Luxury vinyl flooring has taken the home improvement market by storm. Its combination of beauty, durability, and affordability makes it a popular choice for kitchens, bathrooms, and other high-traffic areas.
But have you ever stopped to think: what is luxury vinyl flooring made of? Uncover the layers of luxury vinyl flooring with Frankful Flooring, your go-to for quality LVT and LVP in Sparks, NV.
What are the layers of luxury vinyl flooring?
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) or luxury vinyl tile (LVT) flooring mimics the look of hardwood or stone, but has a unique layered construction that makes it what it is. Here's a breakdown:
Wear layer
This top layer, often made of polyurethane, aluminum oxide, or a similar finish, protects against surface-level damage like scratches, scuffs, and fading. It's a key contributor to your floor's longevity.
Design layer
This layer holds the realistic photographic image that gives LVP its hardwood or stone-like appearance. The design layer is the visual magic behind the realistic imitation.
Two types of the core layer
The core of LVP is where things get interesting. Two main core-types exist:
- WPC (Wood Plastic Composite): This core blends wood dust or similar byproducts with PVC for a slightly softer feel and a bit of warmth.
- SPC (Stone Plastic Composite): A limestone-based core offers exceptional rigidity and is virtually waterproof. This core is known for its extreme durability.
Backing layer (optional):
The backing layer of luxury vinyl flooring plays a crucial role in the overall performance, stability, and comfort of the flooring product. Here are several key reasons why the backing layer is important:
Stability: The backing layer provides stability and dimensional stability to the luxury vinyl plank or tile. It helps to prevent the flooring from warping, cupping, or shifting over time, especially in environments with fluctuating temperature and humidity levels.
Moisture Resistance: Many luxury vinyl flooring products feature a waterproof backing layer that adds an extra layer of protection against moisture infiltration. This helps to prevent water damage, mold growth, and swelling, making luxury vinyl flooring suitable for use in areas prone to spills and moisture, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.
Sound Absorption: The backing layer of luxury vinyl flooring often includes sound-absorbing properties that help reduce noise transmission between floors and rooms. This can contribute to a quieter and more comfortable living environment, especially in multi-story homes or apartments.
Comfort Underfoot: The backing layer adds cushioning and comfort underfoot, making luxury vinyl flooring more comfortable to walk on compared to hard surfaces like tile or laminate. This can be particularly beneficial in areas where people stand for extended periods, such as kitchens or laundry rooms.
Subfloor Protection: The backing layer helps to protect the subfloor from damage by providing a cushioned barrier between the flooring and the underlying surface. This can help prolong the life of the subfloor and minimize the risk of cracks or unevenness over time.
Installation Ease: Certain types of luxury vinyl flooring feature backing layers that facilitate easy installation, such as click-lock or adhesive-backed products. This simplifies the installation process and may reduce the need for additional underlayment materials, saving time and labor costs.
Overall, the backing layer of luxury vinyl flooring plays a vital role in enhancing the performance, durability, and comfort of the flooring product. By providing stability, moisture resistance, sound absorption, and comfort underfoot, the backing layer contributes to a high-quality flooring solution that can withstand the demands of modern living.
The main ingredient: PVC
The backbone of luxury vinyl flooring is Polyvinyl Chloride – best known as PVC. PVC is a type of plastic widely used in construction, flooring, and many other products. Let's talk about its role:
- Durability: PVC brings remarkable durability. It's resistant to water, scratches, and dents.
- Versatility: The design layer can hold virtually any image, meaning the wood and stone looks possible are nearly endless.
- Affordability: Compared to natural stone and hardwood, PVC is a cost-effective material, making LVP more accessible.
Important considerations of luxury vinyl flooring construction
- Thickness: Thicker wear layers generally mean a longer lifespan for your LVP.
- Installation: LVP is DIY-friendly thanks to click-lock systems. However, professional installation ensures proper subfloor preparation, which is crucial to avoiding issues down the road.
- VOCs: Some older vinyl flooring types could release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the indoor air. Modern LVP often holds certifications like FloorScore indicating low VOC emissions, making them safer for indoor use.
Luxury vinyl flooring FAQs
Is luxury vinyl flooring waterproof?
Yes, many luxury vinyl flooring products are waterproof or highly water-resistant, thanks to their synthetic construction and protective wear layers. Waterproof LVF is an excellent choice for areas prone to moisture, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and basements, as it can withstand spills, splashes, and humidity without warping or damage. However, it's essential to check the product specifications to ensure that the LVF you choose is suitable for your specific application.
How durable is luxury vinyl flooring?
Luxury vinyl flooring is known for its durability and resilience, making it suitable for both residential and commercial applications. LVF is resistant to scratches, stains, dents, and fading, making it an excellent choice for high-traffic areas and active households. The durability of LVF depends on factors such as the wear layer thickness, construction quality, and maintenance practices. Higher-quality LVF with thicker wear layers typically offers greater durability and longevity.
Can luxury vinyl flooring be installed over existing flooring?
In many cases, luxury vinyl flooring can be installed directly over existing flooring materials, such as tile, hardwood, laminate, or vinyl, as long as the surface is clean, flat, and structurally sound. This can save time and labor during the installation process, as there's no need to remove the existing flooring. However, it's essential to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for subfloor preparation and installation to ensure a stable and long-lasting result. In some cases, additional underlayment or floor preparation may be necessary to achieve optimal results.
Frankful Flooring: your go-to luxury vinyl flooring experts
Are you considering luxury vinyl flooring for your home? Visit or call Frankful Flooring in Sparks, NV. We proudly serve Sparks, NV, Reno, NV, Incline Village, NV, Verdi, NV, and Carson City, NV. Our experts will guide you through our wide selection of LVP from the best brands. Let's transform your floors!
