When it comes to flooring, luxury vinyl plank/tile, or "LVP/LVT" for short, has become a popular, affordable option for your next remodel. But there's one word that sticks out when it comes to the benefits and durability of this great flooring option - "waterproof".
Flooring has come long way in recent years. Just 10 years ago the most popular plank flooring seemed to be laminate. But as time went on the drawbacks of laminate flooring became clear - moisture issues, durability issues and longevity. When hit with moisture, laminate flooring will swell. When walked on with sharp, pointed shoes such as heels, the flooring would scratch and scuff. And when it comes to longevity, we've all seen what happens to laminate flooring over time. Joints buckle and lift, those water spots become raised bumps and the flooring itself needs to be replaced within 10 years. ESPECIALLY in homes with high traffic, small kids (as a father I know how messy little ones can be) and pets. And that's where vinyl plank flooring excels.
But the new claim that these floors are "waterproof" should, in my opinion, be taken with a grain of salt.
When looking at the make up of the flooring, and the installation process, one has to wonder if "waterproof flooring" is really possible. Manufacturers will insist that it is, in fact, waterproof. But for the sake of durability I am very clear with my customers - vinyl plank flooring is water RESISTANT. Waterproof, for many people, suggests that there is no possible way for water to penetrate through the flooring. Due to it's construction and installation, I dont know that we can actually qualify any tongue and groove flooring as waterproof. Will you have more time to clean up the moisture? Yes. And will the moisture that comes in contact with the flooring penetrate the flooring plank itself? No. The plank itself will not absorb the moisture like other flooring options will. But there is still a chance for penetration between planks.
I'm a big fan of vinyl plank flooring, for many reasons. Ease of installation, quality of the product itself and the lifetime of the floor all make vinyl plank flooring a great option, especially in high moisture environments. And with the color, size and style options currently available, it's hard to find a better flooring choice for the price.
I highly recommend vinyl plank flooring, but please keep in mind that, over time and if not installed properly, the "waterproof" benefits of vinyl plank flooring cannot be realized.
Choose your contractor and flooring wisely. Ensure that the manufacturer's included warranty and installation documents are read through thoroughly, by both you as the customer and the installer. Doing so will ensure that you're receiving the best possible results and that your flooring will be durable, beautiful and functional for as long as possible.
** side note **
Because flooring companies, styles and colors are changing so frequently, ensure that you have at least a few planks left over after installation. If possible, hold onto one whole package of flooring. That way, if a plank is damaged in the future, replacing and/or repairing the individual plank will be a simple, affordable project. It's very common to find that the exact color, size and style of flooring you recently had installed (sometimes even just one month ago) will no longer be available. By thinking ahead and preparing for the inevitable, you can save yourself time and money in the future.
- Brandon Fenton
Rolling Hills Remodeling