What is LVP?

Here at QGC we directly import our own line of LVP flooring. But what is LVP, and why would you put it in your house? LVP stands for Luxury Vinyl Planking which is the wood-look version of sectional vinyl flooring. These thin planks are textured along with the printed wood-grain both for increased traction and for a realistic wood look. When installing Vinyl (or any other type of flooring) it’s important to first level your subdeck or concrete. Unlevel floors create weak points which can do damage to your flooring and any cabinetry/appliances sitting atop it over time. Ensure that there are no gaps, voids, concave or convex zones, or lumps in your supporting surface before installation begins. 

Pros: Our LVP uses click-lock technology which is easy to install and renders the product completely waterproof when installed correctly. It can be glued down to your subdecking, or it can float over existing flooring/subdecking. These materials are also a lot cheaper than many of the options on the market such as hardwood, engineered hardwood, engineered vinyl planking, or tile, and are easy to clean and care for. Vinyl Planking is also scratch-resistant and is often used in commercial settings or other  high-traffic areas. Once Vinyl has been damaged there aren’t many options for repair, but pieces within your flooring section can be replaced so hang on to that extra box. 

Cons: If your subdecking is unlevel you may run into issues with gapping, cracking, or bubbling with your vinyl planks. These are meant to be installed over a flat, level, rigid surface so any soft padding or unevenness underneath your vinyl can cause damage. Vinyl Planking is also fairly thin and doesn’t transfer heat as well, which means it can be cold to walk on and doesn’t muffle sound.  

A lot of improvements have been made to vinyl products since their inception in the 1930’s, and the product has been gaining in popularity. LVP, LVT (tile-look flooring), and Engineered Vinyl are all a great choice for any home or business owner. Cleaning your vinyl is simple: it’s waterproof and scratch resistant, so you can sweep and mop to your heart’s content. Stay away from harsh abrasives or bleaching chemicals which will wear through or damage the surface layers. 

Note: LVP is waterproof from above, but cannot protect against leaks from below into the subdecking. Always keep an eye out for sagging or bubbling within your flooring as this is indicative of water damage to your subfloor. Water repair can be extremely expensive, so keep an eye on your plumbing and watch for the warning signs.