What is Luxury Vinyl Flooring?
Within the realm of Luxury Vinyl Flooring there are basically two types - luxury vinyl tile (LVT) and luxury vinyl plank (LVP). Both types offer styles that mimic all sorts of surfaces such as wood, concrete, slate, marble, and tile complete with “grout” joints. The tiles or planks are constructed from multiple layers of plastic and padding which vary in thickness by manufacturer.
So, now I bet you’re wondering what each of those layers are, right? The outer layer or top layer is called the wear layer. This layer is vitally important and is what you walk on, so the thickness of this layer is unbelievably important. Basically, the thicker the wear layer the more durable and long-lasting your Luxury Vinyl Floor will be so pay attention to the data provided by the manufacturer. The thickness will be listed in mils and 1 mil is one-thousandth or an inch.
The next layer down from the wear layer is called the core. The core gives the floor stability, so it won’t buckle or warp. Under the core you’ll find the underlayment layer which usually consists of cork or foam which helps reduce noise transfer and provides a cushion to make the floor a little more forgiving.
Now here’s a bit of a twist…some Luxury Vinyl Flooring are manufactured with rigid-core vinyl that have reinforced engineered wood or even a stone core. Products that contain these cores are widely considered to be more durable which makes them a good choice for families with kids and/or large pets.
Where can I use this stuff, you ask?
LVF is a great choice for really any room in your house especially where there could be spills, kids, or pets as the flooring is usually waterproof and moisture friendly. It’s great for kitchens, mudrooms, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and especially basements. Honestly, it a great flooring choice for just about everywhere.
OK, so now you’re wondering how you clean this stuff, right?
Really the easiest way to clean your new LVF is to sweep or vacuum it and mop with a mild soapy water. That’s pretty much it. Obviously, always follow the manufacturer’s cleaning guidelines but mild soapy water is about all it takes.
Again, not all brands of Luxury Vinyl Flooring are created equal so be sure to read through the manufacturer’s specifications and don’t hesitate to call our office as we would be happy to help you!
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