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The vinyl flooring buying guide
It can be enough to make you dizzy. There’s standard sheet vinyl flooring, as well as luxury versions like LVP and LVT. But don’t worry, we’ll help you find the perfect one for you!
WCW Carpet Warehouse who, for over 30 years, has been the premier full-service flooring warehouse in Vermont and adjacent states, carries a full product line for both residential and commercial use. The vinyl versions all look pretty much the same, but they have varying thicknesses and layers. The decision will ultimately be about your wants and needs.
WCW Carpet Warehouse who, for over 30 years, has been the premier full-service flooring warehouse in Vermont and adjacent states, carries a full product line for both residential and commercial use. The vinyl versions all look pretty much the same, but they have varying thicknesses and layers. The decision will ultimately be about your wants and needs.
The different types of vinyl
Standard sheet vinyl comes mostly in rolls, but it's sometimes also available as composite tiles. When introduced to the US market decades ago it was highly praised for its affordability and functional properties, evolving also into a highly decorative product.
Luxury vinyl flooring (LVF) is a newer, more advanced version of the standard sheet. It is thicker and more durable. It also has more design options and comes in two common constructions.
Luxury vinyl flooring (LVF) is a newer, more advanced version of the standard sheet. It is thicker and more durable. It also has more design options and comes in two common constructions.
- Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) is cut into boards to mimic hardwood planks or quarried stone.
- Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) is cut into groutable, square tile-sized pieces. Many feel extra seams add realism.
The technical side of vinyl
- Image layer - Vinyl is a realistic mimic of wood, tile, and stone. There's an almost unlimited number of colors, patterns, and designs. Today, many images are taken with 3D photography, making them clear, vibrant, and accurate. Embossing adds depth, dimension, and textured appearances. You should be able to see knots, grains, and color/veining variations.
- Vinyl and wear layer thickness - The thicker, the sturdier. The vinyl itself usually ranges from two mm to eight mm. The wear layer measures around 6, 12, or 20 mils.
- Cores - The core affects waterproofing and stability. If you want the highest level of protection, consider opting for the WPC or SPC core. SPC is also more rigid, feeling more like hardwood.
- Installation technique - LVF is most often associated with a floating floor/loose lay. Pieces click together and then hover over an existing subfloor. without adhesives or staples. Composite tiles have a peel and stick adhesive backing or can be glued.
