Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring has surged in popularity for modern homes, rental units, and commercial interiors. Not only is it waterproof, exceptionally durable, and comfortable underfoot, but today’s advanced manufacturing makes it visually stunning. You’ll find realistic wood-look and stone-look styles that mimic natural materials in both texture and appearance.
However, not all LVP is the same. Variations in core construction, wear layers, and finish options can greatly impact quality and performance. Knowing what to look for helps ensure your investment delivers long-lasting style and functionality.
Standard Vinyl vs. Luxury Vinyl Planks: Key Differences
- Construction & Durability
- Standard vinyl (sheet or tile) is budget-friendly with thinner profiles and basic patterns.
- Luxury vinyl planks offer multiple layers—often including a rigid or semi-rigid core and a robust wear layer—that make them more resistant to scratches, stains, and everyday traffic. They’re ideal for areas with water exposure, heavy use, and pets.
- Appearance & Texture
- LVP features high-definition printing and embossed or even hand-scraped textures for ultra-realistic finishes—closely replicating hardwood or stone. It simply looks and feels more authentic.
- Long-Term Value
- LVP costs more upfront, but its superior durability, appearance, and maintenance profile provide excellent long-term value compared to standard vinyl or natural wood/stone flooring.
Finish Types
Finishes enhance protection, appearance, and ease of maintenance:
- No-Wax Finishes Best for very low-traffic areas with minimal dirt exposure.
- Urethane Finishes Suitable for average household traffic; resist scratches and scuffs from shoes. Offer easy cleaning and upkeep.
- Enhanced Urethane Finishes Premium option for high-traffic or commercial spaces—offering superior protection against wear, staining, and scuffing with long-lasting high-gloss shine.
Surface Texture
Look for LVP with embossed or textured surfaces like wood-grain finishes. These textures enhance the realistic appearance and add slip-resistance—especially important in bathrooms or wet areas.
Wear Layer Thickness
The wear layer is the main protective barrier. Thickness ranges from 4 mil to 40 mil (about 0.1 mm to 1 mm). Thicker layers generally mean greater durability:
- Around 8 mil is recommended for typical residential rooms.
- 20 mil or more is ideal for commercial settings or extremely high-traffic areas.
Waterproof Features
One of LVP’s most significant advantages is its waterproof construction, making it ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, basements, or humid areas. While liquids won’t penetrate, gaps can allow moisture leakage—so consider adding a waterproof underlayment when needed.
Underlayment Considerations
Though many LVP products include built-in underlayment and can install over existing subfloors, adding a separate underlayment can:
- Improve sound dampening
- Enhance waterproofing
- Reduce “popping” noises on uneven or debris-filled subfloors
Floating vs. Glue-Down Installation
- Floating LVP (Rigid-Core LVP) Uses a click-lock system—no adhesive required.
- DIY-friendly, installs quickly
- Offers better sound absorption
- More forgiving on uneven subfloors
- However, it may shift under heavy traffic or furniture
- Glue-Down LVP Requires full adhesive installation on a perfectly leveled subfloor.
- More stable long-term
- Highly suited to commercial environments and heavy use
Final Thoughts
With a wide variety of sizes, textures, colors, and patterns available, here’s how to narrow your choice:
- Review your environment (traffic level, water exposure, subfloor condition)
- Match product features (wear layer, finish, core type) to your specific needs
- Choose between floating or glue-down based on installation and stability priorities
In the end, the right LVP brings beautiful looks, long-term durability, and simple care to virtually any indoor space.
Learn More
- Learn about [MSI’s Luxury Vinyl Plank Series]
- Read [What’s A Wear Layer and Why This Vinyl Flooring Feature Matters Most]
- See [Breaking Down the Cost of A DIY Install of Luxury Vinyl Tile Flooring]
- Explore [5 Reasons to Use Luxury Vinyl Flooring]
Start with professional advice via the [Luxury Vinyl installation best practices] or our [velocity of MSI authorized retailers or showroom locations] for tailored guidance.
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One of the reasons luxury vinyl flooring is so popular is that it can be installed in nearly any indoor space, regardless of what’s already on the floors. You could get started today and be done in just a few days – and with professional, polished results. For personalized assistance, chat with us online now, contact an MSI authorized retailer, or visit an MSI showroom.
About the Author:
MS International (MSI Surfaces) is a leading distributor of high-quality surfaces, including countertops, flooring, and tile. With a commitment to bringing the best materials to homes and businesses, our team understands the importance of both aesthetics and performance in creating lasting spaces. We partner with top surface manufacturers to bring innovative and trend solutions for every design vision. Learn more about our extensive product range at www.msisurface.com.
This information was based on the original blog post from MSI Surfaces:
