One of the reasons vinyl plank flooring is becoming more and more popular is because they last for a very, very long time. It has the appearance of hardwood flooring, which is what it is intended to do, but it is much less expensive.

It is very hard to damage vinyl flooring. The lifespan of luxury vinyl plank flooring ranges from 10 to 20 years, depending on the installation’s thickness and location.

Let’s look at the advantages and disadvantages of vinyl plank flooring.

What is Vinyl Plank Flooring?

The terms Luxury Vinyl Planks (LVP) and Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT) are actually used interchangeably to refer to vinyl plank flooring. It serves as a plastic substitute for other flooring materials, most often stone or hardwood planks. It comes in plank form, as the name implies, and interlocks to create a floor and imitate other flooring types.

Vinyl has been around for a while, but in recent years, its quality and style have advanced significantly. The truth is that vinyl is a highly durable floor replacement option that requires very little maintenance. Because of this, it’s a fantastic option for floors.

Additionally, it comes in an incredibly diverse array of colors, patterns, and thicknesses and is waterproof as standard. This implies that you can use vinyl flooring options in any room you want for a variety of purposes.

When discussing vinyl flooring options, thickness plays a significant role. This factor will determine the level of wear and tear that your chosen vinyl plank flooring can withstand, i.e., its durability. A plank’s resistance increases with thickness.

In order to avoid confusion with millimeters, vinyl plank thickness is expressed in mil. The most typical vinyl flooring thickness is 12 mil, but depending on your particular situation—for example, whether or not you have pets—you might want to go up to 20 mil. Any thickness greater than that is typically only used for commercial structures.

Maintenance and Longevity

Vinyl flooring typically has a lifespan of between 10 and 25 years. However, there are some other factors that also play a role. A lot of it depends on how well you maintain the flooring. What or who is walking all over the floor every day, for instance, and how much it is used.

To that end, the thickness of the planks used is a reliable indicator of how long vinyl flooring will last. Longevity should increase with plank thickness. Of course, we shouldn’t overlook the standard of the flooring that was installed. It is a well-known scientific fact that a product will last longer if its quality is higher.

What are the warning signs that your flooring is nearing the end of its useful life? There are a few things to look out for:

• Peaks in the flooring where there shouldn’t be
• Cracking noise as you walk over it
• Tears or discoloration of the vinyl

This is one of the few things in life that you can count on: if you notice these signs on your vinyl floor, it’s time to start saying your goodbyes. Next time, think about investing in higher-quality products!

Pros & Cons of Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) Flooring

Pros:

• Waterproof & moisture proof
• High performance durability with relatively low maintenance
• Can be installed on most flat surfaces easily (granite, tile, cement)
• DIY installation feasible
• Options come in an infinite variety (colors, appearance, wood grain, texture, etc.).)
• There is a choice for almost every price range!

Cons:

• Can show fading/discoloration in extreme UV exposure
• Despite the look and feel of real wood, some homeowners still prefer the luxury of hardwood floors

Ways to Prevent Damage

Despite being resistant to many threats, vinyl plank floors can still sustain damage from other sources. For example, it is best to steer clear of moving large furniture over vinyl. If you do this, the planks will probably get scratched up and look bad.

We’ll outline some of the strategies and tools you can employ to safeguard your floors against such harm in the section that follows.

Invest in Quality Doormats

You should install high-quality doormats at each of the doors you use to enter the house. Although cleaning vinyl is simple, you shouldn’t do it all the time. Additionally, if anything is stuck to your shoes, it might scratch or scuff the vinyl.

Choose a doormat that will hold up well to the substances that are typical of your area and climate. If you live in a desert area, for instance, look for doormats that can withstand dirt and rocks.

Furniture Pads Are Life-Savers

It would be a good idea to look into these products right away if you have never thought about them before. They are exactly what they sound like: furniture pads. You put them on the furniture’s feet as tiny pads. The furniture won’t scratch or dent your floors after using this pad, though.

These can take many different shapes, but there are some characteristics to watch for. To stop heavy furniture, such as your couch, from sliding when you sit down, one of these has a sturdy rubber backing.

A useful furniture pad will also be universal. If you have any furniture, look for pads that are compatible with it. These furniture pads ought to guard against them, regardless of whether you have a grand piano, a large bookstand, or numerous chairs that slide in and out of the dining room table.

These pads shouldn’t be prohibitively expensive in general. You should be able to find some pads that work for you, no matter your budget.

Find a Cleaning Solution

As was already mentioned, cleaning vinyl flooring is easy. Some tools perform better in this regard than others, though. Find a cleaning solution that does the following when searching for a useful one.

Initially, check to see if the solution doesn’t cause more harm than good. Instead of having streaks or residue on your floors, you want them to be shiny. Additionally, check to see if the solution makes the floor too slick.

Conclusion

Although vinyl will last for many years, keep in mind that it is very easily damaged. A heavy piece of furniture should not be moved around, as this could cause scratches and gouges. Your floors may become warped or bumpy if any installation-related debris is left underneath. Also keep in mind that vinyl doesn’t do much to raise the value of your house when you sell it.

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