The Value of Waterproof Luxury Vinyl
Kid-Friendly Floors ● Pet-Friendly Floors ● Family-Friendly Floors
The value of waterproof luxury vinyl flooring extends beyond just its resistance to water: It offers an exceptional combination of practicality, aesthetics, and durability, making it a popular choice for families with kids, pets, and plenty of fun adventures!
Perfect for moisture-prone areas like bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, playrooms, mudrooms, and basements, waterproof luxury vinyl floors can withstand spills, splashes, and even standing water without damage. For families with children and pets, waterproof LVP provides peace of mind against everyday accidents, and spills are easily wiped clean without the worry of permanent damage. Unlike hardwood that requires refinishing or tile with grout that needs regular sealing, waterproof vinyl surfaces require minimal upkeep on a weekly basis.
Constructed with a wear layer that resists scratches, scuffs, and stains, a design layer for realistic visuals, a rigid waterproof core, a backing layer for stability, and often underlayment for comfort and noise absorption, waterproof vinyl flooring is built to last. Available in a vast array of colors, patterns, and plank or tile sizes, you receive the design versatility to match any home décor.
luxury vinyl plank
Wood Look
Use wood-look luxury vinyl plank flooring to have the gorgeous natural appeal of genuine hardwood at a fraction of the cost.
LUXURY VINYL STONE FLOORING
Stone Look
Stone-look luxury vinyl plank flooring provides homeowners with that illustrious stone look at a much lower cost than the actual thing.
luxury vinyl tile sheet
Sheet
For an incredibly low maintenance resilient surface, explore luxury vinyl sheet flooring options that are easy to purchase and install.
What Makes A Luxury Vinyl Floor “Waterproof”?
The "waterproof" aspect of luxury vinyl flooring relies on the integrity of the planks themselves and the tightness of the seams created by the locking mechanism. Proper subfloor preparation and accurate locking of the planks are crucial to prevent water from seeping underneath the flooring, which could lead to mold, mildew, and subfloor damage. Skipping steps or improper installation can compromise the benefits of waterproof luxury vinyl flooring.
The Keys to Waterproof Luxury Vinyl Installation
Proper installation is crucial to ensure its waterproof capabilities are fully realized and you avoid future issues. Here are the key steps for waterproof LVP installation:
- Subfloor Preparation: Waterproof luxury vinyl products often offer floating floor installation capability, but the subfloor still needs to be absolutely clean and free of dust, debris, grease, wax, adhesives, nails, staples, and anything else that could interfere with adhesion or create unevenness. Repair or level any severely damaged sections and ensure the subfloor is completely dry before installation.
- Acclimation: Follow the manufacturer's Instructions for acclimating waterproof luxury vinyl products to the room's temperature and humidity for a specific period (usually 24-48 hours) before installation. Lay the unopened boxes flat in the room where they will be installed.
- Underlayment: Many waterproof vinyl products come with a pre-attached underlayment. In this case, you generally don't need an additional layer. If your style doesn't have an attached underlayment, choose one specifically designed for luxury vinyl that offers moisture resistance and sound dampening.
- Expansion Gaps: Most new waterproof luxury vinyl floors require a small expansion gap around the perimeter of the room and against any vertical obstructions (walls, pipes, cabinets). This gap will be covered by baseboards or wall trim and allows the flooring to expand and contract with temperature and humidity changes without buckling.
- Transitions & Edges: Use appropriate transition pieces like T-moldings, reducers, and end caps where the new luxury vinyl floor meets other flooring types, doorways, or changes in elevation.
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