Luxury vinyl flooring is one of those buzz terms that leave you wondering: Is it really worth all the hype?

We definitely think it is. Why? Because, these days, we’re all doing our best to cut costs, but none of us really want to give up our luxuries.

Traditional flooring like hardwood and stone looks great, but it can be pricey and hard to maintain. Homeowners are looking for a flooring option that gives them the look they want without the hassle and high price tag.

This is where luxury vinyl flooring comes in. 

We explain exactly what luxury vinyl flooring is and why it might be the perfect opportunity to make your budget look bougie.

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Table of Contents

what is luxury vinyl plank flooring

What Is Luxury Vinyl Flooring?

While it all started in the 1960s, luxury vinyl flooring has finally hit its peak and is quickly becoming a popular alternative to hardwood, ceramic, or stone products.

Luxury vinyl flooring (LVF) layers the best materials to ensure maximum durability and affordability while maintaining that natural look.

You have a choice as to the type of LVF you choose from:

  • Luxury vinyl plank flooring comes in the form of a plank and is designed to look like hardwood.
  • Luxury vinyl tile flooring is square or rectangular and imitates the look of ceramic or stone tiles.

Easy installation and durability are the cornerstones of luxury vinyl flooring, but, with time, the overall esthetic took center stage. 

What Is the Difference Between Vinyl and Luxury Vinyl?

Luxury vinyl flooring was developed as an improvement to traditional vinyl sheet flooring. Using a multi-layer approach — where each layer serves a unique purpose — this product is more durable, comfortable, and visually attractive than single-layer vinyl flooring.

Separate decor and wear layers give luxury vinyl a major advantage over traditional vinyl flooring’s single layer, because:

  • The range of appearances and textures made possible with these layers resemble the “luxury” esthetic of hardwood and stone/ceramic tile.
  • Different thicknesses of wear layer are available, which allows you to choose the right product for your application while managing product costs. Regardless, you’ll have a more durable product than traditional vinyl flooring.

Below the decor layer, the base layers provide structural characteristics that differentiate it from traditional vinyl flooring:

  • The core layer gives the flooring stability. In the case of click-lock flooring, this layer holds the tongue-and-groove components.
  • A thin backing of foam or cork adds a degree of insulation and sound reduction. This gives the installation some comfort benefits in comparison to traditional vinyl flooring.
  • Overall, these base layers add a thickness that makes it more comfortable to walk on — especially if the subfloor is made of concrete.

When it comes to water and heat resistance, luxury vinyl flooring and traditional vinyl flooring both perform well. Both are also considered low maintenance where care and cleaning are concerned. 

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6 Reasons People Are Choosing Luxury Vinyl Flooring

Luxury vinyl flooring has become a top choice for homeowners and designers alike, thanks to its blend of style, durability, and practicality. Interior Motives Flooring in Auburn, WA, has been creating dream living spaces that are both affordable, and beautiful, and we want to be a part of your next design upgrade.

You asked, we answered. These are our top six reasons why people are increasingly opting for luxury vinyl flooring in their homes.

#1: Durability

Luxury vinyl flooring is a very durable product. Depending on the manufacturer, a specific luxury vinyl flooring product may last 15 or 20 years, even up to 25 years.

The core layer gives the product stability and resistance to damage, while the specialized wear layer helps the floor hold up to high-traffic areas.

Homeowners love how easy it is to replace a damaged piece, compared to other flooring products. This task is made easier with glue-down flooring, as click-lock flooring may require multiple pieces to be removed to reach the damaged piece.

#2: Low Maintenance

Throughout its lifespan, luxury vinyl flooring is very easy to care for. No special equipment or cleaners are required — simply sweep it to keep it clear of abrasive dirt and debris.

Luxury vinyl flooring can be mopped as needed, just as your other hard surface flooring. For great results without needing to buy a cleaning solution, consider a simple mix of water, vinegar, and a few drops of dish soap.

If you happen to choose a glue-down luxury vinyl flooring product, one thing you should avoid is a steam mop. The heat from a steam mop has the potential to melt the glue and impact the integrity of your installation.

#3: Easy To Install

With hardwood, you need to nail each plank in multiple places. With ceramic or stone tile, you have a mess of adhesive compounds, spacers, and grout to deal with.

Whether you opt for a glue-down or a click-lock product, luxury vinyl flooring is relatively easy to install. No nails or spacers are needed — just click it together or glue each piece down.

Ease in installation is a big part of the rise in popularity of vinyl flooring. The less time your contractor takes to install the flooring, the less you’ll pay for the upgrade — without sacrificing appearance and quality.

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#4: Affordable

Luxury vinyl flooring installation is generally cheaper than using hardwood or ceramic/stone tile. 

The average cost of luxury vinyl flooring ranges from $2 to $7 per square foot, depending on the specific flooring product and manufacturer, including installation. 

Compared to hardwood, at $8 to $15 per luxury square foot, luxury vinyl flooring is an attractive option that checks the affordability box.

#5: Widely Available

Because LVF is rapidly gaining popularity, flooring manufacturers everywhere are getting in on the action. That means the choices available to the consumer have increased substantially.

Luxury vinyl flooring is also widely available at most major home improvement stores, specialty flooring retailers, and online marketplaces. Its popularity has led to an extensive range of styles, colors, and price points, making it easy to find the perfect option to fit any design preference or budget. 

Whether you’re shopping in-store or online, you’ll have no trouble finding high-quality luxury vinyl flooring to suit your needs.

#6: Wide Range of Designs

Luxury vinyl flooring has a knack for imitating natural materials. With a printed decor layer leading the way to a thicker wear layer, there’s not only durability, there’s design versatility. 

Think about the beauty of a polished hardwood floor or the rustic charm of a natural stone floor in the bathroom. Now, imagine having that look for a fraction of the cost. That’s what LVF is really bringing to the table.

Because of LVF, you can have that swanky hardwood look, or that log cabin stone hearth vibe in just about any color or style you could imagine. 

You get the look, without the added cost. And that’s a win for most households!

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Consider These Drawbacks Before Choosing Luxury Vinyl Flooring

While luxury vinyl flooring can seem like a miracle product, it isn’t perfect and it isn’t foolproof. First, decide if luxury vinyl flooring is the right choice for the space you have in mind, and if it is, take the next steps to avoid some common pitfalls.

Extra Care Needed for Installation

Every installation requires a prepared surface, and luxury vinyl flooring is no exception. If you are using a glue-down product, you need to be sure the subfloor is smooth and free of imperfections that could be visible.

If you’re having click-lock flooring installed, you’ll be required to have a very level surface. You don’t want your floor to shift or develop weak spots.

VOCs May Be Present

Luxury vinyl flooring can contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are chemicals that may off-gas into the air and affect indoor air quality. Many manufacturers produce low-VOC or zero-VOC luxury vinyl flooring options that adhere to strict environmental standards to minimize harmful emissions. 

Choosing these certified products, along with using low-VOC adhesives during installation, may significantly reduce the presence of VOCs, contributing to a healthier and safer living environment. 

Shorter Lifespan Than Wood Floors

Luxury vinyl flooring checks all the boxes when it comes to affordability, durability, and versatility in design, but it generally has a shorter lifespan compared to traditional wood floors. 

Lasting up to 25 years, depending on quality and maintenance, luxury vinyl flooring may show signs of wear and tear sooner than hardwood and other natural materials, but it still stands the test of time. 

You can easily avoid the downsides of luxury vinyl flooring by hiring a professional to shoulder the hassle of procurement and installation. All you need to do is pick your favorite style and leave the rest to the pros!

Interior Motives Flooring: Offering a Selection of High-Quality Luxury Vinyl Flooring and Expert Installation Services in and Around Auburn 

Luxury vinyl flooring has solved a problem in the interior design industry by producing a luxury flooring option that is accessible, durable, affordable, and, yet… still stylish. 

So, if you’re feeling frustrated with that dated floor that seems to drag you down, or maybe, you inherited someone else’s poorly installed peel-n-stick nightmare, we want to help you.

For luxury vinyl flooring installation in Auburn, WA, or surrounding areas, you can trust Interior Motives Flooring. We are a father-and-son team who have served the area for nearly 35 years and have a 5-star Google Business rating.

We also use the latest AR technology to help show you exactly what your flooring will look like in your space, once it’s installed. Our process is simple:

  • Tell us a little bit about your project and schedule a free consultation.
  • Meet with our team to discuss your vision.
  • Schedule your luxury vinyl flooring installation.
  • Show off your new floors to your family and friends.

You want a great floor! We know how to make that happen. Schedule your free consultation.

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