Vinyl Plank Floors: Advantages and Disadvantages

Vinyl plank flooring is often confused with laminate flooring, but make no mistake: this unique composition flooring system has come a long way and now offers three-dimensional texture and excellent water resistance. Here’s what vinyl plank flooring has to offer and some drawbacks to consider.

Pro: It’s Incredibly Water Resistant
One of the biggest advantages of vinyl plank flooring is that it’s made from 100 percent waterproof materials, which makes vinyl plank flooring an ideal solution for any room that faces the risk of moisture, including kitchens and bathrooms. You don’t need to worry about issues such as mildew, warping, cupping, or other forms of water damage to your floor.

Pro: It Has a Realistic Look and Feel
Vinyl plank flooring comes in a huge array of styles to mimic the look of all types of hardwood flooring and even natural stone. From grays, rich browns, and deep blacks to the look of distressed or farmhouse wood flooring, you’re bound to find a style of vinyl plank flooring that fits your design goals. High-quality vinyl plank flooring offers a good thickness as well as a realistic texture that can easily be mistaken for hardwood.

Pro: It’s Easy to Install
Today’s vinyl plank flooring is typically installed as a floating floor and doesn’t need to be adhered to the subfloor, which makes it easier and more affordable to install than flooring such as natural stone or hardwood. When it comes to vinyl floor installation, San Diego homeowners can install it on top of most surfaces, including tile, plywood, and concrete.

Pro: It’s Easy to Maintain
Vinyl plank flooring isn’t sensitive to water, and it’s not easy to stain or damage. Most p/purpose floor cleaners are suitable for use on vinyl plank flooring. If a section is ever damaged, it’s easy to remove and replace.

Pro: It’s Affordable
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring ranges a great deal in price depending on the quality, thickness, and style. Some vinyl plank flooring is very affordable, even when compared to laminate flooring. Still, LVP flooring can cost a bit more than you might expect if you choose a high-quality brand with detailed embossing and thicker planks.

Con: It Doesn’t Boost a Home’s Value Much
If you’re looking for a flooring product that will increase the value of your home, vinyl plank flooring may not be a good choice. It won’t boost a home’s value like hardwood or tile will, partly because many consumers associate vinyl plank flooring with outdated vinyl products that didn’t offer the same quality or appearance.

Con: It Can Be Scratched
While resistant to water and stains, vinyl plank flooring can still sustain damage, especially from abrasion. Moving heavy objects such as furniture and appliances on LVP flooring may cause scratches because it’s easier to scratch than laminate, but it’s more resistant to scratches than hardwood.

Homeowners looking for new flooring options shouldn’t rule out vinyl plank flooring. No matter what material they choose—vinyl, hardwood, bamboo, or carpet—San Diego residents can find everything they need at Unique Flooring. For expert advice on choosing the right flooring for your needs, drop by our showroom or give us a call at 760-454-1436.