What To Look For When Buying Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring

Luxury vinyl flooring has quickly become one of the most popular flooring choices for modern homes, rental properties, and commercial interiors—and it’s easy to see why. This innovative flooring solution is not only waterproof and highly durable, but also flexible and comfortable underfoot. Thanks to today’s advanced printing and manufacturing technology, luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring is available in an impressive range of high-definition styles, including realistic wood-look planks and natural stone finishes that rival traditional materials in both appearance and texture.

But as with any design choice, not all vinyl plank flooring is created equal. From core construction to wear layers and finish details, the quality and performance of LVP can vary widely between products. That’s why it’s important to understand the differences before you buy. With so many options on the market, having a clear guide to choosing the best luxury vinyl flooring for your space ensures your investment looks great and lasts for years to come.

Standard Vinyl Flooring vs. Luxury Vinyl Planks: What’s the Difference?

While both standard vinyl flooring and luxury vinyl planks (LVP) fall under the vinyl flooring category, they differ significantly in construction, appearance, and performance. Traditional vinyl flooring has been around for decades, often found in sheet or tile form. It's known for being budget-friendly and available in a wide range of colors and basic patterns. However, it typically has a thinner profile, a lower wear layer, and a less realistic appearance compared to modern luxury vinyl options.

Luxury vinyl plank flooring, on the other hand, is a major upgrade in both design and durability. LVP is made from multiple layers, including a rigid or semi-rigid core and a thick wear layer that provides enhanced resistance to scratches, stains, and everyday wear and tear. This makes it a better fit for high-traffic areas, homes with pets, or spaces where water resistance is essential, like kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.

In terms of aesthetics, LVP outshines standard vinyl flooring by offering hyper-realistic designs that closely mimic natural hardwood, stone, and even ceramic tile. Advanced printing technologies allow for deeper textures, richer color variation, and more detailed grain patterns. Many luxury vinyl planks even include embossed or hand-scraped textures, making them nearly indistinguishable from the real materials they replicate.

When deciding between standard vinyl and LVP, consider the long-term benefits of luxury vinyl plank flooring, particularly in terms of durability, visual appeal, and overall value. As a design choice, LVP offers a premium look and feel without the high cost or maintenance of other types of flooring, such as natural wood or stone.

Types of Applied Finish

LVP comes with various finish types, which are coatings applied on top of the wear layer. These finishes protect the wear layer, add shine, and improve the color and pattern. There are three types of finishes available.

• No-wax finishes are best for areas with a low amount of foot traffic or exposure to dirt.
• Urethane finishes are appropriate for the average amount of foot traffic and activity. They are resistant to scratches and scuffs from shoes. They make vinyl flooring care and maintenance a breeze.
• Enhanced urethane finishes are the top-tier option, delivering a durable high-gloss appearance that endures longer than other finishes. They are ideal for high-traffic areas, such as commercial spaces, providing superior protection against scratches, stains, wear, and various damages.

Surface Texture

XL Cyrus Akadia Luxury Vinyl Planks

Many types of luxury vinyl plank flooring have a textured surface. The texture contributes to the authenticity of the premium surface it is re-creating, such as wood. A wood-look vinyl plank will have a wood-grain texture, which makes it look much more believable than a plain, flat surface. Textured surfaces also provide a degree of slip-resistance, which is so important in areas such as bathrooms.

Wear Layer Thickness

The wear layer thickness is a key factor. It is the thickest layer in LVP flooring and accounts for most of its cost. LVP comes in various wear layer thicknesses, from 4 mil to 40 mil, equivalent to 0.1 to 1 millimeter. Generally, a thicker wear layer indicates higher quality and increased durability, leading to a longer-lasting floor.

Pay attention to the manufacturer’s recommendations for the wear layer. As a rule of thumb, 8 mil is a good choice for a residential area with moderate traffic. For commercial use, a wear layer with a minimum thickness of 20 mil is recommended.

Waterproof Flooring Solutions

Avery Ash Hybrid Rigid Core Flooring

LVP is waterproof, which is one of the greatest benefits of luxury vinyl flooring. Liquid won’t penetrate the surface and damage the flooring, although it could potentially leak between cracks. A waterproof underlayment can solve that problem. If your home tends to have trouble with excess humidity, luxury vinyl plank flooring is a great flooring solution for every room in your house.

Underlayment

Underlayment is not always necessary. One of the benefits of LVP is that it can be installed directly over the subfloor because it has some type of underlayment built in. However, there are situations where an underlayment is preferable. It helps to reduce room noises, can improve its waterproof properties, and decreases the “popping” sound that occurs when the LVP is installed on an uneven subfloor or one that has not been cleared of debris.

Glue-Down vs. Floating LVP Flooring

Wilmot Twilight Oak Luxury Vinyl Planks

LVP flooring is available in two types, glue-down and floating. Both types of flooring have many of the same advantages. They are 100% waterproof, are available in many different colors and patterns that emulate natural stone or wood, and are easy to maintain. So, how do you decide when to use each?

Floating vinyl flooring, also known as Rigid Core LVP, doesn't require adhesive. Instead, it features a locking system that allows each piece to snap into a groove on the next, making installation straightforward. This type of flooring is a popular DIY choice because it installs quickly and provides better noise absorption than glue-down planks. Additionally, it's suitable for uneven subfloors since it requires minimal prep work. However, since it isn't glued to the subfloor, it can be damaged by moving furniture or heavy foot traffic.

Glue-Down LVP flooring is permanently attached to the subfloor with an adhesive. Because of this, the subfloor must be perfectly level and free of debris, making installation more complicated. It generally withstands heavy foot traffic better, which is why it’s a popular choice for commercial flooring.You can find many different sizes, shapes, textures, patterns, and colors available. While this might seem to offer endless options, you can narrow it down by considering your needs and preferences. Whatever you choose, your LVP floor will be beautiful, durable, and easy to maintain for many years.

You can find many different sizes, shapes, textures, patterns, and colors on the market. While this may seem to present an endless array of choices, when you consider your own needs and preferences, you’ll be able to narrow it down a bit. No matter what you choose, your LVP floor is going to be beautiful, durable, and easy-care for many years.

One of the reasons luxury vinyl flooring is so popular is that it can be installed in nearly any indoor space, regardless of what's already on the floors. You could get started today and be done in just a few days – and with professional, polished results. If that sounds attractive to you, read Luxury Vinyl installation best practices for optimal results.

Check out this luxury vinyl flooring pricing guide to learn more about costs. And here are some options on where to buy Luxury Vinyl Planks. And for personalized assistance, chat with us online now, contact an MSI authorized retailer, or visit an MSI showroom.

More on Vinyl Flooring

MSI’s Luxury Vinyl Plank Series
What's A Wear Layer and Why This Vinyl Flooring Feature Matters Most
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5 Reasons to Use Luxury Vinyl Flooring