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The Pros and Cons of Vinyl Plank Flooring
Vinyl plank flooring is one of the most popular flooring choices for busy households, offices, cafes and commercial applications. There are many pros to vinyl flooring, one being it has 100% waterproof surface, but there are also a few cons you may want to consider depending on your needs.
Below is a list of the most important pros and cons of vinyl plank flooring that may help you in your buying decision.
|
Pros |
Cons |
| 100% Moisture Resistant | Difficult to remove if glued down |
| Commercial Grade Wear Layer | Can be punctured with very sharp objects |
| WPC, SPC and Rigid Core Constructions | Some vinyls can dent with heavy objects on top of them |
| Antistatic | Not biodegradable |
| Can be used on cement, granite, tile, laminate and other flat subfloors | Can show fading and discoloration with excessive UV exposure |
| DIY Installation – click lock, glue down or loose lay | |
| Variety of decor options – wood, stone, cement, etc. | |
| Low maintenance & easy to clean | |
| Options for any budget |
The Pros of Vinyl Flooring
The biggest advantage of vinyl plank flooring is the fact that it is 100% water resistant. This means surface water and spills won’t affect the flooring. This makes it the ideal flooring solution for spaces such as basements, kitchens, bathrooms, restaurants and cafes. It is a great option for those with pets that worry about accidents.
In addition, vinyl plank flooring is very durable with commercial grade wear layers that can withstand heavy traffic. Larger commercial spaces can benefit from a glue down vinyl installation.
Many businesses and households love that vinyl is durable and easy to maintain. Regular sweeping and weekly mopping is all you need to keep your floors looking great.
With advances in vinyl plank flooring, you can find vinyl floors with rigid core construction, making them more dimensionally stable and sturdy. In today’s market, you have many options when it comes to vinyl flooring. You can find vinyl plank flooring with attached underlayment, thicknesses up to 8mm or more and hand scraped textures.
Vinyl flooring can be installed on nearly any subfloor, with the thicker floors being forgiving to imperfect subfloors. Luxury vinyl plank flooring has a DIY installation with either a click lock, glue down or loose lay installation method.
The affordability, durability and appearance makes vinyl plank flooring a great option for busy spaces without the price tag of real wood or tile!
The Cons of Vinyl Flooring
As with any product, there are disadvantages associated with vinyl plank flooring. If you choose to glue down your vinyl plank flooring, the removal process is known to be very difficult. If you are installing vinyl as a temporary solution, it is recommended that you avoid glue to make the removal as easy as possible. However, if you have a large, open space, a glue down vinyl will be the best for your project.
Vinyl plank flooring is very durable, however it is a softer material than most laminates, hardwoods and tiles. Vinyl flooring can be punctured easily with very sharp objects, such as dropping a kitchen knife or sliding a metal leg chair on top of the vinyl. Along with punctures, vinyls without a rigid core can show signs of denting with heavy objects on top.
A vinyl plank flooring also has a different top coat than a laminate. This top coat is not UV resistant and can show signs of fading or discoloration over time. If you plan to put vinyl in a sunroom or heavily sunlit room, it is recommended to limit sunlight during the day.
For environmentally conscious consumers, vinyl plank flooring is not biodegradable and can be very difficult to recycle. There are a few programs that will recycle your vinyl flooring, but they are not easy to find.
Comparing Vinyl Flooring Types
This list of pros and cons are a general overview of vinyl plank flooring. If you want to dive deeper into which type of vinyl will be best for your project, you will want to learn more about each type of vinyl flooring.
After you learn about each type of vinyl flooring, you can compare the pros and cons to find out which option will be best for your project!
Comparing Vinyl and Other Floors
With so many flooring options on the market, we know it can be hard to narrow down the search for your perfect floor. If you’re still trying to decide if vinyl is right for you, or you’re stuck between different types of floors, it can be helpful to compare the advantages and disadvantages. Click the link below to compare vinyl with other floors on the market.
Have more questions about vinyl flooring? Drop them below!
Hi there! Vinyl flooring has evolved tremendously in the last several years. The durability of vinyl can withstand busy homes with children and pets! It is also 100% waterproof. When looking for flooring options, pay close attention to the wear layer. The higher the wear layer, the more durable and scratch-proof the flooring is! We are confident that vinyl flooring would be an excellent choice in your home.
I was thinking of choosing this as flooring for our new home, but when I read that it can get scratched easily, I’m not sure about it anymore. With kids running around all day with their fists full of questionable things, the flooring might not survive in a year.
Thanks for sharing this Amazing article. Your Pros & Cons were accurate.
Thanks for sharing! Very informative and detailed.
Hi Rick. Even though you are able to install vinyl on top of cement and plywood subfloors, you do need to make sure that whatever subfloor you have is flat and even. If there are imperfections like divots or unevenness in the subfloor, it may present problems later.
I didn’t know that you can install vinyl flooring on just about any subfloor. I was worried that I would get some vinyl and I couldn’t use it. However, I think I’ll make sure that my subfloor can support it.
Hi Rick. Despite the thick layer or epoxy, we would still recommend using a vapor barrier, like Visqueen. Your other option can be installing a vinyl plank that has a rubber backing, as that will have a vapor barrier included.
Our basement floor was coated with a thick layer of epoxy — applied by the prior owner. (I know it is thick, because I am grinding it off in the future bathroom area to allow porcelain tile to be held down with thinset, LOL.) I plan on installing about 1200 square feet of vinyl plank in the rest of our newly finished basement. Will the epoxy act as a vapor barrier under the vinyl? Or do I need to put down something else? Any opinion of whether a cork or rubber backing on the vinyl planks is better?
Great blog and info!
Thank you!
A very good blog with a lot of great information! Thank you!
Hi Tammie! Vinyl floors are perfect for kid proofing and pet proofing your home because they are waterproof and scratch resistant.
It’s good to hear that, unlike the materials that vinyl floors attempt to imitate it’s much sturdier and resistant to moisture damage and the like. I’m remodeling my home since we have a kid coming soon and I don’t think the current hardwood flooring we have could survive a kid’s crayons or constant peeing. I’ll be sure to look for vinyl flooring installers near us so that we can babyproof our floors for when the baby comes.
Personally, I love vinyl flooring. Thanks for writing the pros and cons of vinyl flooring. To me, it has pros and pros.
Hi Cynthia, We have a lot of options for transition pieces. To know what piece you need, it will depend on the height difference of your hardwood to vinyl and what color you would like to match to. Our live sale reps are happy to help (Mon-Fri 8am-5pm). You can chat Here!
Are there any transition strips for vinyl to oak hardwood that come in various colors? The plain aluminum strip detracts from the decor.
Thanks Aaron!
It was a nice blog with full pros and cons as I am also a wooden flooring expert. I love this blog!
Yes, you are right. We never recommend using vinyl plank in high traffic areas like hospitals. We’d recommend using a glued down product.
It’s great that you explained that the biggest advantage of vinyl flooring is that it is 100% water-resistant. Having a floor that is completely water-resistant means that you won’t have to worry about things like mold and mildew in your kitchen. No mold or mildew means that you won’t have to worry about your family getting sick.
When using luxury wood-like vinyl planks, don’t use them on floors where heavy traffic will ensue, like hospital floors where they cart their cleaning supplies and medical carts over. They WILL dent in the end.
Thanks for sharing! Very informative and detailed.
Hi Dawn, You would have to check with the manufacturer of that product. Unfortunately we are not familiar with it.
We have Golden Select rigid core engineered spc vinyl planks in our kitchen and where our stove will be located. We have purchased a KitchenAid gas convection oven with baking drawer and it states that the flooring needs to be able to withstand 200° F. Is this flooring suitable for this application. If not then what are the options to make the flooring heat proof, without raising the height of the appliance. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Hello David! Vinyl flooring is an excellent choice in any home. Vinyl is 100% waterproof so you would be able to use vinyl in the bathroom area. (We don’t recommend installing vinyl in then shower/tub area.)
We are going to change the flooring system in our older home. So, we thought to make some different and looking pretty flooring. What about a vinyl floor? Vinyl flooring is 100% water resistant? Can we use the same floor for our shower?
We are happy to help!
Very informative, thank you.
Wonderful! This has been a really informative post. Thank you for sharing this information. looking forward to more posts.
We agree!
Vinyl is good for office and home it makes a place clean and fresh. This is best for flooring and easy to clean and maintain.
Hi Taylor! Armstrong Rigid Core SPC flooring can be used in a living room or kitchen area. Yes, WPC is going to be softer on the floor than an SPC core would be. Depending on which material you are looking at, an underlayment may be used to help with the softness of the material. Our team is always here to answer your flooring questions. Browse and Chat here!
We are considering Armstrong Rigid Core SPC in our living room and kitchen. Everything I’ve read says it’s not as soft or comfortable as WPC. Is this true? Will we notice a huge difference in comfortable
ty.
Hi Zoe! Vinyl floors are very easy to maintain and are typically very durable with kids and pets. We do not recommend installing vinyl over carpet, as it would have too much cushion under the vinyl floor and would eventually cause separation. By pulling up the carpet and preparing your subfloor, you would easily be able to install the vinyl yourselves.
My favorite part of the article is where you mentioned that vinyl is easy to maintain compared to other flooring materials. I’m really busy with the kids and I don’t have enough time to spend long hours cleaning our carpet flooring. Maybe I should consult an expert and see if we can install vinyl planks easily over it.
Hi Marlene, thanks for the question. The spots are on top of your flooring? It’s hard to say what could be causing this without seeing it, but it could also be the humidity within your room with higher temps. During the winter, your home is usually dry. Maybe look into a dehumidifier or running an air system.
We used a vapor barrier when installing our flooring last Fall , now that the temps are increasing , we are noticing random spots of , I don’t know , it’s almost like the floor is sweating .. small beads of moisture .. the floor is installed on a concrete pad (no basement in our house) … which is why we used the barrier .. but is this the problem? It never did this all winter long.
Hi Nazar, thanks for the question. Is this an interior ramp? Vinyl flooring should only be used inside. Usually when a floor is talking about a slope, it is regards to the subfloor. If it is sloping, then it needs to be leveled. For click vinyl, I’m thinking this won’t be your best option for a ramp, as you will need a transition piece at the ends, so it will not have a smooth transition from ramp to floor. I would look into maybe a sheet vinyl for this type of application. I hope this helps!
Thanks!
Excellent explanation. Anyone can easily comprehend since it’s simple & focused. Keep up the great work!
Is SPC flooring ok to use when installing an ADA compliant ramp? I read one manufacturer’s site that said it should not slope more than 1 in. per 6 ft. (ADA allows up to 1 in. of slope per foot).
Hi Zac, thanks for the question. Fist and foremost, this application will void the warranty, so just keep that in mind. I would recommend going with a glue down vinyl. This should stay in place and have limited movement with the temperature change. If you can find a rigid core construction that is glue down, even better.
Thanks Alamo!
Hello Friend, I apologize if this has been covered, there is a LOT of information here!
I need to add flooring to my solarium/greenhouse which experiences huge temperature fluctuations during the day (can be 20 degrees in the early morning and 130 in the afternoon, it heats our house during the day). I like the idea of the Vinal Plank flooring (being waterproof is a huge bonus) and while obviously this is not the ideal setting for any flooring, what are your thoughts about its suitability?
Nice Article. Thank you for sharing.
Great! You can order free samples online at bestlaminate.com
Thank you for pointing out that one of the benefits of vinyl plank flooring is that it is absolutely water-resistant and therefore, makes an ideal flooring for kitchens and bathrooms. My wife and I are planning to redo our kitchen. And after reading how durable vinyl flooring is against water, I will propose the idea to my wife.
Thank you for pointing out the pros and cons of vinyl flooring. This will give idea to future homeowners about vinyl plank floorings.
Definitely! Vinyl is a great option for kitchens.
Hi Suny, thanks for the question. We don’t recommend using vinegar with vinyl. I would opt for a pH neutral cleaner made for vinyl flooring.
I had no idea that vinyl flooring was so water-resistant and that spills won’t affect the floor. My husband and I are making some changes to our kitchen and are trying to choose which flooring we should have. I think we should look into residential vinyl flooring since our kids are prone to spill frequently.
How can vinyl plank flooring be disinfected? Also is vinegar and water enough to clean it?
Hi Rosetta, if you do not want a click floating vinyl, your other option is a glue down. With proper installation, however, you shouldn’t feel a hollow or clicking sound with a floating vinyl.
Sorry to hear about this, Rosetta! Vinyl flooring is a great waterproof option that is anti-slip, if you want to replace your current floors!
Hi Rosetta, thanks for the comment! I will revise and update the post.
Hi Myrna, thanks for the question. For a wheelchair, I would recommend going with an SPC or WPC plank that is engineered to be extremely stable and durable.
I feel this will happen to my renovation project happening at the cottage in Spring. My husband phoned the person who hires the contractor and is happy that he got the reply; of course we will put flooring in before installing the new cabinets. In this day & age, I doubt if they’re heavy with what they’re made of now-a-days, it will be from Cabinet-Smith. My husband is upset that the contractor visited the cottage and said the vinyl-wood flooring would go around the Napoleon fireplace and not under. The contractor said; no need to take-apart the fireplace & it’s stone in front, go around it–it is in the middle of the room, not against a wall as most usually are, by the way. We too are “gutting-out” the whole cottage kitchen, from ceiling to walls to floors. I don’t want the laminate flooring like I have in the mud room, it’s a funny-floating feeling and when I turn the corner, I feel like I am dipping-down; everyone says it’s where the original cottage flooring, meets up with the new mud room extension. I have pets and you can hear them clicking on the floors, I hope the vinyl-wood flooring won’t be clicking.
If you scroll on up, you made the same comment but then were told that your 1-800 # said it was okay and you said it was okay to use rubber-backing. You should update the reply on here, as well.
I have ceramic tile in my kitchen & hallway and main floor 02-piece bathroom (small) and hardwood plank flooring with the finish already applied before installation, for the livingroom/diningroom. I have the whole living-room used for aquariums and accidents happen a lot with water spills, I keep a mop nearby at all times. Sometimes, it’s so bad that the water drips around the hardwood floor to the unfinished (luckily unfinished, or we’d never know and have mold in a finished room) basement. After seeing what the ceramic can do if one tiny drop of water is on it, I am glad I did not put ceramic in the living room, now. I am sorry now my husband had us get ceramic, we’re getting older now and have always had pets so we clean-up the mud, etc. a lot. Nobody here, person or animal, wipes their feet coming in and have fallen many times coming in the front door and back door because carpets’ grips don’t hold well with ceramic. Yes you are correct in saying moisture cannot penetrate ceramic but that’s it’s downfall as well as mine; ceramics = falling a lot.
Is there a type of LVT plank that will hold up under the use of a wheelchair? I have heard that you cannot use a wheelchair on it.
Hi Lynne, thanks for the question. A WPC or SPC vinyl will have the least likelihood of movement with weather due to the engineered cores, however, there is also a small probability it could. Keep in mind that most warranties will be voided if you install in a non-temperature regulated space.
In unheated mobile home in Wisconsin freezing weather. Will plank vinyl buckle? Floating vinyl planks? What material do you recommend?
Hi Carlo, thanks for the question. A glue down vinyl or a floating rigid core vinyl will be your best option. This will have the least likelyhood of moving with temperature changes. Just keep in mind that vinyl can always move and putting it in a non-temperature regulated space will void any warranty. If you want a budget option, a sheet vinyl could also work, but doesn’t have the best look compared to other vinyls.
WE HAVE A CAMP THAT WILL NOT BE HEATED OR COOLED DURING THE WINTER MONTHS. WE ARE TRYING FIGURE OUT WHAT TYPE OF FLOOR WOULD BE GOOD. wE HAVE RECEIVED A NUMBER OF ANSWERS, TYPES OF FLOORING, BUT NOTHING THA SEEMS DEFINITE AND POINTING TO A SOLUTION. cAN YOU GIVE US AN IDEA WHAT MAY BE GOOD? AS A COST FACTOR I WAS CONSIDERING VINYL TILES OR FLOORING JUST TO SAVE A FEW DOLLARS,
tHANKS
Hi Patty, great question! Yes, you can either add underlayment beneath the flooring or find a vinyl that has attached padding. It makes a pretty big difference! Also, a thicker vinyl or a rigid core will give you that more solid feel.
Hi, we are in the process of building a new home and my husband wants to use vinyl planks on the entire main floor. My biggest concern is that we currently have the vinyl planks in our master bath and it feels like I’m walking on concrete, not exactly the feel I want for our main floor. My question is: is there a way to make it feel more “cushiony” or like real wood? Is the cushion padding to put under the vinyl planks?
Hi Rob, you can install the COREtec over the tiles as long as they are level and in good shape. If you’re worried about potential moisture, use a vapor barrier film over the tile before installation to prevent any damage to the vinyl.
Got a couple quotes for basement. I removed some carpet and there are old tiles on the basement floor.
One quote made no mention, but the other said they do recommend the tile be removed, as well, before laying the LVP. Otherwise over several years the (Coretech Plus) LVP’s may tray trap moisture and result the tiles degrading and coming apart and causing issues. They are quoting both with and without the tile being removed. I suppose it may be better safe than sorry..
Hi Ashley, thanks for the question. Water will not typically get under the planks. The few ways it can is not properly installing the planks leading up to a door or if there happens to be an appliance leak. In those cases, you can simply uninstall the vinyl, dry it out, let the subfloor dry and reinstall the planks.
Does water get under the planks? Also I have dogs that have accidents (pee) frequently, will the pee get under the planks?
Hi Jim thanks for the question. Vinyl is known to fade when it is exposed to sunlight, which sounds like that’s happening in your sunroom. I don’t know of any products made to fix this. There are some products made to restore shine, but I am not sure about discoloration. The best bet would be to use rugs and limit the direct sunlight to your floors.
I Have a maple colored final plank flooring in the sunroom by the door and it’s fading in various areas but not a whole lot I was wondering if there’s a product Made that can fix the fading
They’re a great option for kids and pets!
Wow, I had no clue that vinyl flooring is 100% resistant to water. My kids love to spill and dump water and other liquids all over the floors. I’ve been looking for ways waterproof my floors but maybe I’ll just to switch them out for vinyl flooring.
Hi Michael, thanks for the question. Vinyl can feel soft when exposed to direct sunlight or high heat. The best way to eliminate that risk is to use blinds and have a consistent temperature in your home. Most homes will not experience issues like this, unless you are in a very sunny and hot climate. If you do a floating, click vinyl floor, it will be easier to replace. A glue down becomes a little harder.
I have seen vinyl plank and really like the look. But in one of the showrooms, I have seen it in during the hottest time of day and the plank seems to be really spongy. How could I eliminate that? If it was glued down will that help? Second question if one of the planks is ruined is it easily to be remove and replace or do we have to replace the whole area?
Hi Ashley, if your glued down sheet vinyl is in good shape and level, you can install right over it. A flat, clean and level subfloor is a very important step in the installation.
I am thinking about putting luxury vinyl plank in my kitchen. Right now I have sheet vinyl down. Would it be best to just lay the LVP on top of the sheet vinyl or should I remove the sheet vinyl?
Hi Jenny, that is a very valid concern! Most vinyl flooring has a square edge, and when properly installed, it should be very tight and hard for any type of liquid to get into the plank. Also, vinyl is a synthetic material, so it will not absorb the moisture. Vinyl is a very good choice for pets!
Hi Jayme, yes it can! A typical vinyl can get soft if heated extensively, so keep that in mind! I’d recommend going with an SPC vinyl that will be very strong and resilient against any temperature changes.
hi, we are looking to install the click vinyl flooring in our kitchen as it a cold room and we have ceramic tiles at the minute but we have recently got a new puppy that has accidents every so often while we are out. With our current ceramic tiles it’s not a issue as it doesn’t have any joints to seep into but im worried that it would seep into the joints on the vinyl and left it or hold urine smell.
do you think the vinyl would be an option for us?
many thanks
Hello,
Can vinyl flooring go right up to a fireplace?
Thanks
Hi Dale, thanks for your question. Vinyl flooring does contain VOC’s, but quality products are regulated and tested for safe air quality standards. It should have a FloorScore certification that will signify it having a very, very low amount of VOCs and safe for indoor air quality.
Will vinyl footing put off toxin fumes
Hey Kristen, Here’s the link to the blog post. Thanks for the question. Sorry for the delay. My comments keep getting deleted for some reason.
https://www.reallycheapfloors.com/blog/what-is-luxury-vinyl-plank-flooring/
Hello! Thanks for the question. If you go with a laminate or vinyl product, it will be made of composite and some synthetic materials. You will only get a natural product if you go with a hardwood or stone tile. Laminate’s are very safe and you can walk on them with barefeet. The industry is regulated by the government and private testing facilities that will test for VOC’s for a safe level. For a USA made product, we’d recommend looking into Quick-Step. You can shop their options here: https://www.bestlaminate.com/search-by-brand/quick-step/. If you have any more questions, feel free to give us a call at 800-520-0961.
We are looking at a top grade laminate made in YSA. It does not use Composite and is made in USA is it safe to walk on with bare feet? Since notca natural stone or wood? VOC’s?
Great Kate!
I never knew that vinyl flooring was water-resistant. My sister is wanting to get new flooring for her home. I’ll make sure to pass this information along to her so she can know the benefits of vinyl flooring.
Hey Kristen,
Thanks for the reply. I’ll drop a link below to the blog I found that explained it in the most detail. It’s called Really Cheap Floor. It’s a bit of a ridiculous name but the post seemed to be well written and is in plain English. The author even cracks jokes throughout the blog. I think it compliments this particular blog very well and they are both great ones to learn about LVP. Definitely check out the link Alana gave to obtain some free samples. ER is pretty neat to see once you get your hands on a piece.
My mom needs to find a good floor material for her facility. I’m impressed that vinyl planks are resistant to heavy traffic and it’s also easy to maintain. She will love the idea of vinyl plank since they come in different colors.
Hi Neha, yes! It is completely fine to install on a concrete. If you want extra cushion under your foot or to add some thermal properties, you can opt for an underlayment if your floor is over 4mm thick.
Hi Kris, thanks for the question. Yes, a vinyl can withstand the weight of a pool table. I would recommend going with at least a 4mm engineered vinyl – look for SPC or WPC. These floors have an engineered core for stability. These floors are pretty tough! You can order free samples here: https://www.bestlaminate.com/vinyl-plank-flooring/search-by-construction/wpc/; https://www.bestlaminate.com/vinyl-plank-flooring/search-by-construction/spc/
Hi,
we are going to install vinyl floor on living room and master bedroom on the concrete floor. is it good to install vinyl flooring on a concrete.
I would like to replace our carpeting in the basement with VFP but I’m wondering if it can withstand the weight of a pool table. If so what would you recommend as the minimum thickness?
Hi Kristen! EIR is an amazing look and the vinyl looks extremely realistic. You can take a look at the floors that have synchronized and EIR texture here: https://www.bestlaminate.com/vinyl-plank-flooring/search-by-texture/synchronized-texture/. You can order free samples and check them out for yourself at home.
Hey Daniel,
I’m also a fan of the reclaimed wood look. I’m interested in learning more about LVP in particular and was wondering where you were able to find to information about the Embossed in Register Technique you mentioned. I think a half a dollar per board isn’t a bad price at all to pay for the additions. Any information you can provide would be helpful, thanks!
Hi Kim, thanks for the question. Usually we see laminates used on the wall, but vinyl is also possible. You could either use a vinyl specific for glue-down, or you can opt for a floating version and glue or nail it to the wall as well.
Hi, in a few weeks we’re helping my parents with their basement remodeling as a gift for their 54th wedding anniversary. We’re planning on going with vinyl flooring mainly because of the waterproofing feature and vapor barrier. I’ve read some places about vinyl planks for walls and most of them are peel and stick. Are there other vinyl wall plank options that would be great for basements due to the humidity and potential for mold?
Hi Keegan, I tried to send you an email but it came back to me. Is [email protected] a correct address?
You’re correct, Daniel! Thanks for sharing. We will be sure to update our article to include this new technology.
Hi Sandra, I am sorry for the mis-information. I reached out to one of our manufacturers to double check and rubber is OK for vinyl flooring. The best rule of thumb is to check with the manufacturer suggestions, always!
Hi Keegan, no problem! I will send you an email with my thoughts.
One other thing is that the texture options available for LVP have come a very long way with the Embossed-in-Register technique. Normally, basic LVP is completely smooth, regardless of what you see from the photo layer. With this technique though, every grain is embossed into the texture of the board. You can rub your hand along the surface and feel every bit of it! This is especially true if there are knots in the texture. It will be completely embossed into the plank. This is a great option for folks who, like me, are huge fans of the barn, rustic, cabin, or reclaimed wood look, but you want it at a much cheaper option. Typically, the premium for embossed techniques is another$.40 to $.50 extra. Definitely a nice option to know about.
Hello! I hope you’re well. I’m writing because I called a widely commercialized company for floors several months ago. The sales person strongly talked me into getting their “Luzury Vinyl Planks”. I was then told she needed to know right away. I know, red flag, but I was making this major decision on my own. I got most of my house done (over $10,000). The vinyl is very thin, like a thin vinyl sheet cut into planks, and I had trouble with one of the three types I chose. It bubbled and separated in many places. They did replace some of that kind of plank although they said it was my fault because the house temperature must fluctuate too much, even though I insisted it doesn’t. It seems to be happening with that same type of plank again. They say my warranty is up and the temperature thing nullifies it too. They didn’t use any adhesive, but I’ve read that it’s very difficult to remove it if you do anyway. My questions are – should the “LVP”s be so thin, do you know anything about its durability, and, maybe most importantly, do you think I got ripped off? I haven’t had trouble with the other two “planks”, except for a minor separation on one. Can you please respond to my email once you’ve answered this? I can never seem to find these things again. Thank you VERY much!
After I asked my question in here I found an 800 number on this site and asked the same question and I was told that rubber backed rugs are ok on vinyl plank flooring. Now I’m confused.
Hi Sandra, thanks for the question. Rubber mats can discolor vinyl, so we recommend using mats with natural backings vs rubber.
I am considering installing vinyl plank wood look flooring in my home. Can I put rubber backed area rugs on them?
Hi Patti, thanks for the question! Vinyl is a wonderful option for your home, considering it is waterproof and durable. All of our products meet FloorScore certifications for safety and air quality. Some vinyls, especially WPC or SPC types, will have an attached pad already. This adds cushion and is a nice addition to the floors. I’d recommend checking out these brands: https://www.bestlaminate.com/search-by-brand/bestlaminate/vinyl/ and https://www.bestlaminate.com/search-by-brand/coretec/. You can browse and order samples of most of these floors! Feel free to give us a call at 800-520-0961 if you need some more help!
Hi, I just purchased a home and will be remodeling it. I am considering using the vinyl plank flooring throughout the entire house except bathrooms. I am told it has no formaldehyde in it and it does not produce off gassing of VOC’s. Can you verify this and which products to use. Also would you recommend putting an extra pad for added softness even though their is a rubber pad attached?
Thanks for any help you can give.
Patti
Hi CL, thanks for the question. I would recommend the COREtec brand of WPC vinyls or our private label Bestlaminate SPC vinyls with attached underlayment. These will give you a cushioned feel, with sound proofing and a waterproof solution. You can look at the options here and order free samples: COREtec: https://www.bestlaminate.com/search-by-brand/coretec/; Bestlaminate: https://www.bestlaminate.com/search-by-brand/bestlaminate/vinyl/
We are considering renovating the top unit ( third floor) of a 3 stories rental to new flooring in living room, dinning, bedroom, hallway and 15 stairways. It is over 100 years old building and, the unit is about 900 sq ft. It is wood building and wood flooring with current wall to wall carpet which we constantly have to due with tenant pet’s stain and urine odor. Our major concern is also sound proof since it is on the third floor. What type of flooring (Vinyl + underlayment ) would you recommend that is sound proof effect like carpet, and yet durable , waterproof (also stain/urine odor proof) Or should we go back to carpet ? Much appreciated.
Hi Sandy, thanks for the question. I would look for a WPC or SPC vinyl for your cabin. These types of vinyl are less likely to move with weather temperatures. Keep in mind the warranty will be void if you put it in a non-temperature regulated space.
Would this flooring be good in a summer camp with no heat in the winter months
Hi Michele, thanks for the question. I would recommend placing coasters or cardboard under the appliances for any moving. This will help protect the flooring from any scratching!
Im wondering if I put this in my kitchen will moving appliances periodically to clean behind damage the tile
Hi Diane, thanks for your question. It is hard to say what is causing this. I would reach out to your retailer or Armstrong to see if a warranty claim could be filed due to a manufacturer malfunction.
I put the Armstrong luxe plank floor down. I have 2 dogs that shed, I’ve noticed since I’m vacuuming more the floor is hollow in spots with air bubbles. Please advise
Hi Megan, great question! I would say a WPC or SPC vinyl will be the best option for your heavy traffic. It has an engineered core that is very strong, a commercial grade wear layer and it is 100% waterproof. These floors will withstand heavy traffic for years! You can learn more about each of these types of construction and their benefits here: https://www.bestlaminate.com/help/vinyl-flooring-basics-what-you-need-to-know/
I am trying to figure out best flooring in my house with lots of traffic. Two kids two dogs in an hour and cats what would be the best flooring choice then possibly will be renting I need suggestions that will withstand so much traffic.
Hi Merleie, thanks for reaching out. I would recommend looking at an SPC or WPC vinyl product, or a tile. With a WPC or SPC vinyl, you will get a very sturdy plank that will hold up to the weight of the wheelchair due to an engineered core. It will also feel softer underfoot than a ceramic or porcelain tile. The top layer of these is a vinyl, which is softer, so there is a potential for denting over time. You will want to look for the highest commercial wear rating for the vinyl.
My husband is in a motorized wheelchair. Total weight is about 650 lbs. We are considering luxury vinyl flooring installed over concrete sub flooring. I am concerned about the chair scratching or denting
the flooring or leaving streaks where the wheels go often. I,m also concerned about separa
toon of planks where chair turns. Currently
have carpeting and all of above are major problema. Thank you in advance for your advice.
Hi Mary, thanks for your question. Yes, I would definitely recommend a moisture barrier in this case. I would also recommend leveling the subfloor before you install to avoid any issues with the floating floor.
Hi Karen, thanks for the question. Was the subfloor level and in good condition when you installed the flooring? If there is a variation in the subfloor, the floating system may feel like it dips in certain areas that may have not been level. Also, is the flooring installed without transitions for 30′ or more? This could be an issue as well. It is hard for me to say without knowing more!
Hello. We are considering installing luxury plank vinyl in our (almost) finished basement. The floor is concrete and, on a rare occasion, has had moisture but no flooding. The floor is pretty level but not perfectly level.
Would you recommend some type of moisture-barrier to be installed under the floor? We prefer not to glue-down.
Thank you.
I installed vinyl plank with cork backing on concrete floor for 900sq. Ft. Now in about 20-30 stops when you walk it sounds hollow or loose. Can you please tell me the problem ??
Hi Dale, thanks for the question. For heels, your best bet would be a WPC or SPC vinyl that has a more rigid core. You will still want to be careful with sharper heels for the top surface, however. As far as heating goes, your vinyl should be fine. Typically, vinyl floors are thinner than laminates or hardwoods, so there is less thickness to penetrate. With a rigid core, it is a dense product, so heat ay not travel as easily. We have not personally tested it, so I do not have a comparison. I would go by what the manufacturer suggests.
We are considering LVT for kitchen reno and keep stumbling on two issues. The first is heels. Is there a vinyl product that will withstand occasional heels in a residential environment, or should we just stop looking? The other question is, can we expect problems with an electric heated flooring system (i.e. electric heat cables or heat strips). One of the choices we looked at was a non-glue installation and another was a tri-layer (cork/hard core/vinyl). Do you think that they will perform properly with a heated floor system? I know that the manufactuere’s of both the heated floors and the tiles say that they will work, but I fear the vinyl will not radiate the heat sufficiently.
Hi Joy, thanks for your question. Vinyl flooring can move in temperature fluctuations, but not as much as a laminate. If it is a gradual change in temperature, the planks shouldn’t move that much. When they are warmed by the sun or experience extreme temperatures, then they can expand and contract more. If it is drastic change in a short amount of time, you will see the most movement.
The room we just installed our new vinyl plank flooring in has tmperature variations f rom summer heat to winter cold. Will the lifeproof floor hold up.
Hi Jim, thanks for the question! Yes, you will be able to use vinyl on a ramp if it is glued down. Depending on the height, you could use a reducer molding. This will not leave a smooth transition, though. You may be able to find a transition specifically for a amp transition, however, we do not sell something like this.
I am planning on building a platform and ramp to get from my kitchen to my “sun room”. I have vinyl plank flooring in both rooms and would like to use it on the platform and ramp. The ramp will be removable from the platform. I know the vinyl plank flooring will be OK for the platform, but how about the ramp. The ramp will be 3′ X 7′ and fall 1′ . Will I be able to use vinyl plank flooring on the ramp if I glue it down? What kind of transition piece will I need for the top and bottom of the ramp?
Hi Dale, thanks for the question. Yes, vinyl flooring can move when exposed to high temperature fluctuations. As long as you keep the temperature steady, the planks will be fine.
Hi Laura, thanks for the question. It is always advised to add felt or disks under chair legs to avoid scratching. Once a plank is already scratched, you can use a scratch repair kit found at a local hardware store. We do not recommend using any wax products.
I have vinyl planking in my new condo, all three floors. We turned the AC off while we were moving furniture in, only to discover that when it got really warm inside here in Phoenix–92 degrees inside–the planks in one room warped and made waves on the floor. As soon as we cooled the unit down, they flattened out. The builder said they shouldn’t get over 85 degrees. Is that correct?
You have not addressed the LVP question about scratching regarding chair legs moved across the plank they have scratched how do you avoid scratching Felt pads makes sense if a scratch does happen what do you recommend to polish it out a wax?
Hi Gail, thanks for the question. A vinyl should not scratch with your dogs nails. Also, vinyl floors are anti-slip due to their top coating. It should not be slippery when wet! I would definitely recommend a vinyl for your bedroom. You can shop and order free samples of our vinyls floors here: https://www.bestlaminate.com/vinyl-plank-flooring/
I am looking to refloor my bedroom. I do have a dog her nails are trimmed regularly. she only weighs 11 pounds. I am looking at getting a luxury vinyl tile but I’m concerned about how slippery it is when it’s wet what do you recommend
Hi Nancy, thanks for your question. It is important to always keep a consistent temperature in your home when installing flooring. As long as you have Air Conditioning running within your home, the outside temperature will not matter. If you solely use windows and fans, I would advise against installing it until the temperature drops.
Can vinyl plank flooring be installed in park models in Arizona. I wondered about the 110-120 heat in June/July. Thanks.
Hi Janice, yes, a vinyl plank floor will be suitable for a kitchen. If you need a heavy duty floor, I would recommend an SPC or WPC vinyl that is more dimensionally stable.
Will vanilla plank flooring be suitable for a heavy used area like my very busy kitchen
Hi Karen, thanks for your question! Surface wise, laminate will be heavy duty for that type of application. However, it is not waterproof. For your commercial use, I would recommend going with an WPC or SPC vinyl. They have a rigid core that makes them dimensionally stable and they are 100% waterproof. You can take a look and order some free samples here to see the material for yourself: https://www.bestlaminate.com/vinyl-plank-flooring/search-by-construction/wpc/; https://www.bestlaminate.com/vinyl-plank-flooring/search-by-construction/spc/
Lo9king at floor options for B&B rooms (4). Easy clean. Thinking about suitcase wheels, scratches, grease, heavy furniture.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks for sharing such a great information, it is really helpful. Keep up the work.
Great Dean! Let us know if we can help you find any floors.
I’m glad that you mentioned keeping vinyl flooring out of the sunlight as much as possible. My wife and I just moved into a new house that has fully carpeted floors. Once we replace it with vinyl flooring, we will be sure to take care of it as you mentioned.
Hi Donnette, thanks for the question. If you go with a square edge floor, you are unlikely to have any liquid leak between them. The only other options where you will not have any potential for liquid would be a tile floor or a sheet vinyl.
Can liquid leak between the planks and under them? I need to find a flooring that is easy to clean and that liquid will not penetrate. Thanks
Hi Joseph, thanks for the question. A standard LVT floor can move with temperature fluctuations, but an engineered rigid core vinyl is less likely to move. Your warranty will be void in non-regulated spaces, but a WPC or SPC vinyl will be the best option for you in this case. If you have any more questions, feel free to give us a call at 800-520-0961. Thanks!
Thanks for sharing your experience John!
I have just completed a log cabin on a lake. I am leaning toward LVP for the flooring because of it’s resistance to water damage. My concern is temperature variations. The cabin sits on a 3′ high crawl space which is set on a concrete slab. The cabin will currently not be heated in the wintertime and temperatures here in Maine often go to 30 degrees below zero. I have seen that LVP must be maintained in a certain temperature zone. Would this product not be a good choice for this application? Thank you!
Thanks for your input Kirin and Tyler. Here is what has happened since my original note: The installer kept waffling but we got the Armstrong rep involved and the short version of the seemingly neverending story is that he and the more level-headed and better-educated partner in the installation company immediately identified that an underlayment should have been used even though Armstrong’s literature doesn’t call for it. The floor did have some low’s and high’s but they weren’t real impressed with it. Again, this slapping was LOUD. So they pulled up all the floor and installed a high-quality underlayment. It’s much better but not gone. In the end it’s a product I would not buy unless I was near broke and this was all I could get or it was a rental house or barn. It was such a rough ordeal that the installer/retailer told me that he will not longer carry these products unless the MFR literature says that an underlayment is required.
Hi Pattie, thanks for the question. Unfortunately, we do not recommend using vinyl flooring in the shower. Although it is waterproof, it is not created for wet room usage. We’d recommend finding a floor approved for this application.
I am renovating my bath for my aging parents and putting in a wet room with a zero threshhold shower. If I coated the floor with liquid rubber and could I use an adhesive to lay the flooring down on the shower floor?? Fingers crossed!!
Hi Carol, thanks for the question! Yes, vinyl can be used in this application. Normal LVT will have the most possibility for expansion and contraction, however, a SPC or WPC vinyl with engineered cores will stay put. We’d recommend a COREtec floor for a non-temperature regulated space. Just keep in mind that not having a temperature regulated space can void the warranty.
Can vinyl playing be used in northern climates where the temperature varies nightly down to 59 and day time temperatures are 70. Can a floating vinyl floor take no heat at all if it is a summer cabin that is not heated for the winter?
Hi Letitia, thanks for the question. I believe this is caused by moisture. Have you had temperature drops, heavy rains or flooding? The salt from the concrete will come to the surface and create this when in these situations. This article explains it pretty well: https://www.concreteconstruction.net/products/decorative-concrete-surfaces/what-causes-efflorescence-and-how-do-you-remove-it_o. In this case, I would recommend adding a moisture barrier beneath the floor. Luckily with a drop lock floor, you can uninstall and re-install the vinyl with little problem.
We laid down a new vinyl plank drop floor in our basement directly on concrete in September 2018. Now we have noticed that some of the planks are lifting and there is efflorescence underneath. We did not see any signs of this when we removed the old flooring. We contacted the flooring company that we bought the floor from but they were not very helpful. Any advice on why this is happening?
Hi Debbie, thanks for the question. As far as home value goes, it will depend on the buyer and their needs. A hardwood floor will easily scratch and anyone with a busy household (pets and kids) will be happy to have something more durable. With the technology today, vinyl floors look very realistic and beautiful. A vinyl is also easily un-installed if your buyer is set on hardwoods. If you’re looking for value, we’d recommend going with a WPC or SPC vinyl. This has an engineered core for durability and the surface layer will look stunning. These are not the vinyls of the past! Feel free to check out this customer gallery to see some vinyl floors in real homes: https://www.bestlaminate.com/customer-gallery/
We are going to be replacing the flooring on most of our first floor. We were set on LVP flooring because we have 3 medium size dogs. But recently I have been reading several articles on how LVP can lower the value of your home when selling. Potential buyers see it as “cheap” looking. What are your thoughts on this? We just can’t afford to make the wrong decision on this flooring.
For sure! They are a great option for kitchens and baths.
That is nice to know that vinyl plank flooring is water resistant. Maybe it would be good to get vinyl plank flooring for my kitchen and bathrooms soon. This way, we wouldn’t have to worry about water damage on our floors.
Hi Robert, yes, vinyl can be adhered to the wall! We do not have a guide on this (yet), but here is a pretty handy link: http://www.mapei.com/public/US/linedocument/IG_Installation_Guide-Installing_LVP_and_LVT-EN.pdf. Hope this helps!
I am installing in an 8×8 bathroom. I would like to do the floor and up the walls to a height of 36 inches. Can the tiles be glued to the wall?
Hi Chris, thanks for your question. Check out this article about floating laminate in the bathroom: https://www.bestlaminate.com/blog/can-i-install-laminate-flooring-under-a-bathroom-toilet-and-sink/. If you’re installing a vanity and cabinets that goes to the floor, you will install those first and put vinyl around it. The same goes for the shower. The flooring must still be able to float. If you have any other questions, please let us know!
Hi,
I have bought Trafficmaster vinyl floating click planks for my bathroom. I was going to lay it down on the new subfloor before the vanity, toilet and shower but reading the instructions it says to cut around toilets and vanity. Looking on the internet it says not to cut around furniture and silicone the gap the silicone will not stay as the floor moves. What should I do?
Thanks L.A.! We appreciate the feedback and we’re glad the article was helpful 🙂
Great article, especially about punctures, dimpling, and UV. Most people don’t consider that when debating vinyl. We still like it for wet areas like laundry rooms and basements. I have to say that your articles and website are very impressive. I’ll definitely be referring customers here for an education.
Hi Leigh, thanks for sharing your thoughts on our article. With today’s certifications and manufacturing processes, there is very low exposure to chemicals and VOCs in vinyl flooring. All the flooring we sell is FloorScore certified for healthy air standards. Dioxin will only be present when a vinyl is burned. We appreciate your thoughts on this article, but we can assure you that vinyl flooring is safe for your family. We will work on an article addressing these concerns!
Holy cow, your cons list for Vinyl is extremely lacking. How about adding the fact that the manufacture of vinyl creates toxic chemicals, one of which is dioxin – the strongest carcinogen on earth! And that the additives that they put in the vinyl mixture to keep it from being brittle, like lead and cadmium, can leach out over the years. It’s been proved that cadmium, which is a heavy metal, can cause auto-immune conditions plus other health problems. In addition, children and pets get a much higher toxic exposure due to their size. Do you really want to risk making children sick! There’s an extreme risk if there’s a house fire. Far more toxic chemicals will be released, like dioxin, than if it was wood. Her are some links to consider. If you are going to write an article. Please do more research. https://www.thespruce.com/cons-of-vinyl-house-siding-1821806. https://www.corp-image.com/2018/07/five-reasons-not-to-use-vinyl/. My opinion is NEVER use vinyl flooring. The convenience is not worth the health risk.
Hi Linda, thanks for the question. As long as the mats do not have a rubber backing and are natural fibers, such as cotton, you should have no problems!
Good morning Tyler, I’ve just had the vinyl floor installed in our kitchen and bath. I purchased a 2 sided cotton rug for the bath. For my kitchen I would like to put a mat at the slider door which is a high traffic area and an anti fatigue mat like the sky mat in front of my stove and sink. Can you tell me if these are save in the way of not causing discoloring of the vinyl.
Great post. Thanks for sharing this informative post about vinyl plank flooring.
John,
I just had Karndean Korlok rigid plank installed over concrete and there is a slight slapping noise even when I walk with bare feet. It also echoed badly until I put down area rugs which took most but not all the echoing out. Karndean makes an accoustic underlayment which is used for a second floor to keep sound from going through, but says underlayment is unneccessary. I googled and found out it is the 2 substrates of concrete and hard plank that cause the echoing. Probably the slapping is slightly lower unseen dips in floor or mild grit they didn’t get up, leaving a tiny void. I wish I had put down a thin softer underlayment as well.
Ron – it is always suggested to use transition pieces in doorways for floating floors as this will help with expansion of the flooring.
When installing the flooring, do I need transition pieces between each area, (living room/kitchen/bedrooms/ hall)?
Yvette – I have never head of any commercial grade vinyl being able to scratch that easily. You could also be scratching at any dirt or dust on the floor because once the floor is installed it needs to be cleaned.
If a floor can be warranted for commercial usage, it will be more than efficient for a home.
Hi! We are replacing the flooring in our home. We live in a high humidity area on a pier and beam home. The plan is to put down vinyl plank. We have 4 kids and a dog and a cat. As I am looking at samples, I can scratch many of them with my fingernail… including those with an MIL of more than 20. This concerns me. Am I unnecessarily concerned? This is the first time to make this type of purchase, so I am wanting to be extra cautious. Thanks for the advice.
John, a slapping noise is not a common issue that I am familiar with. I would suggest contact Armstrong Customer Service directly to get their opinion on further action.
Hi Kathy, we’re sorry to hear you’ve been having so much trouble with your vinyl planks. Are these planks installed in another area of your home than the others? It is hard to give you an opinion without seeing the floors, knowing where they were installed or knowing the type of LVP was used. LVP’s that are floating are usually 4mm or thicker. A typical vinyl LVP should not be separating to this extent.
Definitely Taylor! Glad the article was helpful.
Thanks for explaining what a vinyl plank flooring is. I didn’t know that this type of flooring can actually be installed on almost any kind of subfloor. This seems very useful especially if you don’t want to replace a subfloor to get a new type of floor.
Hello! I hope you’re well. I’m writing because I called a widely commercialized company for floors several months ago. The sales person strongly talked me into getting their “Luzury Vinyl Planks”. I was then told she needed to know right away. I know, red flag, but I was making this major decision on my own. I got most of my house done (over $10,000). The vinyl is very thin, like a thin vinyl sheet cut into planks, and I had trouble with one of the three types I chose. It bubbled and separated in many places. They did replace some of that kind of plank although they said it was my fault because the house temperature must fluctuate too much, even though I insisted it doesn’t. It seems to be happening with that same type of plank again. They say my warranty is up and the temperature thing nullifies it too. They didn’t use any adhesive, but I’ve read that it’s very difficult to remove it if you do anyway. My questions are – should the “LVP”s be so thin, do you know anything about its durability, and, maybe most importantly, do you think I got ripped off? I haven’t had trouble with the other two “planks”, except for a minor separation on one. Can you please respond to my email once you’ve answered this? I can never seem to find these things again. Thank you VERY much!
Regarding Armstrong Rigid Core Luxe Floating Vinyl installed “professionally” over concrete now making a slapping sound from slight to extreme over most areas of every room ( no underlayment was used or even mentioned by installer) Installer now says the slapping is normal. I say they should have advised us of this outrageous condition that I would not have paid to have. They did do some leveling and claim it was to specification. Some solutions have been discussed but both involve me spending money to have them remove and reinstall the vinyl (which I already paid for).
So the question is: Is this nearly ubiquitous slapping sound truly normal in a proper installation?
thanks.
Hey Sarah,
This should not be an issue. It will especially not be an issue if you are putting transition pieces in! LEt me know if you have any other questions.
We’re considering doing most of the downstairs of our small home in rigid core vinyl plank, probably a floating type. Storage for all the displaced furniture, etc is a challenge though, especially since we want to paint before the new flooring goes in as well, and then do new baseboards too. Would there be a problem with completing installation in two bedrooms and a hallway, moving the furniture back in, and then completing installation in the kitchen and living room?
Hey Michael. Coretec will offer a warranty for power wheelchairs as long as the product is glued down.
Kori, I would more than likely lean toward a sheet vinyl. Although the LVP is 100% waterproof, urine is still very acidic, and will eat at the top layer of the vinyl.
Hi,
I recently lost most of the use of my legs. Half of the time I can use a walker and the other half, is in a motorized wheelchair. I have been searching for a flooring system that warranties power wheelchair use and have not found anything on the market. Can you help guide me. I am pulling my hair out trying to resolve this issue. Obviously porcelain tile laid in mud is the best choice, however, it is a very hard floor. I now am looking at LVT and the click & lock systems offer inexpensive installation costs. My concern is that every floating floor system I look at has a “heavy rolling load” exclusion from the warranties. Can you direct me to the proper floor system/manufacturer. I need to move fast on this as my carpet is falling apart.
Hi! I am interested in installing the best flooring option for 2 messy young children as well as 2 dogs (one is a senior dog on Lasix, which leads to him being accident prone in the house). I am comparing sheet vinyl with LVP flooring. I am nervous about installing the LVP flooring as it seems the sheet vinyl would be more durable with senior dog accidents and drinks that are spilled on the sofa and not discovered for some time. Which of these two options would you recommend for my situation? Would LVP work or would the existence of seams cause the product to allow seepage onto the slab? I am looking for the most resilient and easiest maintenance flooring I can install. Thanks for any help!
Hey Dana! As is with anything in life, as long as you take care of something, it will last you for a while. The same goes with flooring. This is a common concern that our customers have. We would highly suggest putting those little felt pads on the bottom of any furniture, and to not drag objects if you are moving them.
My question concerns vinyl plank floors: I found some beautiful vinyl plank at a local store. Should I be concerned that normal household furniture such as beds, dressers and a dining room table/chairs will dent the flooring? I love the look and ease of car but don’t want to regret the purchase down the road when I move furniture. I have read a variety of information from it dents and mars easily to its durable and great in residential situations. Help!
Dav, thank you for reaching out. We typically do not recommend putting too heavy of a product ontop of a floating floor. We would suggest either installing around it or gluing down the entire room.
Hi, I cant find this answer anywhere. I think we are ok, but would like confirmation. We are doing a kitchen remodel and doing a floating Vinyl floor. We will have an L shaped booth for seating at the table (this booth is not secured to the walls just set in place. Is that ok on top of the floor?
Thanks
Dav
You should never install a permanent item on top of a floating floor! It will cause the floor to pin down in one area and cause many issues.
I was wondering if you could tell me if a wood pellet stove should be installed on top of the floor?
Hey Rebecca, thank you for reaching out. A floating floor should never be installed under a permanent fixture, such as the one you described. Hope this helps and thank you for the kind words.
Hello there! We would highly suggest going with a 20mil wear layer vinyl floor. This should hold up perfectly to all office furniture!
We are renovating a townhome and want to install luxury vinyl plank flooring. Would it be OK to run the flooring under the air handler- the inside unit of our heating and air system, or do we have to go around it. Thanks for this website- a lot of questions I had have already been answered by reading the previous posts!
i WANT TO INSTALL VINYL PLANKS FLOORING IN MY OFFICE. WHAT WILL BE THE IMPACT OF THE ROLLERS / CASTORS OF THE CHAIRS? WILL IT SUSTAIN ROLLING EFFECTS ? WHAT THICKNESS i SHOULD TAKE?
Hey Jayne. We do not do installs ourselves, but knowing the product, it does need a completely level subfloor to go over or it will have way too much flex. An experienced installer would know this to be true.
We had a shaw vinyl plank floor professionally installed over a ceramic tile floor. It began to come up in a couple of months. A rep from shaw said it was installation mistake and we had no claim. We have removed the floor and got another installer,s opinion. He agreed that the skim coat was not done well and the tile lines were not level enough. He wants to put another skim coat on and lay vinyl planks again. My question is have you ever laid over ceramic tile successfully? We took a 2500$ loss on installation of the first floor. Should we trust to try it again?
Hey Colleen, that is a great question and one that we get a lot. Cork is not the best noise reducer in the world, but unfortunately you are not able to double up on more padding. Cork has a basic STC rating but they will still hear sounds regardless of how much padding there ends up being.
Im cosidring putting vinyl plank in my 2nd floor condo
The product im considering is coretec and it has a cirk backing. I have 2 bug dogs and am concerned about the noise my neighbor below mw might hear. Is the cork backing enough soundproofing or do i need to another layer of something else ro ensure i wint have issues with my neighbor below? Please advise.
Thanks
Colleen
Hey Sue, thank you so much for reaching out and we hope what you may learn here will help you as well as your mother. IF you would like to put a rug down, you definitely can, but first you will want to go to a local store and buy a mesh foam, such as one you would put in a cabinet to keep glasses in place. By putting a mesh such as that, you will protect your floor as well as keep the rug from moving. I hope this is able to help you, and please feel free to contact us if you have any other questions!
I recently had Shaw vinyl plank laid in a room that my 96 year old mother lives in as she does have accidents and I couldn’t keep the carpet clean. She does not like the slipperyness of the flooring and wants to put down area rugs but I have been advised not to do so as she will trip over them. I do have a large area rug down and several throw rugs as the flooring is much colder than the carpeting. Is there anyway to secure the large area rug without ruining the new flooring? Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you!
Hey Anne! Thank you so much for reaching out! If you plan on using a rug on your vinyl plank flooring, we would highly recommend using a mesh padding to go underneath, so no residue or discoloring will effect your floor. Please let us know if you have any other questions!
I am wanting to make sure that the rug pads I use with my new vinyl plank flooring are safe and do not discolor.Please advice
Hi Caren, thanks for reaching out. How are you cleaning your vinyl plank flooring? We recommend using dish soap, and a water and vinegar solution. That should help remove some build up that might be making your floor look streaky and blotchy. Learn more about cleaning vinyl flooring here: https://www.bestlaminate.com/blog/how-to-clean-and-maintain-vinyl-plank-flooring-2/
We had a light color, vinyl plank flooring put in our entry, kitchen, dining area and patio room about a year ago. I’ve been very disappointed in how it looks in certain light and from certain angles. It shows everything, and is streaky and blotchy after mopping. Basically it never looks clean even when it is. Is there anything that can be done to correct this problem? It seems that if it had a little texture it wouldn’t show everything so much. Does anyone else have this problem?
Thank You!
Thanks. You answered my question.
Hi Rossana, thanks for reaching out. We are sorry to hear about the troubles in your building! Generally speaking, vinyl flooring is 100% waterproof, meaning that the flooring itself will not get damaged by moisture. However, if there is constant flooding and water, you run the risk of water getting under the flooring, and sitting beneath the surface. This can cause mold, mildew, and other issues. Ceramic tile may be your best bet in this situation, since no moisture can be trapped beneath the surface. Hope this helps!
Hi, I live in a building with 11 floors and rugs in the halls areas, but they are always dirty because sometimes the water heaters and air conditioners got broken and the water goes to these hallways, causing damage to the rugs (dirty). So I need to know if you highly recommend the Vinyl Plank for these areas instead of tile?
Thank you
Thanks for your comment, Steve. Yes, the great thing about floors that are locked together is that they can be easily taken apart and reinstalled in the case of damage. You would have to uninstall the flooring all the way to the plank with damage, pull out the plank, and reinstall. Hope this helps!
Hi Michele, thanks for reaching out. Generally speaking, you can go ahead and install vinyl or laminate directly on top of the tile. When installing a floating floor, it is important to have a flat and smooth surface. If the grout lines are more than 1/8 inch deep, you should fill them in with grout or a floor leveling compound to create a smooth and seamless surface for your new flooring. Hope this helps! Please give us a call if you have any further questions.
You say it is bery easy to re-install a new plank if one is damaged. Does that include the interlocking kind of planks if one gets damaged in the middle of the floor?
Hello,
My daughter just purchased a townhouse in Arizona. Saltillo Tile throughout including the baseboards( believe it is original 1978). We really do not want to remove the Saltillo tile flooring because of the mess and the cost. We plan on removing the tile from the baseboards and are hoping it is an option to lay the vinyl floor planks on the top of the Saltillo. Is this a viable option if we use one the the thicker vinyl planks? Or would using laminate over the tile be a better option?
Thank you,
Michele
Hi Nancy, great question! We would recommend going with a square edge vinyl in your case. With a square edge, you should have a very tight edge seal that will prevent any accidents leaking under the tiles. If you do have a gap for whatever reason, it is very possible and could potentially cause mold or mildew beneath the planks. As far as resistance goes, it is scratch resistant, but you will need to put furniture pads beneath legs. You will want to move the fridge back onto the vinyl with cardboard under it to avoid damage. Scratches can happen if sharp and heavy objects are pushed on it. Lastly, you will want to stick with floor matts that are natural fibers. Rubber mats and synthetic materials have been known to yellow the floor. Let us know if you have any additional questions!
Hi Taylor! Yes, vinyl plank flooring is a great option for any space. Vinyl does have a DIY installation, but for hiring a contractor, we usually recommend asking family, friends or neighbors. If no one has a referral, check BBB or Angies List. You’ll want to find someone with insurance in case they install it incorrectly! Let us know if we can help you find any vinyl flooring.
It’s so cool that vinyl plank flooring is water resistant. My floors are rather old, so I’ve been wanting to get them replaced. Do you have any tips for hiring a great flooring contractor in my area?
HI Celina … i am need of flooring “bad” and have been weighing which one is most durable. A friend told me of vinyl plank flooring – I have (right now) 3 full grown standard poodles and 1 bichon frise pup. I have no kids, my dogs are my family. Next year i will have a flock of poodle pups, am keeping 1 and and will be getting a playmate Bichon – so all in all, i will have 6 dogs – are the vinyl planks durable and resistant to scratches. The write up boasts water resistant but can pee seep down under the tile and will that harm the tile – i do place puppy pads but “accidents” do happen. Also how wearable is the flooring – can i move furniture, fridges/freezers, couches without fear of gouges or ripping – my current vinyl flooring (roll) looks likes a battle ground. Last question, does the floor stain or yellow if placing a matt – current flooring was white but is now patchy which is why i shuffle the furniture as i do. Looking forward to your response.
Hi Dave! As you may already know, floating floors expand and contract with temperature changes. In cold temperatures, your floor will contract. It is extremely important to warm up the building very gradually. Any sudden changes in temperature will cause your floor to expand, and this could lead to buckling and other damage. When installing, it is important to leave an expansion gap around the perimeter of the room to allow your floor to float. We would recommend a stone plastic composite (SPC) vinyl, as it is more rigid and has a resilient core layer. Please let us know if you have any other questions!
We want to install a glue down vinyl floor in the basement. We live in a cold weather state. Will temps of 55 or 60 degrees (when we are gone or we turn down the temp at night) affect the glued down vinyl floor?
Hi Celina, thanks for your question! If your vinyl gets a scratch or rip in the surface, there are some floor repair kits you can get at your local home improvement store. If it happens to be something larger, it is very easy to re-install a new plank if it comes to that.
I was looking to install vinyl in my kitchen with grand kids and pets it will take a beating. My question is can you repair a tear if it happens to get one?
Hi Carol, can you explain a little more? If you have edges that may not be square, a glue down vinyl may be your best bet.
I want to install vinyl planking in my camper but have slides that may flex a little will it be a problem?
Hi Faith, thanks for reaching out. You can read our vinyl cleaning tips here: https://www.bestlaminate.com/help/maintaining-and-cleaning-vinyl-flooring/. Bona is one of the big brands in the industry, however, we have never personally tested it here. If it specifies that it is made for vinyl flooring, then it should be fine! We’d recommend reading some reviews online before purchasing a product. Also, test it in a small part of your flooring before you use it completely. Try to avoid products with waxes and conditioners. We do not sell the Lowe’s brand of flooring, so we are unfamiliar with it to give any type of recommendation. For mops, we always recommend a micofiber option. If you have any other questions, let us know!
I also have this problem as the lady mentioned about my vinyl flooring being dull and no shine and showing footsteps. Of course I read your answer but I noticed a lot of vinyl sites have suggested using Bona for vinyl and tile floors. What do you think about this and will it help give it a shine? I bought my vinyl from Lowe’s. I bought the Smart Core Ultra. I have not seen it mentioned in any of the top vinyl sites. What do you think about this flooring? I just went by what Lowe’s said on the best wood looking floor to put down if I had little house dogs. I sure hope I did not make the wrong decision as they just finished laying the vinyl and some tile floors yesterday. I need to clean this floor ASAP as they are delivering my new living room furniture in the morning. Also is there a certain kind of mop that is better than another on cleaning vinyl and porcelain floors?
i am needing the best mop and cleaning products as I want to make this as easy as possible because I have back problems. Thank you.
Hi Nick, thanks for reaching out. We generally only sell click vinyl, due to the ease of installation and high quality make of the planks. You can also add underlayment under click vinyls. If you do a glue down vinyl, you cannot have an underlayment. We would recommend doing a laminate or click vinyl for a sophisticated look in your home. Vinyl will give you the waterproof confidence. You can shop our selection here: https://www.bestlaminate.com/vinyl-plank-flooring/
Hello, Due to the condition, square footage, and budget of our hardwood floors we are looking at cost effective ways to re-do our entire first floor with the same product through out our home. Glue down vinyl strip flooring seems like a very cost effective option. Is this recommended? can it be done?
I am thinking of putting down an underlayment to reduce noise then screwing down very thin plywood or paneling providing a uniform flat surface before gluing down the vinyl. Though too is if we or the next owner what to change it, removal will be easier than gluing directly to hardwood. Thanks for your advice.
Hi Adnan, most vinyl floors VOC’s are rated using FloorScore. You can learn more about it here: https://www.scsglobalservices.com/services/floorscore and https://www.scsglobalservices.com/certified-green-products-guide?category=63&program=25. All of our vinyls are Phthalate free as well!
Thank you Alana, This is a very useful information you provided. One more quick question, how do you rate the VOC ( Volatile Organic Compound) gasses from Vinyl planks.
Thank you again.
Hi Adnan, thanks for your question! There’s a few things to consider with a vinyl vs tile. Tile is going to be a hard, cold surface with uneven surface with the grout lines. Grout also usually discolors and can crack, so it requires some maintenance. You will also need to pay for professional installation when it comes to tile.
With a vinyl, you can buy vinyl with attached cushion or add it for a softer feel on foot. This will be one floating floor with a DIY installation and be a smooth surface from plank to plank. This is also a waterproof floor. Vinyl is a great option for your kitchen and living room. Vinyl also has very low emission ratings, so this should pose no issue with allergies and asthma.
Like any surface, if water is trapped, mold does have a potential to grow. This is very rare, and only happens if there was some type of leak underneath the panels. We highly recommend this type of flooring for ease of maintenance, look and durability. If you have any additional questions, feel free to give us a call at 800-520-0961 to discuss further. If you’re interested in getting some vinyl samples, you can browse our selection here: https://www.bestlaminate.com/vinyl-plank-flooring/
Hello, We are buying a new home and they are going to start construction. We are confused for our first floor flooring, either go with tiles or Vinyl. We have 3 kids 12, 10, 4 no pets and some heavy furniture. My wife and my son has Ashtma issues and allergies. Is Vinyl a good option to have in thr Living room and kitchen? I also wanted to know if this is Mold free or not. Please help me to choose. Thank you.
Hi Bettye, what type of vinyl are you working with? Glue down or floating?
Hi Augusta, I am sorry to hear about the problems you have with your vinyl! This is an unusual case, as many vinyls have no odor or emissions of any chemicals. Has it smelled the entire time you have had it installed? Did your installer do anything to fix the planks? If the smell is effecting your health, we would recommend repairing it!
Hi Nam, thanks for the question! Yes, we would definitely recommend vinyl. It is durable, waterproof and looks beautiful. If you have more specific questions on it, we’d be happy to help! You can search our selection of vinyls here: https://www.bestlaminate.com/vinyl-plank-flooring/
I just wanted to say. We put luxury vinyl planks in our dining room and kitchen. It looked good then I noticed edges slightly called the installer an they came out. He took pictures. And said it was a meager problem. Well they said the manufacture would not work with him. Then I was offered $300 for the trouble. He had me sign a paper to say I would not sue and settle like that. Then I was saying when I come in the door it smelled like fingernail polish. Now from January to July My husband and I are coughing all the time. It has to be the floor..what else. I wish we would have done our home work first. Now ages 68 and 66 with limited income and stuck with a bad floor and chronic coughs.
The end of a couple of my vinyl planks has turned up a little. Would it work if I heated this and sat something heavy on it?
Looking to replace my rental home with vinyl flooring. Would you recommend it?
Hi Fritz! Yes, you will want to glue the vinyl planks to the stairs. Just use a stairnose molding to cap it!
Great information resource! Can yo use vinyl planks on stairs with a bullnose so that it matches the rest of your flooring.. I suspect it would be best to glue or nail the vinyl down so that it would not move on the steps. What would you advise?
Hi Deb, thanks for your question. They should not impact the flooring. If you have any questions on a specific vinyl product or need help finding a floor, let us know!
I am looking at vinyl plank flooring for a lower level which has some auxiliary baseboard electric heating units. Will the use of these impact the flooring?
Hi Kyle, all of our vinyls are phthalate-free! If you have any other questions, please let us know!
I’m considering installing vinyl plank flooring in my home, specifically Feather Lodge River Rock. If it is CARB compliant, does that mean it’s phthalate-free flooring?
Hi Don, thanks for reaching out! As you may already know, floating floors expand and contract with temperature changes. In cold temperatures, your floor will contract. It is extremely important to warm up the building very gradually. Any sudden changes in temperature will cause your floor to expand, and this could lead to buckling and other damage. When installing, it is important to leave an expansion gap around the perimeter of the room to allow your floor to float. We would recommend a stone plastic composite (SPC) vinyl, as it is more rigid and has a resilient core layer. Please let us know if you have any other questions!
We are looking at vinyl planking for our cabin. Over the winter we leave the building unheated in average temps of minus 10 celsus. Is it a good choice for this application.
Hi Barbara, thanks for your comment. Here at Bestlaminate, safety for our customers and families is a top priority. All the vinyl floors we carry are considered safe for all household use, are CARB compliant, and should not be a concern with your lung issues. Vinyl plank flooring is a very durable, low maintenance and stylish option for a healthy household. Please let us know if you have any other concerns!
I read that vinyl flooring gives off gases. I have lung issues, should I use a different flooring?
Hi Kathy, thanks for your comment. Vinyl is a great option for your project! It is durable, waterproof and is available in many natural wood styles that would look great in a barn. You can order free samples on our website to see what color and style you like the most!
I’m considering putting in vinyl in our barn which will be a wedding venue. Is that a good idea? Will it work?
Thank you!
Hi Desperry, great question! Vinyl will hold up under these appliances and will be waterproof in case any leaks happen. It is a softer material, so denting is possible with some heavier objects depending on the vinyl you select.
Can vinyl flooring be installed under a water heater, washer and dryer, and a toilet without being damaged?
Hi Terry, thank you for your comment. We recommend cleaning vinyl flooring with a water and white vinegar solution. Vinegar is a disinfectant and a natural, chemical-free way to remove dirt and grime. Simply mix a gallon of water with one cup of vinegar, and use a damp mop to clean your floor. If you have a heavily soiled area, you can combine some dish soap with the white vinegar. Please let us know if you have any other ques tons! Best of luck.
Hi Connie, thank you for reaching out! Vinyl is a great flooring option that is low maintenance, easy to install, waterproof and beautiful!
Heavy furniture should be equipped with suitable non-staining, wide-bearing caster or protectors, and carried in and placed in the final position. Felt protectors are recommended for table and chair legs to help prevent scratching, and we advise against dragging furniture across your floor if possible to prevent scratching and damaging the surface of your floor.
Please give us a call at 1-800-520-0961 if you have any other questions!
Hi Kelly, thank you for your comment. We do not carry the Floor and Decor DuraLuxe Lux Vinyl Planks. We recommend you visit the manufacturers website for product details and customer reviews.
If you are looking for a vinyl flooring, we can recommend many options! Check out our selection and order free samples at https://www.bestlaminate.com/vinyl-plank-flooring/
Do you have any comments on Floor and Decor DuraLuxe Lux Vinyl Planks or know where I could go to find some reviews? Thanks, Kelly
We are considering vinyl plank flooring throughout the house. I am concerned about heavy furniture denting the vinyl. Also the mfg recommends lifting and carrying furniture, not dragging or pulling, across the vinyl. Some of our furniture is way too heavy for us seniors to be lifting and carrying. Will dragging a dining room table or chair rip or tear the vinyl?
I have luxury vinyl in my new home and it is a little dull with no shine. It shows all the foot prints when people walk in. Amy suggestions?
Hi MJ – Armstrong is the leader in this area. They have a program called On and On recycling where they will ship bins to your house to place material in and will arrange for the pick up of your bins, free of charge. You can read more about it here: https://www.armstrongflooring.com/commercial/en-us/sustainability/floor-recycling-program.html. Since we typically sell all of our materials, we do not use a vinyl recycling company exclusively. I hope this helps clarify where we stand. In the industry, we see most people simply throw their flooring away, but there are some manufacturers that will help get them recycled!
“Sometimes they will even come pick the flooring up for you, making the process even easier”!
Where and when? What a bunch of bologna! It costs a fortune to ship to the manufacturer for recycle and they do not help with the cost whatsoever.
Just tell it like it is for a change. It it a horrible mix of toxic materials that cannot be recycled by anyone other than the manufacturer if they chose to do so, which most if not all do not. I would be curious to know exactly where you guy do your recycling as it is a pretty big job, not anywhere near as easy as you imply. I do not expect you would post this but it would be nice if you would be more forward about the actual ramifications of using vinyl flooring products. They are flooding the market before the kinks are work out, of which there are too many to list and go on about here.
I am very familiar with the industry and like to believe I know a little something this subject.
Thanks for your time!
Hi Kay, thanks for the question. We would recommend looking at the manufacturer installation instructions to see what it recommends for expansion gaps. After searching for the Mohawk Relevance, it recommends a 1/4″ gap. You can find the installation instructions here: https://www.mohawkflooring.com/assets/files/Luxury%20Vinyl%20Tile%20-%20Installation%201-10-14.pdf. Hope this helps!
i bought the mohawk vinyl relevance online for the bedrooms from a distributor.
I took out the carpet and i have cement/concrete. Frankly i dont know which of the 2.
The floor comes with an attached sound underlayment.
The sales person told me, you can lay on any surface, and when you install, you don’t need to leave any gaps.
After reading all of these comments, i feel eerie about doing this incorrectly.
Help
We’re glad you found our article helpful, Marina! If you need any help purchasing flooring, please feel free to check out our website http://www.bestlaminate.com or give us a call 1-800-520-0961.
We’re planning to have the kitchen remodeled, and one of the things that we’re considering replacing is the old flooring. It was really helpful in my decision making when you mentioned that the primary advantage of vinyl flooring is that it’s water resistant. I’ll go talk to a flooring contractor as soon as we begin the remodeling. Thank you!
Hi Ruth – You are absolutely correct. In our article, we do not mean that vinyl planks can be recycled with your regular recyclables that you would place on your curb. We mean that you can contact the manufacturer of your flooring to recycle it. They will break your old vinyl flooring down and use the processes materials to create new vinyl flooring. Sometimes they will even come pick the flooring up for you, making the process even easier!
Environmental impacts of vinyl planks – toxic materials used in manufacturing the planks, and non-toxic glues available. I know they can’t be recycled.
Thank you! I’m very glad that you like this blog! Please share it with your other floor expert friends for the latest flooring related information!
It was a nice blog with full pros and cons as I am also a wooden flooring expert. I love this blog!
Hi Craig – Yes, your vinyl flooring could be affected if left in any area that is not temperature controlled.
Will it hurt the vinyl plank if left in a park model over a hot Arizona summer and no air conditioning on? We winter down south but turn all power off for the summer- it can get to 140 degrees…. thank you
Hi Yvan, thanks for the question. If it is a standard, UL electric home heater, you should have no issue with the vinyl being underneath it. Direct heat can make it softer and more pliable, but it will not cause any issues. Let us know if you have any other questions!
Hello,
Going to replace the bathroom floor .Leanning toward Vynil flooring because of the look and water resistance . In my case the vynil plank will go under a electric heater . Will That be an issue .
Thx
Hi Bonnie – You should install your cabinets first and then install your vinyl click floors. Kitchen cabinets are too heavy to sit on top of vinyl flooring and will restrict the expansion and contraction needed. Be sure to leave the proper expansion gap around the base of the cabinets! If you have any further questions, please reply to this comment!
I totally gutted my old kitchen. Should I put the kitchen cabinets on top of the vinyl click floor. Thanks
Hi Sandra – You can certainly put vinyl tile flooring over OSB sub flooring! If you are asking if you can put ceramic tile over OSB sub flooring, however, I am sorry but I cannot assist you. We are a laminate, vinyl, and hardwood company and do not sell any ceramic tiles, so I do not know much about how this type of flooring is installed. If you have any questions about laminate, vinyl, or hardwood flooring – email us at [email protected] and we will be happy to help!
I have osb sub flooring, can I put down final tile over it..
Hi Troy, thanks for the question. We do not recommend using vinyl flooring as tile in the shower. Although the planks are waterproof, these planks should only be used as flooring. The vinyl warranties will also be voided if used in this fashion. We’d recommend sticking with tiles for the shower. Best of luck with your project!
can i use the vinyl planks as i would tile on the wall in my shower?
Hi Nikki – The salt water tank should not cause any issues if your floor is installed with the proper expansion gaps and with appropriate expansion moldings. We would recommend putting felt pads on the bottom of your tank stand to prevent any denting that could occur from the constant pressure on the laminate.
There are so many different styles of non-permanent kitchen islands that I would need more information to give you the best answer on how to install your floor. Please email us at [email protected] with pictures of your island or a longer description of how your island looks and sits on the floor so we can help!
If you have a large island, hard wood in the kitchen but it isn’t permanent can it be set on top of the laminate or is it better to go around it? We have a 720 srq foot room we are laying this in. We also have a 50 gallon salt water tank. Will the weight cause issues?
Hi Shannon! You could absolutely use vinyl planks as an accent in a shower niche. We would recommend making sure to glue it down very securely to the wall with a waterproof adhesive so the vinyl will not peel away from the wall. Be sure to grout the edges as well, so water does not get behind the planks and damage the area behind your shower niche. Good luck on the installation!
Hi Elisabeth! Great question. With any flooring, you will always want to have a stable, and level subfloor. If you are looking to install a floating vinyl floor (click together installation), you would need to repair your current flooring. The easiest option would probably be to add a plywood subfloor on top of your current floors for an even, and structurally level surface. You will want to make sure the subfloor is not moving or unable to support your floating floors. Other options would be to sand the flooring until it is even. A strong subfloor will be important for any type of flooring installation. Feel free to give us a call to discuss your home and flooring needs further! Our number is 800-520-0961.
Can you use click together Vinyl plank flooring as an accent piece in a shower (i.e. in a niche) to tie your flooring into a shower stall? Would the installation vertically on the back of the niche affect the waterproof qualities of the product?
We have a 140 year old house, so the floors are not even. There is a significant hump. Would the vinyl planks be a good option for these floors?
Usually, yes, but you should still check the construction and with the manufacturer to be sure!
Are vinyl plank floors that are glue down (not interlocking) still waterproof?
Hi George – Excellent question! Vinyl flooring is a perfect floor for a basement installation on a concrete subfloor, so long as your subfloor has been properly prepared. You can see our Concrete Subfloor Preparations on our Help Pages!
With that being said, vinyl flooring can fluctuate in temperature, but you can combat this by adding an LVT underlayment, such as Floor Muffler LVT to help keep your vinyl cool in the summer and warm in the winter. I hope this helps answer your question! Please feel free to contact us at [email protected] and we will do our best to help find the floor that fits your needs!
Does vinyl plank flooring retain heat or stay cold…I’m looking to install in my basement on a concrete floor.
Vinyl is definitely a good option if you need water resistant properties for your flooring! You can see our selection of vinyl flooring on our website! Let us know if your brother needs any help in choosing a vinyl that works for him!
My brother recently moved into an older home with his family. He wants to have the flooring replaced as soon as possible, so he’s looking at different options for materials. I didn’t realize vinyl is 100% water resistant and very durable. I’ll be sure to share this info with my brother.