Vinyl Floor Planks are an excellent flooring choice. They offer unparalleled variety and many additional benefits as well. In fact, Vinyl Plank Flooring (VPF) can be the solution to many problems concerning floor replacement.
VPF is water-resistant and many selections are actually 100% percent waterproof. This makes it great for use in areas prone to high moisture, spills, splashing, or the tracking of wet feet. Kitchens, bathrooms, family rooms, laundry rooms, and basements all present perfect opportunities for vinyl plank floors to show off their resilience and durability.
Top Considerations When Buying Vinyl Plank Floors
Cost – Per square foot, vinyl plank flooring is one of the most economical choices available. Even high-end VPF are overwhelmingly more cost-effective than their hardwood contemporaries. Price ranges from $2 to $7 a square foot and higher.
Durability – Vinyl planks are also highly durable. With proper installation and maintenance, these floors can last many years. 10 to 20-year life expectancies are not uncommon. They resist cracking, and chipping, but don't fair-well against sharp objects. The overall ruggedness and ability to withstand many types of abuse make vinyl plank flooring ideally suited for high traffic areas.
Thickness – Regarding thin versus thick comparisons, keep in mind that thick is better. Generally, quality increases with thickness. Plank thickness is usually stated in millimeters and comes in a variety of sizes. 4mm to 8mm is typical but thicknesses of 12mm or higher are also available. Solid performers for both commercial and residential spaces can be found in the 6mm to 8mm range. Beware of manufacturers touting wear thickness, as it's best to evaluate the plank based on its entire thickness.
Stain Resistance - Quality planks also incorporate surface protecting technology in the form of advanced polymer finishes. The finishes are stain repelling as well as scratch and dent resistant. They also afford some defense against mold formation.
Grade – Grade speaks to the environment the VPF was designed to withstand. That is commercial or residential. Both are available in a variety of finishes and styles.
Commercial grade is of course more durable by design. It's built to withstand the rigors of a commercial environment. When installed in a residence, commercial-grade VPF is a stellar performer that will not disappoint.
Residential grade vinyl plank flooring is great for the application and will do an amazing job for residential homeowners. However, don't expect it to perform as well in a commercial setting. It's simply not designed for that.
Maintenance – VPF is durable and very low maintenance. Just always be sure to follow the manufacturer's directions. In general, simple sweeping and a damp mop will keep your vinyl plank floor looking great. Use of an approved cleaning solution may also sometimes be recommended.
Installation – Vinyl floor plank is installed one of two ways: by gluing or floating floor installation. Some VPF comes with peel away adhesive underneath to facilitate installation. Others may require glue. Whether adhesive, glue or a combination of both is used, proper floor preparation is paramount.
With a floating floor installation, the planks are manufactured with interlocking groove assemblies. This type of installation is fast and relatively simple. This flooring may require laying down a moisture barrier.
Sunlight – Will the VPF be in direct sunlight? This should be considered as vinyl plank floors can fade in direct sunlight over time. Can it be shaded with blinds, shutters, etc.? Sunlight is sometimes overlooked as a consideration but definitely bears mentioning.
Warranty – The warranty speaks volumes about the flooring. It shows the manufacturer has confidence in it. Some VPF even comes with a lifetime warranty.
Final Thoughts
When looking to purchase vinyl plank flooring, Floor City offers a wide variety of premium and luxury VPF in both residential and commercial grades. Take the time to visit our website and examine some of our industry-leading brands. Armstrong Residential and Armstrong Commercial are household names in vinyl plank flooring. Metroflor is an industry staple that has been around since 1912. Konecto and Artistek both by Metroflor offer many noteworthy options as well.
Please feel free to contact us at (888) 586-4404 or email us at order@floorcity.com, and we'll be happy to answer any questions you might have.
