Choose luxury vinyl flooring for a perfectly modern look

When it comes to flooring, you want something that looks great, stands up to wear and tear, and doesn’t require constant upkeep. That’s where luxury vinyl flooring comes in. Whether you’re remodeling your kitchen, bathroom, or living room, luxury vinyl offers a modern look with the durability you need. Below, we’ll break down what makes luxury vinyl flooring so special, its many benefits, and how to choose the right option for your home.

What is luxury vinyl flooring made of?

Luxury vinyl flooring is designed to mimic the beautiful appearance of natural materials like wood, tile, or stone but without the expensive price tag or maintenance. It’s made of several layers that work together to deliver a stylish and long-lasting product.

Wear layer: The topmost layer is a clear protective coat that helps resist scratches, stains, and wear. The thickness of this layer determines how long your floor will maintain its beauty.
Design layer: The design layer gives luxury vinyl its realistic look, whether it’s wood, tile, or stone. Modern printing technology makes these designs look incredibly lifelike.
Core layer: Below the design layer, the core layer provides strength and stability. There are two common core types: WPC (Wood Plastic Composite) and SPC (Stone Plastic Composite), each offering its own set of benefits.
Backing layer: The backing layer provides additional stability and ensures a comfortable walking surface.

The many benefits of LVT and LVP flooring

Luxury vinyl flooring offers a ton of perks, making it one of the most popular flooring choices today. Here are just a few of the reasons why so many businesses and homeowners are making the switch:

Durability: With its tough wear layer and strong core, luxury vinyl flooring can stand up to heavy foot traffic, spills, and even scratches. It’s the perfect option for busy households, pets, and high-traffic areas like kitchens and hallways.
Waterproof: Luxury vinyl tile and vinyl plank flooring are 100% waterproof, making them ideal for bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements. You won’t have to worry about water damage when your floors are waterproof.
Comfort: Unlike hardwood or tile, LVP and LVT flooring are softer underfoot, which can make a massive difference if you spend a lot of time standing or walking on your floors.
Low maintenance: Luxury vinyl tile and vinyl plank flooring are easy to clean and maintain. Routine sweeping and occasional mopping are usually all you need to keep your floors looking great.
Versatility: Luxury vinyl flooring comes in numerous styles and finishes, so whether you prefer the rustic look of hardwood or the sleek appeal of stone, there’s an option to fit your aesthetic.

Choosing your ideal luxury vinyl floors

There are a few key things to consider when choosing the right luxury vinyl flooring for your space. Let’s walk through some important choices.

LVP vs. LVT flooring
You’ll likely encounter two types of luxury vinyl flooring: LVP (luxury vinyl plank) and LVT (luxury vinyl tile). The main difference is in their shape and how they mimic the look of natural materials. LVP flooring mimics wood, while LVT flooring mimics tile or stone. Depending on your wanted look, you can select the style that best suits your design.

WPC vs. SPC flooring
Within the luxury vinyl category, you’ll also need to choose between WPC (Wood Plastic Composite) and SPC (Stone Plastic Composite). Both are solid choices, but they have different core materials that make them suitable for different needs.

WPC is softer and more flexible, which gives it a quieter and warmer feel underfoot. It’s a great choice if comfort is a top priority.
SPC is more rigid and dense, which makes it incredibly durable and stable. SPC is the way to go if you need flooring that can handle extreme conditions (like high humidity or uneven subfloors).

Wear layer and thickness
The wear layer is one of the most important factors in determining the durability of your luxury vinyl flooring. The thicker the wear layer, the more resistant the floor will be to scratches, stains, and wear. A wear layer of 12 mils or more is recommended for residential use. For commercial spaces or high-traffic areas, look for a wear layer of 20 mils or more.

Thickness matters too. Thicker luxury vinyl flooring typically feels more substantial underfoot and can help with soundproofing, especially in multi-story homes or apartments. However, keep in mind that thicker flooring can be more difficult to install, especially in areas with height restrictions.

Installation method
Most luxury vinyl tile and vinyl plank flooring options come with an easy installation method. You can choose from:

Click-lock installation: This is the most popular and DIY-friendly installation method. The planks or tiles lock together without glue or nails, making it quick and easy to install.
Glue-down: This option is more permanent and is ideal for areas where extra stability is needed, such as commercial spaces or spaces with heavy foot traffic.
Loose lay: Some luxury vinyl flooring options can be laid without glue or locking mechanisms. This installation method is quick and easy but works best in areas with lower foot traffic.

About luxury vinyl in Madison and Brookfield, WI from Allen Kitchen & Bath

Your home for exceptional luxury vinyl flooring in Madison and Brookfield, WI

Picking the right luxury vinyl flooring for your space comes down to your needs, style preferences, and budget. Whether you’re going for a wood-like look, a sleek stone design, or something in between, luxury vinyl has a product that’s just right for you. Its many benefits—durability, water resistance, comfort, and low maintenance—make it an excellent choice for any home.

Allen Kitchen & Bath proudly offers a wide selection of LVP and LVT flooring for sale. We also offer in-house design consultants and installation services. Our showrooms in Madison, or Brookfield, WI, serve Madison, Brookfield, and Milwaukee, WI. Call today!

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2219 S Stoughton Rd, Madison, WI 53716
(608) 274-9933

18525 W Bluemound Rd, Brookfield, WI 53045
(262) 395-7100