Vinyl plank flooring is growing in popularity in both residential and commercial applications. It is a much thicker and more rigid flooring than flexible sheet vinyl, fabricated in long planks that most often mimic the look of hardwood or stone.
Plank vinyl floor, also called luxury vinyl plank (LVP) or luxury vinyl floor (LVF), is simply vinyl flooring that comes in long, narrow strips rather than the traditional square tile shapes. But structurally this is a different product. Sheet vinyl is generally flexible vinyl with a printed top layer covered by a clear wear layer, while vinyl plank flooring is a multi-ply product that features four layers:
- A topmost layer of aluminum oxide, designed to prevent light scratching and scuffs
- A clear film layer that protects against more severe ripping and tearing
- The design layer that provides the photo-realistic look of wood or stone
- A backing layer made of fairly rigid vinyl, comprising almost 90 percent of the total thickness of luxury vinyl
Pros of Vinyl Plank Flooring
Durable
This flooring is usually designed to handle moderate traffic and humidity, offering a 10-to-20-year lifetime with proper installation and care. However, poor installation can negatively impact the lifespan of your vinyl plank. Passion Design installation experts have decades of experience properly installing vinyl flooring, so customers can rely on their floors for years to come.
Easy To Clean
Cleaning and maintenance of this flooring is easy. Sweeping or vacuuming is all that’s needed for daily maintenance. For deeper cleaning, a mop and warm water will work in most cases.
Beautiful and unique.
You may be surprised by the striking, unusual patterns and textures you can get with vinyl plank flooring today. Among the convincing wood-like finishes are distressed and hand-scraped versions. You’ll find a variety of stone and marble effects.
Disadvantages of Vinyl Plank Flooring
Cannot Be Repaired
If a vinyl plank gets damaged, the only way to get it back in shape is to replace it; you cannot repair it.
But doing a replacement is not an easy task either, as you will have to disassemble the floor from the wall up to the damaged plank, install a new plank, then assemble the flooring again back to the wall.
Discoloration
When it comes to cons of vinyl flooring, a disadvantage is that it can become discolored due to constant exposure to direct sunlight. So, it’s not a great option for outdoor use.
Biodegradability
Unfortunately, vinyl planks are not biodegradable. They can also be difficult to recycle depending on the brand and composition. So, if environmental consciousness is a critical factor in your decision-making process, this is a drawback to consider.
