water resistance makes it the ideal choice for this space. LVP will not warp or stain from spills like wood and cleaning is a no-brainer. Many people have installed vinyl flooring in Greensboro NC when renovating their kitchen. It is practical and fashionable in appearance.
Bathrooms
Bathrooms are challenging to floor because of the continual exposure to water and humidity. Vinyl plank flooring excels here since it is completely waterproof. Whether you’re renovating an old bathroom or installing LVP in a new home, you can rely on it to withstand dampness.
Bedrooms
Vinyl plank flooring is an excellent choice for bedrooms. It is soft and silent to walk on and yet still relatively easy to clean. With a wide range of available designs, it can complement any bedroom décor from the light oak to the deep walnut finish. Vinyl flooring choices in Salisbury add a touch of sophistication and longevity to this private space.
Hallways and Entryways
Entryways and hallways receive a lot of foot traffic and are more likely to be dirty and full of debris. Vinyl plank flooring is specifically ideal for these rooms because it is durable, low-maintenance, and resistant to wear and tear. Moreover, the aesthetically pleasing look can be welcoming. Many homeowners choose vinyl flooring in Charlotte for these rooms solely because it is so practical and visually appealing.
Rooms Where Vinyl Plank Flooring May Not Be Ideal
It works with most rooms in your home; however, you have to determine what rooms of the home are not compatible with the vinyl plank flooring.
Basements
Basements can be difficult because of higher moisture and temperature variations. While LVP is waterproof, it’s not impenetrable to excessive humidity or standing water. When the basement is moist enough that it creates moisture issues, then it would be better to choose a tile or concrete floor instead. However, if your basement is dry and well-ventilated, then LVP works great.
Attics
The attics are subjected to temperature extreme conditions that might be transferred instantly to the binding capacity of a vinyl plank floor. According to changes in temperature conditions, expansions and contractions occur within it that may also lead to gaps or damage.
How to Install Vinyl Plank Flooring in Different Rooms
LVP installation is very simple and very straightforward with click-lock or glue-down installation systems. The basic process is as follows:
- Prepare the Subfloor: The subfloor must be clean, dry, and level before the installation.
- Measure and Cut: Use a measuring tape to plan out your own design, then cut the boards to fit around corners and the edges.
- Install the Planks: Start from one of the corners of the room and install the planks by clicking them together or gluing them down as per your method.
- Trim and Finish: Trim and finish by using transition strips and baseboards to cover gaps around the walls, giving it a finished look.
Caring for Vinyl Plank Flooring
Vinyl plank flooring is low maintenance but the following helps it look new:
- Regular Cleaning: Sweep or vacuum regularly to prevent the dirt from building up. Damp cloth mopping helps to remove spills and stains.
- Scratch Prevention: Use felt pads on furniture legs to prevent scratches. Avoid using abrasive cleaning tools.
- Moisture Control: Though LVP is completely waterproof, any kind of standing water must always be promptly cleaned, especially in the kitchen and bathroom.
Conclusion
Vinyl plank flooring is the most versatile, durable, and cost-effective option to add an enhanced look and feel to most rooms in the house. LVP offers a smooth, modern look without giving up on practicality but does depend on specific room factors, including moisture levels and temperature. Overall, it would be a great choice for spaces that receive heavy traffic, including kitchens, bathrooms, and living rooms. However, alternative flooring solutions might make more sense for spaces such as attics and basements.
Which rooms can vinyl plank flooring be installed in?
Vinyl plank flooring is ideal for a variety of settings, including living rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, and bedrooms.
Can vinyl plank flooring be placed in the bathroom?
Yes, you can install vinyl plank flooring in the bathroom. Vinyl plank flooring is waterproof, making it ideal for bathrooms.
Is LVP suitable for high-traffic areas?
Vinyl plank flooring is sturdy and can endure high foot traffic, making it ideal for entryways, hallways, and living areas.
How to clean vinyl plank flooring?
Sweeping or vacuuming on a regular basis is crucial for eliminating dirt and debris, and wiping with a damp cloth helps to keep things looking clean.
What are the disadvantages of vinyl plank flooring?
Although LVP is known for its strength, it can be damaged by a heavy impact. Moreover, temperature variations may impact LVP installation in particular environments, such as attics.
